What is Oriental Medicine?

Oriental medicine consists of healing therapies that originated in China thousands of years ago: acupuncture, herbal heat therapy, herbal medicine, massage, meditation, energy cultivation exercises, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle counseling. It is one of the oldest systems of healing known to man, making it a very conservative solution for your health problems.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one component of Oriental medicine. It is a form of primary health care, based on traditional Chinese medical concepts, that employs acupuncture diagnosis and treatment for the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health and the prevention of disease.

How Does it Work?

Energy and blood flow in pathways that pass over your extremities, head, and torso, and connect with your internal organs. Stagnation of your energy or blood may cause physical or emotional symptoms. Acupuncture increases energy or blood flow in the pathways to alleviate your symptoms and help you function as close to 100% as possible.

What is a Treatment Like?

The initial evaluation includes a consultation, review of your medical history, and examination. A treatment plan is then formulated to help you attain a level of good health you might not otherwise experience. For traditional acupuncture, hair-thin stainless steel needles are gently placed at the acupuncture points. Modern needle-less alternatives are also available. You may feel nothing or a brief, mild sensation. Most people feel calm and relaxed during and after the treatment.

How Do People Respond?

Most people benefit from acupuncture. The number and frequency of treatments varies with the type of problem and its severity. Chronic ailments require more treatments than acute problems. Correction may be permanent, or may require maintenance care.

What is Preventive Health Care?

A comprehensive acupuncture evaluation can determine areas of imbalance that might cause health problems in the future. Treatment can strengthen these areas to help you function as close to 100% as possible. Preventive acupuncture is especially beneficial before each of the year's seasonal changes.

What About Safety and Side Effects?

The United States Food and Drug Administration classifies acupuncture needles as "safe and effective." You will probably experience additional benefits, such as: more energy, better sleep, less stress, and a greater sense of well-being.
 

Will Insurance Cover Acupuncture?

Some insurance policies provide acupuncture benefits. Medicare and Medicaid do not. If you want acupuncture covered under your health plan, it is important that you tell them.

 

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