As a TCM practitioner, the challenge is to figure out the patterns and prioritize treatment. Once the pattern is identified the practitioner uses his or her tools: acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and dietary and lifestyle recommendations to bring the flow of Qi and other natural states in the body back to a balanced state resulting in amelioration or relief of symptoms. TCM does not claim to cure the disease, only to relieve the symptoms by bringing the body to a balanced state of health. If the balance is maintained, symptoms will not return.

• Releases endorphins, the bodies natural pain medicine
• Activates the hypothalamus and pituitary gland resulting in a broad spectrum of systemic effects
• Alters the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, affecting mood and regulatory functions
• Changes the regulation of blood flow, both centrally and peripherally
• Alters immune function

From a western science perspective, these wide ranging effects explain how TCM can treat such varied complaints.

It is important to note here that the TCM conception of the internal organs overlaps, but does not directly correspond with our current understanding of the organs. Disease is considered the result of blocked Qi flow or imbalances in other natural states of the body impairing the optimal function of the organs and/or musculoskeletal system. The meridians, which carry the Qi, “communicate” with the organs and musculoskeletal system through surface points on the body called acupuncture points.

Each point has a predictable effect on the qi passing through it and the associated organ. Herbal medicine and dietary and lifestyle recommendations also have predictable effects on the flow of Qi and on other natural states of the body. You might think of acupuncture, herbs and dietary and lifestyle recommendations as the tools of the TCM practitioner.

Treating patients at Chengdu University of TCM, Sichuan Province, China

]]> http://amityvilleacupuncture.com/eastern-philosophy/feed/ 0 http://amityvilleacupuncture.com/typical-acupuncture-treatment/ http://amityvilleacupuncture.com/typical-acupuncture-treatment/#comments Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:50:52 +0000 amityadmin http://amityvilleacupuncture.com/?p=493 Continue reading →]]> The first treatment will last approximately 60 minutes and includes a full health history and treatment. You will lay comfortable on a massage table with relaxing music during your treatment.  Most people get deeply relaxed any many feel it is “more relaxing than a massage.”

Upon completion, a customized treatment plan will be developed. Follow up visits last 30-45 minutes. The number of treatments required depends on your condition. Many can be treated in 3-8 treatments, while chronic or degenerative conditions may require tune-ups after the initial series of treatments.

We use only single-use, disposable needles.

• Enhance the effects of similarly acting herbs
• Moderate or balance the effects of other herbs in the formula
• Treat multiple symptom patterns
• Treat both symptom and constitutional patterns simultaneously

There are over 400 individual herbs and 250 standard formulas in the Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica. They can be combined in almost infinite combinations to customize your treatment. Their effects, based on thousands of years of experience and refinement, include the following TCM treatment principals:

• Regulate and Nourish the Blood (think PMS/menopausal symptoms)
• Move the Blood (think pain)
• Tonify Qi (think fatigue)
• Warm the Interior (think arthritis that’s worse in winter)
• Calm the Spirit (think anxiety/stress/depression)
• Clear Heat (think hot sore throat, or hot rash)
• Transform Phlegm & Stop Cough
• Resolving Dampness (think stuffy nose/sinuses, or diarrhea)
• Relieve Food Stagnation

Herbs are from reputable suppliers who test for insecticides and heavy metals. Research and vast anecdotal evidence suggest that Chinese herbs may be safely combined with most western medication. You should inform your practitioner if you have high blood pressure, clotting disorders, or may be pregnant.

Most medical doctors and chiropractors who practice acupuncture have only 150-200 hours of total training. While their western medical background may provide additional benefits, they are not versed in the subtleties of TCM. Be sure to ask about their background and experience. Finally, choose someone you feel comfortable with, who will answers your questions, and willingly communicates expectations and feedback.

Question and Answer (15 min Q&A) – No Charge
First Office Visit General – Acupuncture & Herbs (60-90 min) – $90
Sports Medicine/Professional Athlete Treatment – Acupunture & Massage (60 min) – $100
Follow Up Visits – Acupuncture & Herbs (45-60 min) – $70
Induce Labor Acupuncture (45-60 min)- $35
Auricular Acupuncture/ Stop Addiction/ Decrease Stress (30 min) – $20
First Office Visit – Herbs Only (30 min) – $60
Follow Up Visits – Herbs Only (15 min) – $30
Herbs – $10 – $20 per week

Will insurance cover treatment?

A greater number of insurance companies are covering acupuncture. Each health insurance plan is different but we will process your paperwork to ensure that you get the best coverage possible. Traditional Chinese Medicine is very flexible so treatment plans can be tailored to fit most budgets. Please schedule a consultation to discuss any special financial circumstances.

Flex Spending Account – Any acupuncture expense not covered by insurance can be paid using your flex spending account.

Motor Vehicle Accidents – If you have been in a motor vehicle accident and you have a valid No Fault insurance claim we can provide rehabilitation treatments at no cost to you.

• Inflammation
• Reduced or increased blood flow
• Muscle spasm or tightness

None of these, however, causes the sensation of pain. Signals must be sent from the affected area to the brain’s pain centers. Acupuncture works on all of these factors by:

• Clearing the heat of inflammation. The heat conducting needles “draw out” heat to reduce inflammation.
• Regulating blood flow both locally and peripherally through vasoconstriction and dilation.
• Strongly relaxing muscles by resetting ion potentials across the muscle membranes. This muscle relaxant quality is stronger and works faster than almost any other modality because the ion changes happen immediately.
• Releasing endorphins and reducing blood flow to certain brain centers related to pain, both of which reduce the perception and experience of pain.

It should be noted that the strong anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant qualities of acupuncture can not be attained using needleless techniques like laser, non-invasive electro stimulation, acupressure, or other non-invasive techniques often used by lesser trained practioners.

Chinese Herbal Medicine can also help pain by:

• Nourishing the blood & Increasing blood flow
• Clearing the heat of inflammation
• Relaxing the muscles
• Calming the spirit

With a background in massage therapy I naturally fell into excelling in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders using acupuncture. I have had the privilege to work with a wide range of professional athletes in many different sports such as football, hockey, baseball, surfing and golf. This has given me a great exposure to treating an amazing amount of conditions quickly and effectively. Your treatment will be based on TCM pattern diagnosis. In almost all cases, pain level is reduced after 1-3 treatments. There is some diminishing return with structural changes in the body like joint disease, bone degeneration or structural abnormalities, but even in these cases, pain can usually be reduced and further degeneration can be slowed or stopped.