How I use acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to treat you
I use acupuncture and other forms of Oriental medicine, including Chinese herbs and moxibustion (a localized heat treatment). This form of treatment has been proven effective for many, many conditions, from asthma to women’s (gynecological) issues.
All treatment begins with a proper diagnosis, which takes place during your first visit. I spend a lot of time getting a complete picture of your health and lifestyle. I examine the condition of your tongue (is it cracked, coated, excessively pink? etc.), and check your pulse on both wrists (the quality of your pulse gives information about possible imbalances). We will also discuss your emotional state, and specific symptoms you may have. This is done because acupuncture and Oriental medicine treats the whole person. The aim is to treat the underlying cause of those symptoms as well as relieve the symptoms themselves.
The first visit (with diagnosis) can last from an hour to an hour and a half, and end with an acupuncture treatment. Your subsequent visits will be much faster - usually an hour long. We will review of your progress, discuss the treatment plan and follow with an acupuncture treatment.
If it’s warranted, we also prescribe an herbal formula. Herbs are nearly always prescribed in a balanced formula, where different herbs have supporting effects. Thousands of years of use and research have shown that this is far more effective than large doses of a single substance.
Typically acupuncture treatments are given once a week. If the condition is acute and painful, treatments may be given 2-3 times per week until the condition starts to come under control. The exact duration of treatment depends on the condition, your basic level of health, and how well you respond to acupuncture.