Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture is a complete medical system focused on correcting imbalances of energy in the body. Traditionally, It is used to prevent, diagnose and treat disease, as well as to improve well-being. The first record of Acupuncture is found in the 4,700 year old Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine). This is said to be the oldest medical textbook in the world and entails the theories by Shen Nung, the father of Chinese Medicine. Shen Nung documented theories about circulation, pulse, and the heart over 4,000 years before European medicine had any idea about them.

The intent of Acupuncture therapy is to promote health and alleviate pain and suffering. The method by which this is accomplished, though it may seem strange and mysterious to many, has been time tested over thousands of years and continues to be validated today. The perspective from which an Acupuncturist views health and sickness centers on concepts of Qi or vital energy. Just as the Western medical doctor monitors the blood flowing through blood vessels and the transmission of the nervous system, the Acupuncturist evaluates the flow and distribution of this "vital energy" within its pathways, known as "meridians and channels".

The Acupuncturist also adjusts the body's balance of the Yin and Yang so that disease cannot flourish. The Acupuncturist is able to influence health and sickness by stimulating certain areas along these meridians with very fine needles. Today, because of technology, many additional forms of stimulation are incorporated including herbs, electricity, magnets and lasers. In addition, the stimulation therapy is complimented through the prescribing of herbal formulas. Still, the aim remains the same - adjust the "vital energy" so the proper amount reaches the proper place at the proper time.

This helps your body heal itself. Acupuncture is just one form of therapy used within the logical system of healing known as Oriental Medicine which also includes Herbology, physical therapy, dietetics and special exercises (such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong). Oriental Medicine is a complete medical system unto itself and is not another branch of modern Western medicine. Acupuncture evolved from principles and philosophies unique to Oriental thinking and Oriental Medicine, and is most efficiently applied when done in accordance with those principles.

Neurological

Headache, Migraine, Postoperative Pain, Stroke Residuals, Parkinson's Disease, Facial Pain, Musculo- Skeletal Pain and Weakness- Neck, Shoulder, Arms, Hands, Fingers, Knees, Legs, & Feet, Backache, Cramping, Trauma, Sprains, Strains, Sports Injuries, Arthritis Sciatica Digestive Abdominal Pain, Hyperacidity, Chronic Diarrhea, Indigestion, Constipation

Respitatory

Sinusitis, Common Cold, Bronchitis, Allergy, Asthma, Gynecological, Impotence PMS/Cramps, Menopause, Emotional Traumas, Hypertension, Insomnia Depression/Anxiety, Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat, Poor Vision, Tinnitus, Toothache, Gum Problems

Other Benefits

Increased vitality and energy, Stress reduction, Skin rejuvenation, Stop smoking & other dependencies, Enhanced athletic & physical function, Pain control, Regulates heart rate, Blood pressure & Chemistry, Stabilizes the Immune System There are many patients who have discovered that Acupuncture is effective as a preventative approach for the maintenance of good health. It is far better to stay healthy and prevent disease rather then cure it.

Coming in for regular strengthening of the body's balance is rewarded with better energy and digestion, stronger immune systems, and an enhanced ability to cope with daily stress. Many patients also discover that chronic conditions which were virtually incurable or those that "they learned to live with" with constant medication were resolved by a series of Acupuncture treatments. These patients rediscovered a better quality of life: one which they could not find with medicinal or physical therapy. Unlike western medical practitioners who treat symptoms only, Acupuncturists view the symptom as part of an imbalance and work to restore the abodes ability to heal itself.

Increased vitality and energy, Stress reduction, Skin rejuvenation, Stop smoking & other dependencies, Enhanced athletic & physical function, Pain control, Regulates heart rate, Blood pressure & Chemistry, Stabilizes the Immune System It is a widely known fact that Acupuncture is effective as a preventative approach for the maintenance of good health. It is far better to stay healthy and prevent disease rather then cure it.

Coming in for regular strengthening of the body's balance is rewarded with better energy and digestion, stronger immune systems, and an enhanced ability to cope with daily stress. Many patients also discover that chronic conditions which were virtually incurable or those that "they learned to live with" with constant medication were resolved by a series of Acupuncture treatments. Remember that nothing is "normal" or a problem that you have to "live with." Most things that are considered normal or the result of aging in western medicine can be resolved by using Oriental Medicine. Most of my patients have rediscovered a better quality of life: one which they could not find with medicinal or physical therapy.

Unlike western medical practitioners who treat symptoms only, Acupuncturists view the symptom as part of an imbalance and work to restore the abodes ability to heal itself. *One must keep in mind that herbs are medicine that works in your body to achieve a physical result and should not be taken unless prescribed by a licensed Acupuncturist. "Most over-the-counter and almost all prescribed drug treatments merely mask symptoms or control health problems or in some way alter the way organs or systems such as the circulatory system work. Drugs almost never deal with the reasons why these problems exist, while they frequently create new health problems as side effects of their activities." John R. Lee, MD

Modern research has demonstrated various physiological changes following Acupuncture, such as beneficial changes in the body's own natural painkillers, anti-inflammatory agents, immune system functions and hormonal activity. Despite the powerful technology available today, even the modern researchers cannot explain exactly how this ancient healing therapy works. Perhaps in the near future, the actual chemical and electromagnetic events that occur during Acupuncture will be described.

In addition to being effective for many acute and chronic common illnesses, Oriental Medicine has much to offer those who wish to enhance their quality of health and vitality. Practitioners of Oriental Medicine treat with prevention in mind, attempting to correct small energetic imbalances before they become larger health problems. Current health trends stress proper nutrition, exercise, stress reduction and immune system strengthening; all of which have always been encouraged by practitioners of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Schools that offer Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine training have a wide variety of degrees and specialties. Acupuncturists that wish to practice in New York must be Licensed by New York State. However, many practitioners can obtain a license with minimum training. For example, doctors can study Acupuncture for 200 hours and become licensed but they are not thoroughly trained in the tradition methodologies as a person who has achieved a Master or Diplomat of Acupuncture degree.

When considering a practitioner ask about their education and licensing. Also, ask about their training and years of experience. Ask them about previous experience with conditions similar to your own. Make inquiries about what therapies your Acupuncturist will use and why. Practitioners should be able to explain any procedure they perform.

Oriental Medicine has its limitations just as Western medicine does. Look for practitioners who know their limits and have referral contacts to take care of your health in ways that they cannot. Also, many Acupuncturists, but not all, are also trained herbologists and will often include herbal therapy into your treatment plan. In New York State herbologists are also licensed which entitles them to be called a Diplomat in Herbology.

At my office you will be asked to describe your problem. You will answer questions about your health history, family history and the history of your present complaint. During your initial visit you will be examined thoroughly and if I determine that you could benefit from Acupuncture, I will discuss treatment options with you. If I feel that I cannot help you I will refer you to a practitioner that I feel will help you.

Usually the initial visit is the longest in order to allow for a complete history taking and exam - typically an hour. Follow-up visits are shorter, usually 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the treatment and your needs. Sometimes other therapies, such as moxibustion, acupressure/massage and exercises are incorporated with the Acupuncture treatment.

Most people who have had Acupuncture state that it is virtually painless or far less painful than plucking out a hair. The needles will produce a sensation that ranges from nothing at all, to mild tingling, to slight numbness/achiness, to electrical pulsations in areas distant from the site of insertion. All these sensations usually subside before or after the needles are removed. The needles used for acupuncture are much smaller that the standard hypodermic needle, do not draw blood, and are solid, not hollow.

Most patients term treatments as "very relaxing." Usually patients leave in less discomfort and are more functional than when they walked in. However, the effects are usually subtle. Some patients will feel the effects hours later. After 5 to 10 treatments the improvements become more and more apparent.

If performed by a qualified, conscientious practitioner, yes. Licensed Acupuncturists know the human anatomy well and insert needles in a safe manner. The instruments used to penetrate the skin are used only once and then discarded. I am well aware of the concern over disease transmission and take every measure to insure cleanliness, as all health care professional would. Bleeding rarely occurs and even then the amount is minimal and in no way dangerous.

Yes. The best use of acupuncture is for the maintenance of health. Oriental medicine says that the best doctor cures illness before it occurs, which means that prevention is the most important thing in medicine. A principle in Oriental medicine is that changes in Qi or energy, precede physical change. This means that acupuncture can act as preventive medicine, correcting the balance of energy flow before a serious illness occurs. It is accepted that automobiles need regular maintenance to keep them running reliably yet we tend to ignore our own body's call for attention.

This is very strange when you consider how easily a worn-out or broken part on a car can be replaced compared to a dysfunctional part of one's body. We must start to value ourselves more than our automobiles and work towards the maintenance of health and the prevention of disease.

Western folk herbalism primarily treats a diseases or symptom, such as headaches, runny nose, menstrual pain, etc. Chinese herbal medicine, when practiced as part of TCM, is based on an individual disease diagnosis. Your pattern is made up of your signs and symptoms, your emotional temperament and the overall composition of your body. TCM formulas are crafted to treat your entire disease pattern. One herb is never used alone. Only combinations of herbs that are tailored to your specific pattern or problem.

Formulas can be prescribed in the form of pills, capsules or Tinctures. All formulas are time tested. They are centuries old and have a traditional basis for their usage. A trained practitioner can also develop a unique formula or prescription that is tailored for you and you alone. This is usually formulated by the practitioner and dispensed to you as granules that you mix with water and drink.

At present in NY, there is no licensing requirement. However, I have 4 years of herbal training and I am qualified to diagnose and dispense herbal medicine. Always ask if your practitioner has formal herbal training! * Herbs are powerful medicinal's! Never take an herb without consulting with a qualified practitioner!