Specific Treatment Information
The following table provides you with more specific information about some of the different conditions that we treat in our clinic. In the beginning, it is usually necessary to get treatments more frequently. We always base our treatment plan on the individual patient's progress. The treatments become less frequent as the patient's condition improves. For prevention and health maintenance, we recommend treatments every two or three months.
Click on any of the conditions listed below for more details on how accupuncture may be useful in the treatment and prevention of these ailments.
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Q. I suffer
from panic attacks on a weekly basis. My heart pounds and I have
visual changes. Is there something that can help?
A. Yes. Panic disorders are periodic attacks of terror, which
usually last 15 to 30 minutes, although residual effects can persist
much longer. Intense fear (not triggered by an actual threat) may be
accompanied with shortness of breath, dizziness, rapid heart beat, sweating,
nausea, or other symptoms. Another similar anxiety disorder, generalized
anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by a constant state of worry,
tension, and anxiety that lasts more than six months despite the lack
of an specific stressor. Post-traumatic stress disorder also falls into
this same category of illness.
Acupuncture is very beneficial for decreasing stress reactions in your life.
It helps relax your body and stimulate an overall sense of well-being and internal
wellness. If you see your acupuncturist soon after the initial onset of symptoms
, you can see results faster. Some people see results after the first treatment,
while others need a series of 6 to 10 treatments. If you cannot take medication
or do not want to, acupuncture is a viable option.
Q. I suffer from
chronic arthritic pain. My quality of life has diminished and I
hurt all the time. Can you help?
A. Approximately
8 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and 40 million from osteoarthritis.
86 million Americans have chronic pain that is not relieved by conventional
medicine. One-third of all Americans are turning to alternative treatments
every year. Today, many chronic pain clinics are encouraging patients to cope
with pain, but without medication.
There is a growing body of clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of acupuncture
for pain relief. According to Bruce Pomeranz, a neurophysiologist, acupuncture
stimulates the release of the body's own natural painkillers, endorphins. This
is an especially good option for people who cannot, or do not want to, take
medication.
Acupuncture is being increasingly recommended by doctors at leading medical
centers---and patients feel relief. It can successfully treat sciatica; headaches;
sports injuries; bursitis back/disc/muscle pain; tendinitis; neck, shoulder,
elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, leg and foot pain.
Q. I have had
chronic low back pain for years and occasionally I get acute flare-ups
at random times. Can you help?
A.Yes. 86 million
Americans have chronic pain that is not relieved by conventional medicine.
Back pain is the second most common reason that people visit their primary
care physician. Today, many chronic pain clinics are encouraging patients to
cope with pain, but without medication.
There is a growing body of clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of acupuncture
for pain relief. By using an MRI, which shows how the brain reacts to stimuli,
researchers have proven that acupuncture is effective in relieving pain. This
is an especially good option for people who cannot, or do not want to, take
medication.
Acupuncture is being increasingly recommended by doctors at leading medical
centers---and patients feel relief. It can successfully treat sciatica; headaches;
sports injuries; bursitis; tendinitis; arthritis; back/disc/muscle pain; neck,
shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, leg and foot pain.
Q. I have been
recently diagnosed with cancer and am undergoing chemotherapy, which
causes incredible nausea. Is there anything that can help?
A. Yes. Surgery,
radiation, and chemotherapy are the mainstays of cancer therapy, with biological
response modifiers being added recently. Acupuncture can be very helpful for
the nausea that occurs from chemotherapy and the fatigue that accompanies radiation
treatment. Also, it is helpful pre- and post-surgery as it supports and boosts
the immune system of the body, while reducing stress. It has been suggested
that inexplicable cancer cures come from an overwhelming response by your own
immune system.
It has been reported that mind-body approaches to cancer have no known adverse
effects, and often improve your quality of life and can calm the mind. People
who receive acupuncture say that it gives them a better overall feeling of
internal health and well-being.
A responsible practitioner can help establish a beneficial acupuncture treatment
protocol in conjunction with your oncologist. Choosing your treatment options
and utilizing whatever helps you is important. Supplementing conventional cancer
therapy with acupuncture, an approach that addresses you as a whole person,
can encourage the ideal outcome.
Q. I suffer from
chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and am wondering if acupuncture can
help me with my symptoms?
A. Yes. Acupuncture is beneficial for CFS.
CFS surfaced in the United States in the late 1980s and is a baffling human
ailment. People may experience a variety of symptoms such fatigue, weakness,
aches, pains, pharyngitis, and swollen lymph nodes. Because these same symptoms
are also indicative of other illnesses, the diagnosis of CFS is usually reached
by eliminating all the other possibilities.
Many treatments, based on empirical, symptomatic therapy, have side effects
which may outweigh the potential benefits. A thorough evaluation by your physician
is necessary to determine an accurate diagnosis. Acupuncture can bring CFS
people back to their normal activity level. By boosting the immune system and
supporting other vital organs, acupuncture revitalizes the body, providing
a sense of well-being and better overall health.
Q. Every year
I get several colds and one bout of the flu. Can acupuncture help?
A. Yes. Acupuncture
is very beneficial if you have a cold or the flu. The common cold is the number
one reason that people visit their primary care physician. Early treatment
with acupuncture and herbs can shorten the course and intensity of the ailment.
It may be necessary to get two treatments in two or three days, but usually
this is sufficient to return a person to a better level of functioning. This
is especially helpful for those who must continue working or need to be healthy
for an upcoming event.
Also, acupuncture is very effective for the prevention of colds and
flu. It stimulates the immune system to attack the virus before it adversely
affects your health. Too, if you are one who usually has a warning symptom
alerting you to a cold or flu coming on, there are herbal remedies which can
potentially thwart the onset.
You do not have to needlessly suffer with viruses, which are not treatable
with antibiotics anyway. Acupuncture and herbs are viable options. In many
instances it is worthwhile to consider your acupuncturist first. Early intervention
can lead to quicker, more dramatic results.
Q. Can acupuncture
help depression?
A. Yes, acupuncture
is very beneficial for treating depression. Depression is a debilitating, perhaps
life-threatening illness that affects nearly 11 million Americans each year.
Signs of depression include loss of interest in what was once pleasurable,
sleep and appetite disturbances, decreased energy and a depressed mood.
Acupuncture, massage, and
exercise stimulate your brain to produce endorphins, the neurochemicals that
produce antidepressant and antianxiety effects, control pain and generate a
sense of well-being. Stimulating acupuncture points restores health and balances
the mind. Massage removes energy blockages and provides a sense of wholeness.
Initially, it is important to be evaluated by a mental health professional.
Acupuncture and massage are viable alternatives to drug therapy and are helpful
with depression and other anxiety and stress disorders.
Q. I am 64 years
old. I have had non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes mellitus
for 10 years and have controlled it with medication during that
time. Can acupuncture help keep my blood sugar levels in a realistic
range?
A. Yes. An estimated
5.5 million Americans are being treated for diabetes mellitus, one of the world's
oldest known diseases
Often diet and exercise can control this type of diabetes. By regulating
caloric intake and eliminating foods that are high in fat and sugar,
which cause "spikes" in
blood sugar levels, medications may be avoided. Exercise burns calories and
helps lower blood sugar without medication.
There are specific acupuncture points that are utilized for treating the pancreas
and the condition of diabetes. People who are motivated to control their blood
sugar levels without medication must be able to recognize the early indications
of acidosis or hypoglycemia and know what to do to correct it. Acupuncture,
in conjunction with herbs, is a healthy supplemental way to control blood sugar,
with the potential of being drug-free.
Q. I am a middle-aged
person. Is there a way to tone my facial muscles and reduce wrinkles
without surgery?
A. Yes. Cosmetic acupuncture can reduce the signs of aging, revitalize
the skin and provide a more youthful look to your face. By inserting whisper-thin
pins into certain areas, facial muscles are relaxed and toned. The acupuncture
face lift technique has the potential of rejuvenating the tissue by increasing
circulation to the area and tightening the muscles. Many who have utilized
this approach to slow down the aging process report that they see positive
facial changes, as well as experiencing better health in general. Of course,
eating a well-balanced diet, exercising and proper treatment of your face all
contribute to healthier looking facial tissue and a glowing complexion. Acupuncture
and Chinese herbal therapy help you maintain overall health and a more youthful
appearance.
Q. My husband and I have been trying to conceive a child for several months. We are wondering if acupuncture can improve our chances?
A. Yes,
research has shown that acupuncture can be beneficial for both
female and male reproductive function. In approximately 20% of cases, nothing
is found to be inhibiting conception. For women infertility is usually related
to ovulatory defect, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
In a study published in April 2002, women using acupuncture with assisted reproduction
therapy had an improved pregnancy rate.
In 40% of infertile couples, problems affecting the male partner are partially or wholly the cause. In men, infertility is most often the result of low sperm count or anatomical abnormality. Studies confirm that male sperm counts are declining and that spermatogenesis may be negatively affected by environmental toxins (pesticides, exogenous estrogens and heavy metals). Two studies demonstrated that acupuncture helps with fertility potential by improving sperm concentration, viability, motility and integrity.
Today, doctors at leading medical centers commonly recommend acupuncture – and people are experiencing its positive results. Acupuncture is a viable, low-risk option for your health care needs. It can also work well in conjunction with nutrition, homeopathy and herbal support for this problem.
Q. I have very
painful feet, which make it difficult to walk. Prolonged standing
is impossible. Can you help?
A. Yes. Your
feet and ankles must be strong and flexible in order to provide stable support
and withstand the stress of repeated use. Overusing or traumatizing the ligaments,
muscles or joints can result in pain. Foot pain can include bursitis, Achilles
tendinitis, peripheral neuropathy, stress fractures, plantar fascitis, and
arthritis.
There is a growing body of clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of acupuncture
for pain relief. According to Dr. Bruce Pomeranz, a neurophysiologist, acupuncture
stimulates the release of the body's own natural painkillers, endorphins. Repeated
acupuncture potentiates the endorphin system, giving better results after each
sequential treatment. The sooner you come in after the initial onset, the quicker
you see positive results.
Today, acupuncture is being increasingly recommended by doctors at leading
medical centers - and people are feeling relief. Acupuncture can successfully
treat sports injuries and pain originating in your joints or muscles.
Q. I have been
suffering from tension headaches for twenty years. I am tired of
relying on medication. Also, my wife gets terrible migraines. Can
acupuncture help?
A. Yes. It is well documented that acupuncture is a source of pain relief.
Nearly 20% of Americans get headaches, which can be episodic or chronic. The
conventional form of treatment is symptomatic relief through drug therapy,
which can cause side effects or be addictive.
Headaches fall into three categories: tension, vascular and organically caused.
Acupuncture is most beneficial for migraine or tension headaches. About 90%
of all headaches fall into the tension group, most commonly caused by tension
in the muscles of the neck and shoulder.
The acupuncturist identifies the affected muscle groups and then helps them
relax by inserting whisper-thin needles into the appropriate points. At the
beginning of treatment, relief may not last very long. After a few treatments
(the number necessary varies), the headaches will come less often and be less
intense. As the interlude between headaches gets longer, the time between treatments
is lengthened. It is best to start acupuncture sessions without a headache,
which is a preventative approach. Acupuncture in conjunction with massage can
be especially effective.
Q. I have had
recurring hip pain for the last six years. At times the pain is
so bad that I cannot walk, yet it hurts to sit too. Can you help?
A. Hip pain may
result from trauma or overuse. Most commonly the problem is osteoarthritis.
However, it could be muscle strain, inflammation of the bursa, lumbar disk
herniation, ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis that are creating
the pain.
About 86 million Americans have chronic pain that is not relieved by conventional
medicine. There is a growing body of clinical evidence supporting the efficacy
of acupuncture for pain relief. According to Dr. Bruce Pomeranz, a neurophysiologist,
acupuncture stimulates the release of the body's own natural painkillers, endorphins.
Repeated acupuncture potentiates the endorphin system, giving better results
after each sequential treatment. The sooner you come in after the initial onset,
the quicker you see positive results.
Today, acupuncture is being increasingly recommended by doctors at leading
medical centers - and people are feeling relief. Acupuncture can successfully
treat sports injuries, elbow, shoulder, back/muscle/disc, neck, wrist, hand,
knee, leg and foot pain.
Q. I have had
constant knee pain for about 5 years. It feels unstable too. Can
you help?
A. Yes. The knee is susceptible to injury because, as a hinge joint, it
allows for flexibility, which unfortunately compromises its structural integrity.
It depends on the surrounding ligaments and muscles for its strength and stability.
About 86 million Americans have chronic pain that is not relieved by conventional
medicine. There is a growing body of clinical evidence supporting the efficacy
of acupuncture for pain relief. According to Dr. Bruce Pomeranz, a neurophysiologist,
acupuncture stimulates the release of the body's own natural painkillers, endorphins.
Repeated acupuncture potentiates the endorphin system, giving better results
after each sequential treatment. The sooner you come in after the initial onset,
the quicker you see positive results.
Acupuncture is being increasingly recommended by doctors at leading medical
centers---and patients claim relief. It can successfully treat many pain complaints,
including sports injuries, back/muscle/disc pain and any afflicted joint.
Q. I suffer from
a recurring, very painful, stiff neck and decreased mobility that
will last for weeks. I have tried everything and nothing helps.
Can you?
A. Yes.
86 million Americans have chronic pain that is not relieved by conventional
medicine.
Today, many chronic pain clinics are encouraging patients to cope with pain,
but without medication. According to Dr. Bruce Pomeranz, there is a growing
body of research that shows that acupuncture is " very effective in treating
chronic pain."
Acupuncture stimulates the peripheral nerves which send impulses to the brain
to release endorphins, the body's own natural painkillers. This is a very good
option for people who cannot, or do not want to, take medication.
Acupuncture is being increasingly recommended by doctors at leading medical
centers---and patients
claim relief. It can successfully treat sciatica; headaches; sports injuries;
bursitis; arthritis; tendinitis; back/disc/muscle pain; shoulder, elbow, wrist,
hand, hip, knee, leg and foot pain. The sooner you come in for a treatment
after the initial onset, the quicker you see positive results.
Q. I have been
diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and surgery is being
discussed as the next step. Are there other alternatives? My wife
has osteoarthritis. Is there something to help her also?
A. Yes. Both
of these conditions fall into the category of repetitive strain injury, a generic
term encompassing many cumulative trauma disorders. Damage may occur to muscles,
joints, nerves, tendons, tendon sheaths, and ligaments particularly in the
hand, arm, neck, and shoulder. Other conditions resulting from repetitive strain
injury are tenosynovitis, tendinitis of the shoulder or forearm, myofascial
damage, cervical radiculopathy, epicondylitis, ganglion cysts, ulnar nerve
disorder, thoracic outlet syndrome and fibromyalgia.
In a study of acupuncture treatment of CTS, a positive result was demonstrated
in 35 of 36 patients, 14 of whom had been unsuccessfully treated with surgery.
Another study indicated that the pain of osteoarthritis of the knee was significantly
reduced by acupuncture, with improved flexibility and walking ability. Acupuncture
stimulates the creation of beta-endorphins, which are the body's natural pain
killers.
Q. I have had
recurrent shoulder pain for three years. At times it is very incapacitating.
Can you help?
A. Yes. The shoulder's surrounding tissues cope with mechanical stress
and are prone to a variety of degenerative and/or traumatic problems. The most
common symptoms are pain and restricted range of motion.
There is a growing body of clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of acupuncture
for pain relief. According to Dr. Bruce Pomeranz, a neurophysiologist, acupuncture
stimulates the release of the body's own natural painkillers, endorphins. Repeated
acupuncture potentiates the endorphin system, giving better results after each
sequential treatment. The sooner you come in after the initial onset, the quicker
you see positive results. Today, acupuncture is being increasingly recommended
by doctors at leading medical centers - and people are feeling relief.
Shoulder disorders include sprains, tears, arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis,
or muscle inflammation. Acupuncture can also successfully treat sports injuries,
elbow, back/muscle/disc, neck, wrist, hand, hip, knee, leg and foot pain.
Q. I am a middle-aged
weekend warrior who ends up with muscle spasms in my back and other
injuries after exercising. I also experience overall soreness and
fatigue. Can acupuncture help?
A. Yes. Acupuncture is very beneficial for decreasing recovery time after
a sports injury. Many professional and amateur athletes are turning to acupuncture
to extend their careers or recover from injuries.
It is prudent to do regular low intensity training in between your power weekends.
Performance athletes train at an 85% maximum heart rate, while your general
training level should be at 80%. Low intensity training has a lower heart rate
(less than 80% of your maximum heart rate). Exercising regularly at this level
decreases the chances of injury on the days when you might do some high intensity
training (80% or more of your maximum heart rate). Also, stretching prior to
your workouts is essential.
Injuries can be of an insidious or acute onset, triggering edema and the inflammatory
process, which creates pain. As soon as possible after your injury, see your
acupuncturist. One early treatment can eliminate or substantially decrease
acute pain. Acupuncture can diminish the pain and inflammation associated with
muscle spasms, influence the tendons, ligaments and bones, increase endurance
and coordination, relax the nervous system and boost the immune system. It
is a beneficial option for keeping your body healthy or recovering from an
injury.
Q. I am 50 years
old and have successfully avoided surgery on my knees for several
years but have now decided to go ahead with it. Can acupuncture
help my recovery at all?
A. Yes. Acupuncture
is an excellent supportive therapy for many kinds of surgery. It works to improve
your body's response to the trauma or injury incurred from the surgery. The
direct benefits from acupuncture include reduced swelling and inflammation,
plus improved and accelerated healing after surgery. In addition, acupuncture
can boost your body's immune system, reduce the negative effects of stress,
support your body's ability to utilize nutrients and promote the proper functioning
of your organs.
Acupuncture treatments are given both before and after surgery. Normally we
would provide 3 pre-surgical treatments and 3 post-surgical treatments. Acupuncture
can also be used to heal and reduce the size of surgical scars (keloids). An
improved response to surgical procedures is another benefit that occurs through
an acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture promotes your body's ability to function in the way it was designed
- whether in terms of decreased healing time, stress reduction or assuring
optimal health to prevent possible future illness.
Q. I was recently
in an accident where my car was rear-ended. Since then I have had
neck pain and can't rotate my head as before. Can acupuncture help?
A. A whiplash
injury is caused by a rapid flexion of the neck followed by rapid extension,
or vice versa, causing tissue damage. Usually an acute sprain of the spinal
ligaments occurs. Subsequently, you can experience pain that is worse with
movement, stiffness and decreased range of motion.
There is a growing body of clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of acupuncture
for pain relief. Researcher Dr. Bruce Pomeranz, a neuro-physiologist, states
that acupuncture stimulates the release of the body's own natural painkillers,
endorphins. This is an especially good option for people who cannot, or prefer
not to, take medication. See an acupuncturist soon after the injury to reduce
your recovery/treatment time.
Acupuncture is being increasingly recommended by doctors for recovery from
trauma and pain relief. It can successfully treat sciatica; headaches; sports
injuries; bursitis; tendinitis; arthritis; back/disc/muscle pain; neck, shoulder,
elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, leg and foot pain.
Q. I use a computer
alot--- almost every day and have pain in my wrists. Can you help?
A. Yes. Wrist and hand pain may arise as a result of inflammation of the
muscles or tendons; trauma leading to sprained ligaments, dislocations, or
fractures; or carpal tunnel syndrome. It can even radiate down the arm and
into the hand from nerve impingement in the shoulder girdle.
There is a growing body of clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of acupuncture
for pain relief. According to Dr. Bruce Pomeranz, a neurophysiologist, acupuncture
may stimulate the release of the body's own natural painkillers, endorphins.
This is an especially good option for people who do not do well on medication
or do not want to take it. With repeated acupuncture you get synergistic results
after each sequential treatment.
Acupuncture is being increasingly recommended by doctors at leading medical
centers---and patients feel relief. It can successfully treat sciatica; bursitis;
headaches; sports injuries; tendinitis; arthritis; back/disc/muscle pain; foot,
leg, knee, hip, elbow, shoulder and neck pain.
