Americans want to feel in control of their health care and know there are options as to how they can take care of themselves.  People know they can have confidence in a healing system that has been used effectively for thousands of years by billions of people.  Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Tai Chi known collectively as TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) are time tested healing modalities that have been used continuosly to promote and maintain health. You don't have to be Chinese or believe in any eastern philosophy to use this system.  Moreover you don't need to choose TCM over the western health care system.  China has effectively used an integrated health system for over 50 years.  So too, in America many hospitals and doctors are strong advocates of TCM modalities plus many insurance companies cover acupuncture.

Acupuncture procedure uses ultra fine sterile needles, to stimulate pathways in the body to normalize physiological functioning. While most people come for acupuncture for relief of pain they soon notice other benefits. These benefits include improved sleep, circulation, greater sense of well being, more energy and the ability to focus in their day to day activities.

Scientific research done at The National Institute of Health (NIH) found that most acupuncture points are intimately associated with nerves, blood vessels, and lymph systems. The local skin surrounding the acupuncture points has significantly lower electrical resistance and higher electrical voltage. Inserting needles at these points stimulates peripheral sensory receptors. The signals are conducted upward to the brain, leading to the release of various neurotransmitters and endogenous opioid peptides (the body's natural pain-killing substances). As a result, some biochemical and physiological effects occur, such as; increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief from pain and muscle spasms, relaxation of mental stress, increased T-cell count, resulting in a better functioning person.

Acupuncture needles are FDA approved disposable filiform needles. They are 25-50 times thinner than a hypodermic needle.  Upon insertion patients should feel a mild sensation of traveling warmth, or heaviness. The needles are then retained in the acupoints for 20 to 30 minutes. Most people experience great relaxation, so that they fall asleep for the duration of the treatment.

Your first appointment will last 90 minutes. You may be asked questions that appear unimportant (questions about your sleep habits, your ability to tolerate heat or cold, your dietary habits, etc.) but are actually vital to the treatment you will receive.

After reviewing your history, the practitioner will begin corroborating your information with other traditional diagnostic procedures such as observing certain features of your tongue and feeling your pulse on both wrists.

Using all of the information obtained during the history and diagnosis, the practitioner will then determine the best point combination to treat you. The use of a heat lamp or electrical stimulation may be needed to enhance acupuncture's therapeutic effect.

Depending on the seriousness and the length of your condition, it may take several visits of 45 minutes each to see significant improvement in your condition. In addition to acupuncture, Chinese herbs and dietary changes may be needed to effect long lasting improvements.

If your condition is chronic, Chinese herbs may be recommended.  Chinese herbs are given in a formula which could include anywhere from 2-20 different herbs.  Herbs that I will give to you are either in a pill/tablet form or powdered granules which are mixed with warm water.

Customized powdered formulas are made specifically for you.  All your signs and symptoms are considered when making a customized formula.  Some Chinese herbal formulas such as Gan Mao Ling are sold in pill form, this formula is an excellent remedy to stop a cold if it is taken at the onset.