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About Oriental Medicine
What
is
Oriental
Medicine?
It
is
a
comprehensive
system
that
takes
the “Whole
Body” approach
to
healthcare.
It
has
a
history
that
dates
back
more
than
2500
years.
It
holds
the
phenomena
that
health
and
sickness
are
related
on
the
whole
to
the
universe.
Thus,
health
and
disease
are
due
to
balance
or
imbalance
of
living
forces,
both
internal
and
external.
The
theories
of
Oriental
Medicine
are
based
upon
Oriental
Yin
and
Yang,
or
negativeness
or
positiveness.
Your
lifestyle,
diet,
environment,
physique,
spirit,
and
emotions
all
play
an
important
part
in
your
well-being.
apply
picture
here. How
does
it work?
Acupuncture
is
based
on
the
ancient
Chinese
theory
of
qi
(energy)
which
flows
through
channels
or
meridian
pathways
that
run
through
our
body.
Channels
are
like
superhighways
of
energy.
When
the
body
is
in
balance,
no
disease
or
pain,
the
qi
travels
smoothly
through
the
channels
in
a
specific
direction
or
flow
pattern.
When
the
qi
is
out
of
balance,
it
will
stagnate
or
gather
in
particular
points
along
the
super
highway,
causing
pain,
fatigue
or
illness.
These
are
the
points
where
we
place
the
needles
to
move,
disperse
or
reroute
the
qi,
thus
restoring
balance.
Chines
Herbal
Formulas – Why
should
I
use
them?
Chinese
herbs
are
used
by
your
acupuncturist
in
a
similar
manner
that
your
M.D.
uses
pharmaceuticals.
After
careful
evaluation
of
your
condition,
the
acupuncturist
selects
a
formula
that
fits
your
particular
pattern
of
a
Chinese
Medical
diagnosis.
Most
herbal
formulas
contain
4
to
10
herbs.
The
potential
side
effects
from
one
herb
is
balanced
by
the
relationship
of
other
herbs
in
the
formula.
Therefore,
side
effects
are
minimal.
Plus,
Chinese
Herbs
are
generally
less
expensive
than
most
pharmaceutical
drugs.
Is
it
safe?
Needles
are
only
used
once.
They
are
prepackaged
and
sterilized,
and
you
have
virtually
no
chance
of
contamination.
Acupuncture
is
a
safe
procedure
when
treatments
are
administered
by
a
licensed
professional
who
is
board
certified
by
the
State
of
California.
Does
it
hurt?
Because
the
needles
are
not
much
thicker
than
a
hair,
treatments
are
usually
painless.
After
the
needle
is
inserted,
you
may
notice
a
sensation
of
tingling,
heaviness
or
the
movement
of
energy
along
the
channel
pathway.
Patients
will
often
report
feeling
relaxed
after
treatments.
How
many
treatments
will
I
need?
Treatment
plans
are
based
on
each
patient’s
individual
needs,
depth,
and
duration
of
disease.
You
will
receive
a
prognosis
and
treatment
plan
one
your
very
first
visit.
The
goal
is
to
help
you
feel
better
as
soon
as
possible
and
as
thoroughly
as
possible.
Can
I
Benefit
From
Acupuncture
if
I’m
relatively
healthy?
Many
healthy
individuals
or
athletes
find
that
acupuncture
and
Herbal
Medicine
is
a
great
way
to
maintain
healthy
and
balanced
lives.
It
can
help
speed
repair
of
injuries,
sore
muscles,
and
joints.
Stress
reduction
is
another
reason
people
seek
acupuncture
care.
What
about
Cost?
Many
insurance
companies
cover
your
treatment
costs.
Be
sure
to
have
your
policy
checked
before
beginning
treatment.
In
the
event
you
are
not
able
to
check
your
benefits,
we
will
assist
you.
Treatment
costs
vary
depending
on
frequency
of
treatments
and
individual
needs.
Acute
problems
or
a
flare
up
can
be
resolved
in
a
few
sessions.
Chronic
conditions
may
require
a
series
of
treatments.
It
is
common
to
need
a
minimum
of
4-15
sessions.
The
number
will
determine
the
severity
of
your
condition.
You
may
also
receive
a
nutritional
program
or
herbal
prescription
that
may
increase
your
cost.
A
treatment
plan
will
be
discussed
with
you
on
your
first
visit.
If
you
have
questions
regarding
cost,
or
your
insurance
does
not
cover
the
cost
of
treatments,
we
have
payment
plans
that
will
fit
your
need. |