Questions and Answers

My daughter in law has scoliosis of the spine, I was wondering is acupuncture can help her with the back pain?

Of course the acupuncture won’t straighten out a spine but if there are tight and spasmed muscles it can help that, at least temporarily. I do some
maintenance treatments on patients with scoliosis.

My husband has high blood pressure and the medication the Dr. prescribed has so many possible side effects he doesn't want to take it. The pharmacist told him it's the mildest of the different ones but because of how he makes his living, he's worried about taking it. He can't just not work! He would like to start seeing you instead, are there any herbal products you can combine with acupuncture that will help him

Yes, a combination of herbs and acupuncture can be used for high blood pressure. The herbs don’t usually have side effects, especially the kind that you can get with medications. Worth a try.

Can acupuncture help with Parkinson's disease? Leg cramps and stiff muscles?

Yes, I have had some success in easing the symptoms of Parkinsons, such as leg cramps and muscle stiffness. I have not, however, had success in treating the disease itself.

What is acupuncture and how does it work?

Acupuncture is an ancient form of healing that originated in China at least 5,000 years ago. Very fine needles are inserted into strategic points on the body which stimulate the natural ability of the body to heal itself. Our bodies have this amazing ability to self heal once energy and physical blockages are removed. Acupuncture is able to do this and to give the body a kick start to it’s self healing process. Studies have shown that acupuncture can bring circulation back into spasms and trigger points in muscles and inflamed joints thus relieving pain. It can stimulate the neurotransmitters in the brain that decrease pain and enhance a sense of well being. It can also have a positive affect on the endocrine, nervous, and circulatory systems of the body. Balancing these systems allows the body to move back into a state of health.

Is there any pain involved with acupuncture treatments?

Acupuncture needles are thin and fine and should cause no pain. In fact most people experience a deep sense of relaxation during and after the treatment.

How long does it take before I feel the affects of treatments?

This will vary with each person and problem being treated. Some people feel an immediate difference. Some may not notice any profound difference for several treatments. One should expect some noticeable change by the 4th-6th treatment.

What is Chinese Medicine?

Acupuncture is only one facet of Chinese Medicine. Chinese Medicine also includes the use of herbology; additional methods that stimulate the acupuncture points such as cupping and gua sha, moxabustion ( an herb that is burned creating healing heat ); dietary therapy; and self- healing methods such as qi gong. Contemporary Chinese Medicine may also include the use of far infra red and lasers.

Can you suggest an herb supplement for arthritis?

Chinese herbology is different than what we are used to in the West. Formulas may contain 8-12 herbs and the formulas are chosen for the individual person, not the symptoms. Therefore, two different people with arthritis may have different formulas. Two Western supplements that many peple are finding helpful for arthritis are fish oils and tumeric.

Does acupuncture work on pets?

Yes, it works very well for pets! Legally only a veterinarian is allowed to treat pets with acupuncture.