Cold/Allergy

Oriental medicine believes that allergies and colds occur when there is a deficiency of the wei Qi (the protective layer) and the ying Qi (the nutritive layer), which together, work as the body’s defensive barrier protecting the body and serving as the immune system. Acupuncture employs a holistic approach where the treatment focuses on balancing the entire immune system. According to scientific research, when under the stimulation of acupuncture, the neuro-endocrine system affects the receptors of the immune organs and cells by releasing many kinds of neurotransmitters and hormones to regulate the immune system.

Allopathic (western) medicine relies on introducing chemicals into the body that inhibit the allergic or cold response. Examples include antihistamines and decongestants that address the respiratory system as well as drugs such as epinephrine, which affect the nervous system. Although these medications are effective in treating the symptoms, the side effects include drowsiness and immune system suppression and over reliance in long-term use.

Acupuncture works to balance the Qi energy within the body by increasing its flow causing short-term results. For long-term treatment, the Practioner will also look for deeper-rooted problems that may be the cause of the allergies. For example, often people with chronic allergies may also have certain lung, spleen or kidney-based deficiencies. Treatments include a combination of acupuncture, nutritional or dietary modifications and specifically chosen herbal formulas.


 Diabetes Control


A combination of acupuncture and various herbs has been shown to particularly effective in the control of type 2, non-insulin dependant diabetes. Type 2 diabetes or Diabetes mellitus is widely recognized as a leading cause of death and disability in the US as it relates to metabolic diseases. The main causes have been linked to genetics and environmental factors and diets high in refined fiber-depleted carbohydrates.

Acupuncture identifies points along the body that, when manipulated with needles and finger pressure, can help treat the symptoms of diabetes including the impulse to overeat, excessive thirst and increased blood sugar. The treatment can also regulate vascular peripheral resistance, increase cell proliferation and prevent the slowing of motor nerve conduction. Furthermore, treatments can also help reduce prolonged healing times diabetic patients often experience. Although there is no cure for diabetes, acupuncture treatments can help ease many of the disease’s symptoms and signs.


Premenstrual Syndrome PMS


Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) attributes Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) to an imbalance of hormones. PMS symptoms occur about 7-10 days prior to menstruation and may include conditions such as breast tenderness, bloating, constipation, insomnia, acne, irritability, depression, mood swings, poor concentration, appetite changes, headache, pelvic pain and social withdrawal. Symptoms may range from mild to severe.

Acupuncture works to regulate hormonal fluctuations and stimulate bodily functions while also removing energy blockages. Various TCM therapies are additionally prescribed to encourage deep relaxation and mental calmness while normalizing the menstrual cycle.


Menopause

Just as acupuncture works to relieve the symptoms of PMS, it is equally effective in treating the symptoms of Menopause. Menopause occurs in women as their bodies decrease the amount of estrogen while also stopping the process of ovulation. Menopause may last from a few months to a few years and symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, memory loss, vaginal dryness, headaches, joint pain and weight gain.

Unlike allopathic medicine, acupuncture does not treat menopause as a single condition, but rather looks to treat individual symptoms in a holistic manor as per each patient’s unique needs. A main part of the treatment includes focusing on the kidney, which is seen as the root of life and longevity in TCM as well as the spleen and liver. As menopause occurs, valuable vitality, blood and energy are sent down to the uterus. Acupuncture rechannels this flow so that the essence from the kidneys is conserved and cycled throughout the body so as to ease the discomfort of this transition.