The ancient art and science of Acupuncture is as relevant today as it was over two thousand years ago, when it was first developed. Early Chinese medical research was firmly rooted in physiological studies, including postmortem dissections, and led to the seminal discovery of blood circulation, the first description of the function of the immune system, and pioneer studies on the internal organs, brain, spinal cord, musculoskeletal system and sensory function.

The Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic (ca. 300 BCE) demonstrates the true genius of the ancient Chinese Physicians and the consistency of Chinese Medicine with modern Western physiology.

The Chinese of this time were already researching disease-causing factors including environmental, emotional and dietary stressors and developing a number of effective, treatment strategies including herbal, nutritional, heating and needling, to name just a few.

Over time, Chinese Medicine has evolved into numerous systems and variants of diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis

The prime methods of Chinese diagnosis, used in my practice include:

Chinese pulse taking:

• This is a sophisticated system that goes far beyond western medical pulse taking. The pulse is taken at multiple positions and depths yielding relevant information (for someone who can read it) about the respiratory system (including lung, sinus and allergy disorders), digestive system, brain and nervous system, musculoskeletal imbalances, urinary conditions, gynecological and hormonal issues, imbalances of the heart, liver, gall bladder and much more. Emotional disturbances, depression, anxiety, fatigue  and attention deficit disorders all register distinct changes in the pulse.

Auricular Diagnosis:

• Examination of the ear for abnormalities is an advanced science and art that has gained tremendous acceptance within China with extensive research and clinical success. Internationally, development of Auricular Medicine goes on to this day, with seminal research at many prestigious institutions including Harvard.
• The ear (or auricle) has been found to reflect the entire human body. Twelve pairs of cranial nerves control the body. Of the twelve, there are four pairs that connect to the ears directly from the brain stem. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to study with Dr. Li-Chun Huang, M.D., who is the leading clinician and researcher in this field. She has honed her diagnostic skills to an extraordinary degree over her 44-year career anatomically confirming the precise locations of the auricular points.

Palpation:

• Dr Kyoshi Nagano and his student, Kiiko Matsumoto developed a palpatory system that utilizes the precise, palpation of reflexes throughout the abdomen, chest, neck and back. This system is explained in detail in Acupuncture listed under the Services tab.

Treatment

Once a diagnosis has been determined, treatment can include custom herbal prescriptions and acupuncture. The results of these treatments are often, quite amazing and rapid.

The herbs that we use are methodically tested for purity. They are dispensed either in a granule form to be taken as a tea or as capsules. Each prescription is based on an individual diagnosis to address the complexities of your case.

Acupuncture is performed using sterile, disposable needles of the highest quality, for greater comfort and effectiveness. The methods of acupuncture that I use (detailed here in this article) are  extremely effective. Results are immediate. If the points are chosen correctly and the needles are accurately placed, substantial changes will take place in seconds, as the information is sent via the nervous system to the brain and back to the affected tissue or organ.

We will discuss your treatment options at your first visit and create the optimal treatment program based on your condition and needs.