Traditional Oriental Medicine, now called "Asian Medicine", is the oldest professional continually practiced medicine in the world. It has a documented history of almost 2500 years and folk history of over 5000 years. It has worked for thousands of years on literally billions of patients. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), including Asian Medicine and acupuncture, is the fastest growing medical field in the United States. Asian Medicine is a complete medical system based on holistic philosophies and principles. What this means is that we take your entire situation into account when diagnosing and treating you. We look at your chief complaint(s), your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, stress levels, support system, etc. We also use something that is unique to the practice of Chinese Medicine-tongue and pulse diagnosis-to help determine patterns of disharmony as well as principles and methods of treatment. Once a diagnosis is reached, a course of treatment is determined. This usually includes acupuncture and herbal medicine, and may be combined with any of the following therapies to help tailor your treatment to your particular situation. Reactions to treatments and herbal prescriptions are monitored carefully and each is adjusted over time as your needs change. DEFINITIONS: • Acupuncture Tiny needles inserted into the skin which help to re-establish balance and harmony within the body. Some patients may experience a tingly or heavy sensation near the needled area, but generally there is minimal pain. Often treatments are relaxing and rejuvenating, and patients look forward to relief of their symptoms and a general sense of well-being. • Electroacupuncture Use of a machine that electrically stimulates the needles to promote extra flow of Qi ("chee") and blood to the affected area. This is important because it helps to decrease inflammation, alleviate pain and improve organ function. • Ear Seeds Also called "needleless acupuncture". The ear is a microsystem comprised of many points that correspond to the parts of the body (not unlike the concepts involved in Reflexology). An herbal "seed" with a small piece of adhesive tape is applied to one or more points on the ear, ultimately affecting the corresponding body area or organ system. I use this modality often for fertility and pregnancy treatments, as it allows you to continue with self-treatment between your appointments. • Cupping Use of small glass cups on the skin, which create a vacuum suction, increasing the flow of both Qi and blood. • Moxibustion A unique blend of dried herbs is warmed carefully over acupoints or areas of the body to warm and stimulate the flow of Qi and blood. • Nutritional / Lifestyle Counseling Great care is taken to insure that your diet and lifestyle are supporting the changes you are making with your treatments. When helping you to implement any appropriate nutritional changes, I consider aspects of both Chinese and Western nutritional knowledge. • Qi Gong and breathing exercises Qi Gong is a gentle, easy and effective way to promote the flow of Qi in your body. Simple exercises that can be done at home will help your body to assimilate your acupuncture treatments more fully and effectively. • Oriental Bodywork Tui Na, An-Ma/Shiatsu, Jin Shin-style Acupressure (light touch)