Some patients have told me that they know the words used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), but they don't understand their meaning, for example, "Liver Fire", "Stomach Heat", "Damp" etc. These questions are related to the origin of the theories behind TCM. Three to four thousand years ago, human beings had very limited knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and pathology. By observation of the universe, the early doctors tried to explain illness with regards to natural phenomena. There is one theory, or Yin Yang theory, which is a concept used to explain the universe, and the different aspects within. The human body is considered a small universe. Naturalism, human physiology, pathology and comprehension of diagnosis and treatments are all explained according to the Yin-Yang theory. The basis of this theory is the opposition of each element. Yin and Yang are considered polar opposites, yet each is dependent upon the opposite element. Our sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve systems are polar opposites but dependent on each other to maintain balance. 

Traditional medical therapy in China is composed of exercise (Tai Chi), massage (Tui Na), moxibustion (warming of the body by burning an herb near the body), acupuncture and herbal decoctions. Each of these therapies were developed in different regions and dynasties throughout China's history. Chinese acupuncture anesthesia was introduced to the Americas by president Richard M Nixon's visit to mainland China in 1973. Since that time, the term acupuncture has become the most popular and widely recognized of the above mentioned therapies. Today, acupuncture appears to be the representative therapy of CM in the minds of the American public. Acupuncture itself is a technique or tool, and just like any other therapy, it's used to help human beings achieve optimal health.

The healing art of acupuncture is to use a fine needle inserted in different points on our bodies. The needles used in the United States are disposable, sterilized stainless steel. The gauge of the needle is very small, being only one tenth of a regular sewing needle. The popular size of the needle diameter is 0.25mm.  Acupuncture usually does not cause any bleeding, however, certain points are more vascular than others, with very tiny capillaries surrounding the area, Upon removal of the needles, these capillaries may produce a few drops of blood, but most acupuncture points are located within a layer of muscle, far from any major vessels and bones. When the needle pierces the skin, there may be some discomfort, as the surface layer of skin has many nerve endings that allow for sensory perception. Most discomfort can be minimized by rapid insertion of the needle through this surface level into deeper tissues, which do not have nerve endings.

In this office, approximately 50% of the patients receive treatment for musculoskeletal related problems. The remaining half of the patients are treated for a wide range of internal disorders. Many of these are cases that are not responding to contemporary medical treatments, or there may be too many side effects associated with this type of treatment.

If you have any questions regarding acupuncture, you are more than welcome to contact either office for more details. We offer initial courtesy consultation.