Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic system which treats individuals for a wide variety of physical, emotional and psychological concerns. TCM promotes, maintains and restores health by encouraging an even flow of energy throughout the body. When energy flow called Qi (pronounced chee) is disrupted due to stress, trauma, poor diet, overexercise, or other conditions, pain or illness can result.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a six-thousand year-old Chinese therapy that works by stimulating the body to naturally correct the imbalances of Qi. This is done by inserting ultra-fine, disposable needles underneath the skin at specific points in the body. These acupuncture points are related to energy pathways or meridians that run throughout the entire length of the body. Acupuncture points are also related to specific internal organs. The earliest known text on acupuncture is the Nei Jing, or Classic of Internal Medicine, published more than 4,500 years ago.

Chinese Medicinal Herbs
Acupuncture treatments are enhanced with the combination of Chinese herbs. A formula may be prescribed to prolong the effectiveness of acupuncture and the time in between each treatment. Like acupuncture, herbal formulas treat a wide variety of symptoms, while stimulating the body's natural healing process. Herbs can be used to strengthen a weak immune system, to prevent illness, and alleviate pain.

How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote its own healing. The ideal is to balance one's overall energy, in order to establish or re-establish well-being. Research has shown that the body responds by releasing endorphins (neurotransmitters that stop pain), increasing blood cell counts, and heightening the immune system.

What does acupuncture feel like?
Patients find that the treatments are relaxing and usually involve little or no discomfort. Occasionally one may feel a slight pinch that quickly diminishes.

What can I expect during an average visit?
TCM's strength is in working with the whole person. After a thorough review of personal and familial health history, time is spent on learning about the person's background, lifestyle and habits as these pertain to overall health. This information, in conjunction with pulses and tongue conditions and physical signs and symptoms, provides the basis for a TCM diagnosis and treatment plan.

Patients usually start off with once-a-week treatments, which are tapered in frequency as their condition improves. Some conditions such as acute pain require frequent treatments at the beginning. Chronic conditions may need long-term treatments. Generally, acupuncture has a cumulative effect, with treatments building upon each other. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their own healing process through dietary recommendations, stress reduction techniques, and medical Qi Gong.

Can I benefit from acupuncture if I'm relatively healthy?
Acupuncture patients range in age from children to seniors. Some seek treatment as an alternative to or as an enhancement of Western medicine, while others seek treatment for a chronic condition. TCM is not only used for treating ailments as they arise, but also in preventing disease. Many individuals find acupuncture and herbal medicine great ways to maintain healthy and balanced lives. Seasonal "tune-ups" and acupuncture for stress reduction are highly recommended.

Price List
Initial Consultations	$185
Follow up treatments for existing patients	$110
Follow up treatments for children	$65
Inductions and Breech Baby Treatments	$125
Herbal Consultations	$35
Raw herbal formulas	$8 and up
Raw powder formulas	$25 and up
Teapill formulas and vitamins	$15 and up

Treatment costs include acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, massage and life style and diet consultation as decided by Carol Fong on the day of your treatment.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) formally endorsed acupuncture in November 1997, determining it effective for relief of post-operative pain and nausea associated with pregnancy or chemotherapy.

Please download the Body Basal Temperature Chart here.

A good source for more information on acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is www.healthy.net.