Acupuncture provides a safe, effective, and personalized treatment for many common illnesses. The aim is not only to eliminate or alleviate symptoms, but to treat the underlying cause, increase the ability to function, and improve the quality of life. More than 15 million Americans have tried acupuncture since it was introduced in the United States in the 1970s. The risk of side effects from acupuncture is low and the potential benefits are high. How Does Acupuncture Work?
Throughout the body, there are channels known as meridians that carry qi (energy of the body), blood, and nutrients to support the organs and different parts of the body. When the pathways get stuck like a traffic jam, the obstruction leads to pain and illness. An acupuncturist inserts sterilized, stainless-steel needles (they are as fine as a human hair) to stimulate the acupoints along the meridians to promote the circulation of qi, unblock the obstruction, and restore health. Methods of Acupuncture Stimulation
Many people think that acupuncture needles are the only method of giving acupuncture treatment and for many the thought of having needles stuck in to them can put them off having treatment. However, needles do not have to be used, there are other non-needle methods available for stimulating acupuncture points - such as:
So if you do have any fear of needles, it needs not preclude you from having acupuncture therapy. What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?
Most needles are inserted without any discomfort, sometimes there is a "pinching" feeling as a needle is inserted. While some people feel nothing at all, others experience a sensation of tingling, numbness, traveling warmth, or heaviness. The needles are left in place for twenty to thirty minutes. Most people find the experience extremely relaxing and uplifting. Many experience a state of general relaxation and even fall asleep for the duration of the treatment. How many treatments do I need?
There is no simple answer to this question: treatment plans are based on each patients individual needs, depth and duration of disease.
Modalities Used
The ancient Chinese believed that life energy qi flows through meridians. In a healthy person the energy flow trough meridians is unobstructed. The blockade of qi flow results in an illness. The Chinese believed that acupoints stimulation clears the meridians and improves the flow of energy. In the western medical science, stimulation of acupoints is thought to lead to increased release of endorphins. Endorphin is a natural body painkiller. Thus endorphin released by acupressure stimulation may lead to relaxation and normalization of body functions. Acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headaches, eyestrain, sinus problems, neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, and tension due to stress, menstrual cramps, constipation, and indigestion, particularly helpful in resolving physical problems caused by tension, stress and emotion. There are also great advantages to using acupressure as a way to balance the body and maintain good health. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness. Common Conditions Treated with Acupressure
Auricular Acupuncture is unique because it can be used independently or as an adjunct to other therapies, such as Traditional Body Acupuncture. Ear acupuncture points may be stimulated for a longer period of time by using ear seeds. Ear seeds are small seeds from the Vaccaria plant. These seeds are held in place on the ear with a small piece of adhesive tape. Ear seeds may be left in the ear for a few days or up to two weeks. Because the ears are easily accessible and you do not need to remove any clothing, Auricular Acupuncture can be a very effective and quick method of treatment. One of the fastest areas where Auricular Acupuncture is being used is for the treatment of addictions. It has been a popular choice for helping with smoking cessation and weight loss in recent years. The treatment helps reduce cravings for nicotine and food. History and Theory
The earliest use of ear acupuncture dates back to ancient China. It was mentioned in the most famous of ancient Chinese medical textbook, “The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine. Fifty years ago, Dr. Paul Nogier, through trial and error, developed a theory that the shape of the ear was likened to that of an inverted fetus. The head of the fetus is located at the lobe of the ear, the body curls around the inside of the ear with the feet at the apex. He called this inverted fetus map his "little man in the ear". Through rigorous tests and examinations, he discovered that stimulating a body part on the micro-systems of the ear had an effect on the corresponding part of the body. Recent research in auriculotherapy conducted by Terry Olesen, Ph.D. with the UCLA Pain Management Center, UCLA School of Medicine has verified the accuracy of auricular diagnosis. Ear Acupuncture Treats Addiction
In the early 70's it was discovered that specific ear acupuncture treatments helped with the withdrawal from addictive substances, such as heroin, cocaine, alcohol and tobacco. Specific points in the ear are found that alleviated pain, decreased withdrawal symptoms and had a strong sedative effect. In 1985, the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) was established to train chemical dependency clinicians in the NADA ear acupuncture protocol. It now remains one of the most effective therapies in the treatment of addictive substances. Common Conditions Treated with Ear Acupuncture
This superficial insertion will increase the local circulation to the treatment area and stimulate collagen production, which will fill out the lines and give firmness to the skin for a healthy, glowing complexion. It helps to eliminate fine lines and makes the deeper lines look softer. Cosmetic Acupuncture is a whole body treatment in Chinese medicine view. A person's overall health may also benefit. It is reported that aupuncture on facial rejuvenation can make you look and feel 10-15 years younger and slow down the aging process. Cosmetic Acupuncture is far less expensive than cosmetic surgery, and is safe, natural, virtually painless, and has no side effect (slight temporary bruising can occasionally occur) and permanent damage on face, especially as we know a few celebrities has suffered some permanent 'damage' by poor face lift surgeries. Some Benefits and Results:
The course of treatment is 10 sessions. This will be done 1-3 times a week for best results. Each individual will respond differently to the treatment depending on their age and lifestyle. Maintenance maybe needed once every month. Treatment lasts about 40 minutes. Pain Management Knee & Shoulder Pain Lower Back Pain Neck & Upper Back Pain
In our experience, acupuncture is especially effective in relieving the following symptoms:
The Western treatment of allergic rhinitis relies mostly on the use of antihistamine agents. Unfortunately, antihistamines only treat the manifestations of the disease and not the root. Chinese medicine offers allergy sufferers a way to strengthen their bodies and significantly reduce their symptoms, without unpleasant side effects. This is why acupuncture, which has been proven to have beneficial effects for the immune system, can help you overcome even the most severe allergies. |
Acupuncture is an accumulation of more than four thousand years of wisdom and clinical experience. Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on the balance of yin and yang in the body and achieving a harmonious state in the organs and body systems.
Acupuncture is a method to promote natural healing and improve function in the body.
Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands.
Ear acupuncture, also know as Auriculotherapy, involves the stimulation of specific acupuncture points of the external ear for diagnosis and treatment of health conditions. These points correspond to all areas of our body. Stimulation of the ear acupuncture points help to regulate the body's internal organs and functions. 
Cosmetic
Acupuncture is an effective, non-surgical treatment to
reduce the signs of aging. It is based on the principles
of Chinese Medicine, which involves the insertion of very
thin disposable needles into the acupuncture points on
the face body where needed. It can also apply to other areas such as ear, neck, hands, trunk and legs.
For pain relief, both acupuncture and chiropractic treatments
help. Acupuncture and chiropractic treatment techniques often overlap, and as a certified expert in both fields, Dr. Lin chooses the most effective treatment plan for your conditions with your comfort in mind.
Allergies are due to an over-reactivity of the immune system to certain allergens. When allergens and antibodies react in individuals with allergic rhinitis, their nasal mucosa becomes swollen and may obstruct drainage from the sinuses causing sinusitis in many people. With herbs and acupuncture, Chinese medicine can help reduce congestion, open the nasal passages, prevent the occurrence of infection, and allow healing of tissues of the sinuses. Allergy treatment is one of our areas of expertise. Our allergy patients typically find relief from their worst symptoms in just several treatments.