How Does Acupuncture Work? Oriental medicine is based on an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of Western medicine. The ancient Chinese recognized the vital energy behind all life forms and life processes. They called this energy "Qi" (pronounced chee). In developing an understanding of the prevention and cure of disease, the ancient physicians discovered a system of cyclic energy flowing in the human body along specific pathways. Each pathway is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ.

Disease is considered to arise because of a deficiency or imbalance of vital energy in the energetic pathways and their associated physiological systems.
    The pathways or "meridians" of energy communicate with the surface of the body at specific locations called "acupuncture points". Each point has a predictable effect upon the vital energy passing through it. Modern science has been able to measure the electrical charge at these points, thus corroborating the locations of the meridians mapped by the ancients.
     Traditional Oriental medicine has also developed methods of determing the flow in the meridian system., using an intricate system of puse and tongue diagnosis. Findings from these modalities are comgined with other sings and symptoms to create a compositie diagnosis. A treatment plan is then formulated to induce the body to a balanced state of health.

What Can I Expect If Treated? Many conditions may be alleviated very rapidly by acupuncture and herbs; however, some conditions which have arisen over a course of years will be relieved only with slow, steady progress. As in any form of healing, the patient's attitude, diet, determination and life-style will affect the outcome of a course of treatment. Traditional Oriental medicine is also an educational process in which the patient becomes more aware of his or her own body, thus increasing its ability to maintain well being.
     Although there are techniques in traditional Oriental medicine for healing most conditions, there are medical circumstances which can be dealt with more effectively by Western medicine. In such cases, your acupuncturist will recommend that you contact a physician. As is the case in China, acupuncture should be seen as complementary to Western medicine.

Frances Pearre, L.Ac

Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Delivery
Acupuncture treatment throughout pregnancy, promotes the mother's well-being and comfort. It also ensures that energy pathways are clear, to enhance the natural maturation of the cervix and birth canal for an easy and relatively painless delivery. Studies in Germany have shown the duration of delivery is shortened from an average of ten hours of labor to eight hours. Acupuncture can also reduce labor pain significantly.

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Wraps
Specialized Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Wraps comgine to tone and rejuvenate the facial muscles and skin. The result is a more youthful and glowing appearance and a healthier body. This ten-week process also brings out what the Chinese call "Shen" or Spirit- the real you.

Clearing the Universal Feminine Program for Grief and Sorrow

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture and traditional Oriental medicine's ability to treat over 43 common clinical disorders.
Among these are:

Gastrointestinal
Disorders: such as food allergies, peptic ulcers, constipation, chronic diarrhea, indigestion, anorexia gastrointestinal weakness and gastritis.

Urogenital Disorders:
including stress incontinence, urinary tract infections and sexual dysfunction.

Gynecological Disorders:
such as irregular, heavy or painful menstruation, infertility in women and men, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Respiratory Disorders:
such as emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies and bronchitis.

Disorders of the Bones, Muscles, Joints and Nervous System: such as arthritis, neuralgia, migraine headaches, insomnia, dizziness and low back, neck and shoulder pain.

Cirulatory Disorders:
such as hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis and anemia.

Emotional and Psychological Disorders: including depression and anxiety.

Addictions: such as alcohol, nicotine and drugs.

Many Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders.

Supportive therapy for many other Chronic and Painful Debilitating Disorders.