Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on over 3000 years of studying every aspect in the body: internal & external anatomy and the flow of Qi (energy). TCM modalities include acupuncture, Chinese herbs, moxibustion, cupping, and Qigong. The foundation for TCM is that Qi (pronounced “Chee”), or the life energy, flows through the body. This energy flows in channels known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. When there’s blockage or imbalance of qi, there’s pain or illness. TCM practitioners utilize their modalities to remove blockage or imbalance to treat illnesses.

The World Health Organization recognizes almost one hundred diseases, symptoms, or conditions for which acupuncture is effective. Much of the research on acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is being conducted by universities, research institutions, and the National Institutes of Health. There is increasing scientific evidence proving the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of medical ailments, including chemotherapy-induced nausea, autoimmune disorders, chronic back pain, hypertension, and allergic rhinitis.

The number of acupuncture treatments you need depends on the complexity of your illness, your general health, and whether it is a chronic or recent condition.

Acupuncture is currently covered by many major insurance companies in the United States. However, acupuncture coverage varies greatly depending on the company and individual plan. It is important to check with your insurance company to see what coverage your plan offers.

Acupuncture can treat a wide range of conditions. It is particularly effective for pain relief and for post-surgery and chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting. In addition, both the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health recognize that acupuncture can be helpful as part of a treatment plan for many illnesses which includes but not limited to: addiction (such as alcoholism), asthma, bronchitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, digestive issues, facial tics, fibromyalgia, headaches, irregular periods, low back pain,menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, osteoarthritis, sinusitis, IBS, stroke rehabilitation, tendonitis, tennis elbow, and urinary problems such as incontinence.

You can safely combine acupuncture with prescription drugs and other conventional treatments. However, it is important for your primary care physician to be aware of and to monitor how your acupuncture treatment may be affecting your conventional therapies. Often your medication may need to be adjusted while your condition has been improving during your acupuncture treatments.

Like acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine treats a full range of human diseases such as acute illness like flu and the common cold to chronic illnesses. Herbal medicine can also help to maintain or create balance and health before disease sets in.