In addition to my services as a Naturopathic doctor, I am a licensed acupuncturist and Diplomate in Oriental medicine. This means I am trained and licensed to perform acupuncture and prescribe Chinese herbs. I find that these disciplines complement each other very well. As a Naturopath, I can guide you through the healing process, but you are the one who has to make the day-to-day effort. With acupuncture, you don't have to do anything but come in and lay down! Most people leave the office feeling better, more centered, and relaxed. Some conditions such as colds or headaches may very well be resolved after one acupuncture session, while chronic conditions such as arthritis or menstrual pain may take a series of visits.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the practice of stimulating specific, strategic points in the body to improve health and well being. It is a technique used to balance the flow of energy throughout the body, thereby enabling the body's innate ability to heal itself.

Having originated in China over 2,000 years ago, it is one of the oldest healing practices in the world. Acupuncture, as part of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has maintained its relevancy throughout the years and is now the subject of numerous modern scientific research studies. Acupuncture has been shown in these research studies to be effective in relieving many kinds of pain as well as the nausea from chemotherapy. It can boost the production of the body’s own natural painkillers and increase overall blood flow.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be used to treat a wide range of health conditions. Acute conditions such as colds and the flu respond extremely well to acupuncture, especially when treatment is sought at the onset of symptoms. Many people seek acupuncture treatment for women's health concerns, allergies, headaches, migraines, physical pain, and mental-emotional symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Acupuncture has been proven effective in controlling chemotherapy-induced side effects such as nausea.

Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy and can help minimize the minor complaints of pregnancy such as nausea and constipation. It is also effective in correcting breech presentations and helping to induce labor past a woman's due date. A qualified practitioner will know what acupoints to avoid during pregnancy as some may stimulate uterine contractions. As miscarriages are most common during the first trimester, some people prefer to avoid acupuncture treatment during this time.

Finding a qualified practitioner

Finding a qualified practitioner of Chinese medicine is important to obtain effective results in the safest manner. Many states require a specific license to practice acupuncture, but the requirements vary by state. In some states, acupuncture is included under the license of health professionals such as medical doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists, even though these professionals may not have received any training specific to the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) certifies practitioners who have graduated from accredited Chinese medicine training programs in addition to passing standardized board examinations.