What health conditions can be treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which includes acupuncture and herbal therapy, was a complete medical system in China until the Cultural Revolution when Western medicine was first introduced into China. Most health issues, particularly chronic conditions can be treated with TCM. The following is a short list of conditions that have been effectively treated using TCM:
| Addiction | Eye problems | Pelvic floor dysfunction |
| Allergies | Facial palsy/tics | PMS |
| Anxiety | Fatigue | Rheumatoid arthritis |
| Arthritis | Fertility | Rhinitis |
| Asthma | Fibromyalgia | Sciatica |
| Back pain | Frozen shoulder | Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) |
| Bronchitis | Gingivitis | Shoulder pain |
| Cancer recovery | Headache | Sinusitis |
| Carpal tunnel syndrome | Hiccough | Sjogren’s syndrome |
| Chronic fatigue | Incontinence | Sleep disturbances |
| Chronic pain | Indigestion | Smoking cessation |
| Colitis | IBS | Sore throat |
| Common cold | Interstitial cystitis | Stress |
| Constipation | Knee pain | Tennis elbow |
| Dental pain | Menopausal symptoms | Tonsillitis |
| Depression | Menstrual irregularities | Tooth pain |
| Diabetes | Migraine | Trigeminal neuralgia |
| Diarrhea | Morning sickness | Urinary tract infections (UTI) |
| Digestive disorders | Nausea | Vomiting |
| Dizziness | Neck pain | Vulvodynia |
| Dysentery | Neuropathy | Wrist pain |
| Emotional problems | Osteoarthritis | |
How does TCM work?
Our family history as well as our lifestyle has a tremendous impact on our bodies and our health. In addition to inherited conditions, over-work, too much or too little exercise, stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep can lead to imbalance in the body’s organ systems. According to Western scientific studies, TCM causes multiple biological responses that work together to restore balance in the body and activate the body’s own healing mechanism. These responses include:
- Increased immune function
- Reduction of pain and inflammation
- Improved blood circulation
- Relaxation of smooth muscle
- Stimulation of cell growth and repair
- Modulation of the nervous system
- Regulation of hormones and other chemical processes
TCM, when used together with modern medicine and lifestyle modifications, has the potential to support, strengthen and nurture the body and return it to a state of health and well-being.
What should I expect on my first visit?
During the initial visit a comprehensive personal and health history will be obtained. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, general health, lifestyle, and emotions. Your answers help your TCM provider to determine the patterns of imbalance in order to get to the root of your health concerns. Your provider will also check your pulses and look at your tongue to get a better idea of the health of your organ systems. A full acupuncture treatment is provided during the first visit so expect your first visit to last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
When an acupuncture needle has been inserted you may experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling or dull ache. Some people experience a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needle. All of these reactions are good and a sign that the treatment is working. Once needles are placed you will rest for approximately 30 minutes. After treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.
How should I prepare?
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to fill out paper-work (new patients)
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Eat a normal meal at least two hours prior to your visit so you are not hungry during treatment
- Refrain from using recreational drugs or alcohol prior to treatment and for at least 24 hours following treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments will vary depending on your condition and your general health at the start of treatment. Some people will experience immediate results, for others it may take longer. TCM has a cumulative effect. Each treatment builds on the previous treatments, paving the way toward restoring your health and vitality. Frequent visits, once or twice a week, for the first 4-6 weeks are often recommended. As you begin to feel better, your appointments will be less frequent and eventually you will only need periodic “tune-ups” to maintain your renewed health and vitality.
Is TCM safe?
TCM is a completely safe and effective way to treat many of your health concerns. The needles are sterile, non-toxic and used only once and then discarded so there is no risk of infection. Herbal therapies are carefully chosen according to your unique needs and, due to our extensive Western medical experience, your current medication regimen is considered to guard against any potential interaction. Please be sure to tell your TCM provider about all medications and supplements you are taking.
Does my insurance cover TCM?
Today many insurance providers cover acupuncture. The best way to find out if you have coverage is to call the telephone number for patients on the back of your insurance card. If you are covered, your provider can supply you with a super-bill which you can send to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Please feel free to call or email us if you have questions concerning treatment of a condition not listed above.
