Treatments
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the oldest and most commonly practiced medical procedure in the world. This ancient healing art form is based on the natural laws of nature and the movement of energy in nature. This life force is called Qi
Acupuncture helps to promote the movement of Qi in our body. This creates a sense of calm, well-being and vitality and also treats the whole person physically, mentally, and spiritually. Acupuncture is known to enhance the immune system, relieve stress and anxiety, help with depression, addictions, sleep disorders, headaches, and menstrual and menopause concerns. Acupuncture also relieves areas of pain including, shoulder, knee, back, and wrist, and treats many other health concerns.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years; in fact, the actual Chinese character for acupuncture, translated literally, means "acupuncture-moxibustion." The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of traditional Chinese medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health.
Cupping
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage
Cupping therapy might be trendy now, but it’s not new. It dates back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. One of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, the Ebers Papyrus, describes how the ancient Egyptians used cupping therapy in 1,550 B.C
Infared Heat
Infrared heating solutions that are up to 50% more energy efficient than most commonly used heating systems. They lock the heat in the objects, slowly releasing pleasant warmth in to the air. Infrared heaters work in a similar way to which the sun heats the earth.
Electo Stimulation
The most common form of electrical stimulation used for pain management is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy, which provides short-term pain relief. Electrical nerve stimulation and electrothermal therapy are used to relieve pain associated with various conditions, including back pain.
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions:
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How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sites--commonly referred to as acupuncture points, or acupoints. The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin. Pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects. Other acupoint stimulation techniques include: manual massage, moxibustion or heat therapy, cupping, and the application of topical herbal medicines and linaments.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe, and the body, in terms of two opposing forces: yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy. Energy, called "Qi" (pronounced "chee") flows along specific pathways, called meridians, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture therapy can release blocked qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being.
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What happens during an acupuncture treatment?
First, your acupuncturist will ask about your health history. Then, he or she will examine your tongue’s shape, color, and coating, feel your pulse, and possibly perform some additional physical examinations depending on your individual health needs. Using these unique assessment tools, the acupuncturist will be able to recommend a proper treatment plan to address your particular condition. To begin the acupuncture treatment, you lay comfortably on a treatment table while precise acupoints are stimulated on various areas of your body. Most people feel no or minimal discomfort as the fine needles are gently placed. The needles are usually retained between five and 30 minutes. During and after treatments, people report that they feel very relaxed
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Question: How Do I Find An Acupuncturist Or An Oriental Medicine Practitioner?
Answer: You can find a Diplomate of Acupuncture (NCCAOM), a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) or a Diplomate holding one or more other NCCAOM certifications by going to the NCCAOM Find a Practitioner Search Engine.
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The additional designation of licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.) is awarded by a state regulatory board. Currently, 43 states, including the District of Columbia, require NCCAOM certification or the passing of the NCCAOM examinations as a requirement for licensure to practice acupuncture. Each state board has a unique set of requirements for licensure. State rules and regulations are subject to change; therefore, one should always confirm current requirements for licensure with the appropriate state board.
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Question: What Kind Of Conditions Should I Seek Acupuncture Treatment?
Answer: An acupuncturist may be consulted for specific symptoms and conditions such as pain, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, migraine, menstrual disorders, intestinal disorders, addiction and a plethora of other conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed the above conditions and many more as being responsive to acupuncture treatment. Please visit the Diplomate of Acupuncture Consumer Page or the Diplomate of Acupuncture brochure for additional information.
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There has been extensive practice and research that has evidenced that acupuncture is effective in helping patients with many of the conditions listed by WHO as well as many others. It does more than simply relieve the symptoms. The aim of acupuncture is to treat the whole patient and restore balance between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual. Many people also have acupuncture as a preventative treatment, which is the most important benefit of this medicine.
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Question: How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Answer: Usually, a series of treatments are necessary to resolve a condition. Each case and condition is treated individually. A consultation is required to determine requirements. Treatments can be between 45 to 90 minutes in length with the first consultation usually lasting longer. It is best to consult with an NCCAOM certified practitioner for more details about your specific treatment plan.
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Question: Does Acupuncture Treatment Hurt?
Answer: Most patients have stated that there is little or no pain as very fine, sterile, disposable needles are used. Treatments are available without the use of needles through Asian Bodywork Therapy.
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Question: How does moxibustion work? Does it hurt?
Answer: Moxa sticks are used for treating local areas where there is coldness or an aching feeling. Aching generally indicates adeficienty whereas a stabbing pain would indicate too much heat. A moxa stick maybe used for 15-30 minutes. A person may feel the warmth moving into her pelvis down the legs and into the feet. If a woman has dull cramps during her period the moxa stick may be used between the umbilicus and the pubic bone.
Question: Can You Tell Me More About Chinese Herbal Treatment?
Answer: Chinese herbal medicine, also known as Chinese herbology is one of the primary modalities within the scope of Oriental medicine. Chinese herbology includes treatment with substances such as plants, roots, minerals and more. Like acupuncture, Chinese herbology has evolved as an integral part of Chinese medicine and is used to re-harmonize imbalances in the body.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) defines herbal medicines to include herbs, herbal materials, herbal preparations and finished herbal products that contain as active ingredients parts of plants, or other plant materials, or combinations. Chinese formulas are comprised of herbs designed for each individual patient. This special formulation is crucial because these formulas must be delicately composed for the purpose of achieving balance in each disharmonious state of being. Even small deviations in dosage or herb composition can change the entire focus of the formula and therefore, the results.
You can find a Diplomate of Chinese Herbology (NCCAOM) or a Diplomate holding one or more other NCCAOM certifications by going to the NCCAOM Find a Practitioner Search Engine.
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Question: Can Children Be Treated With Acupuncture?
Answer: Children of all ages are treated and respond well to acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment. In addition, young children of those apprehensive of the use of acupuncture needles may be treated without needles using Asian bodywork and/or electrical probes. In addition, herbal formulas are usually prescribed to enhance the acupuncture treatments and to provide further care between treatments as well.
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Question: Should I Consult With My Physician Regarding Getting Acupuncture And Oriental Medicine Treatment?
Answer: It is advisable to always inform your physician about any treatment that you are seeking and it is also very important to have a list of medications and supplements that you are taking available during your first consultation with your acupuncturist. Some physicians will also refer acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners to patients. Just remember to make sure that these practitioners are certified by the NCCAOMand licensed in your state to practice acupuncture.
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Question: Will Acupuncture And Oriental Medicine Treatment Be Covered Through My Insurance Reimburse?
Answer: Some insurance companies cover acupuncture treatment and they stipulate that the practitioner be NCCAOM certified. In addition, a majority of flexible accounting spending plans will cover acupuncture and Oriental medicine treatment. It is recommended to call your insurance carrier to verify coverage and discuss options.
"I continue to receive acupuncture because I like Sheryl, I enjoy her company. I get relief in my neck and shoulders from treatment. I also appreciate her coming to me."
Gwynn C. Age 87
Lisa B.
"I was knowledgeable about acupuncture. I came due to pain, my mother came to acupuncture in her seventies due to osteoarthritis.
I was having problems with my knee and depression due to separation, I also had a stroke.
I still come to Sheryl for treatments, it helps me mentally, I am able to ask questions more than my Doctor explains to me.
You don’t go one time and expect to be ok. Sheryl makes me feel comfortable."
"I come to Sheryl for Acupuncture for relief, for healing and enlightment on health and wellness. I am a retired police officer injuried in the line of duty 1995. I received traction, a little bit of everything including chiropractic. The only thing that helped me is acupuncture."
Charlie B.