What is Oriental Medicine?

Oriental Medicine is a form of medicine thousands of years old that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, body work (Tui Na), dietary therapies, and Qi exercises like Tai Chi and Qi Gong. The body is seen more as a garden with many inter-related networks – all working together as a whole. It is not seen as a machine with only a few connections.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been used for over 2,000 years as a healing form for pain and other conditions. Very thin, solid, metallic needles are inserted and gently manipulated by the hands or electrical stimulation. Most people find acupuncture treatments to be relaxing and are usually painless.

Does acupuncture hurt?

People most often do not report pain. Most feel a pleasant tingling or heaviness in the area. If it is even a little too painful, I take the needle out right away!

Acupuncture is not like getting an injection or donating blood! The needles used in those procedures are hollow and bigger and cause more pain. Acupuncture needles are fine and flexible and usually cause a pleasant, relaxation effect. I have had several people who were scared to get acupuncture that fell asleep during the treatment!

Do you re-use your needles?

I only use sterile single-use needles. They are disposed of immediately after I take them out.

When will I feel better?

This depends on your particular condition and your willingness to be involved in your own healing. Some conditions respond after the first treatment, others take longer.

What types of herbs and teas do you prescribe?

I primarily use the traditional Chinese herbs. Most often, I use pills, tinctures and powdered herbs that can be customized for you. I can also write a “raw” prescription for the real roots and leaves that you cook at home with water. I also use high quality vitamins and supplements.

How does your practice differ from other acupuncture clinics?

Every practitioner of holistic medicine has a slightly different approach.  As a Licensed Acupuncturist, I utilize many diverse healing modalities.  In addition to acupuncture, I use herbal and dietary therapies, supplements, and other approaches used in Functional Medicine.  My effort is to use the best of ancient medicine, which carries with it a long history of safety and effectiveness (traditional acupuncture techniques and Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) therapies) blended with more modern approaches to acupuncture and holistic medicine that are based on the emerging sciences of systems biology, genetics and Functional Medicine.  To read more about Functional Medicine and my approach click here.

What types of illnesses and symptoms can you help me with?

Oriental Medicine is very helpful for a wide variety of ailments. It is especially helpful for pain, fatigue, digestive issues, insomnia, immune disorders, and chronic conditions that have not responded to biomedical treatments. I have worked with patients with CFIDS, diabetes, fertility issues and menstrual irregularities, headaches, allergies, digestive issues, nervous system disorders, and much more. If you are unsure if Oriental Medicine can help you, just email me and ask! You can also find out more about my experience on my “About Katie” page.