SERVICES
Acupuncture Treatment
Community Acupuncture
Herbal Medicine
Martial Arts Training
Lectures/Demos
SPECIALTIES
Infertility
Mental-Emotional
Pediatrics
© 2003-2019
The Center for Traditional Asian Health offers Chinese Medicine treatments by John Kang, L.Ac.
Treatments consist of an extensive interview (especially on the initial
visit) and a treatment of about 20 to 45 minutes. If needed or desired by
the patient, we will also provide an herbal prescription as well as
nutritional counseling. Expect an appointment to last about 1 hour.
Treatments are considered to be a partnership between practitioner and patient. A good communication and and cooperative working rapport are essential for obtaining the best results.
Of the modalities in the vast Traditional Chinese Medical repertoire,
acupuncture is probably the most well known. It consists of inserting
thin needles into specific points on the body's network of meridians to
regulate the flow of Qi (energy).
Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide variety of disorders, including but not limited to:
- Overall Wellness
- Common Colds
- Mental-Emotional Disorders:Stress, Depression, Anxiety
- Headaches and Migraines
- Weight Loss
- Addiction
- Musculoskeletal disorders: lower back pain, sciatica, frozen shoulder, tenns elbows, structural disorders, TMJ, thoracic outlet syndrome
- Neurological disorders: carpal tunnel syndrome, facial paralysis, neuritis, fibromyalgia, other types of pain
- Gynecological disorders: painful menstruation, amenoria, infertility, PMS, peri-menopausal symptoms
- Digestive problems: poor digestion, gastritis, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, colitis
- Respiratory disorders: asthma, bronchitis
- Circulatory disorders: heart disease, hypertension, cold hands and feet
- Recovery from Stroke
- Sports Injury/Traumatic Injury
- Much more!
Choosing Points: A Chinese Medical Perspective
The choice of points is very different from the common Western approach
of choosing a pharmaceutical to address a specific complaint. Instead,
it follows a logical system
whose view of the body differs from that of Western medicine. For
example, for a headache, the acupuncturist might needle point LI-4
on the hand. While there is some truth that LI-4 empirically treats
headaches, this "point A goes with disorder Z" mentality will generally
only treat symptoms. However, the acupuncturist hopes also to address
the root of the problem: is the headache due to a constricted blood flow
in the head? Or is it excess blood flow? Is it due to trauma? Is it
accompanying the common cold? Acupuncture is a means of coaxing the body
to rebalance itself, so that it eliminates the source of a given health
problem. In this case, LI-4 directs Qi upward while having a strong
effect on the entire head and face. In addition, if for example, the source was due
to poor circulation to the brain, we might also needle DU-20 on the vertex
to bring Qi and Blood upward and SP-10 above the knee to improve circulation.
Therefore, an intrinsic logic, based upon an understanding of a disorder, guides the selection of
points.
How does it REALLY work?
Traditionally, the Chinese believed that health disorders could arise
from or cause a blockage in the flow of Qi. Acupuncture was thought
to open these blockages and promote smooth movement of Qi. In addition,
specific points were thought to have special functions, including the
nourishing of blood, relaxing of muscles, etc.
From simple observation, the ancient Chinese noted clear physiological responses from acupuncture. Shallow needling in the skin could promote local blood circulation, causing a redness around the needles. And insertion into "trigger points" could cause tense muscles to relax.
With the advent of technologies that objectively measure the body's processes, several modern acupuncture theories have arisen. One theory is that Qi is actually bioelectric energy, generated by cellular function. Research in China has shown that acupuncture points have strong concentrations of ions, supporting this theory. As such, needles could be influencing this magnetic field. Another idea, known as the "gate theory," assumes that the body can only take but so much stimulation, and that the needle sensations help block out pain in other parts of the body. However, this idea does not explain why acupuncture also treats diseases other than pain. Other research has proven that the stimulation of alpha nerve fibers causes endorphins-chemicals that create a sense of euphoria-- to be released in the brain. CAT scans have also shown that acupuncture not only stimulates the sensory parts of the brain, but other areas as well.
HOURS
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Treatment Fees:
In Clinic:
- Initial Visit: $125
- Follow-up Visit: $95
FAQ
What should I wear to a treatment?
Loose clothes that allow easy access to your arms and legs. If you
require needling on your back, abdomen, or chest, we will provide towels
to serve as blankets to keep you warm.
How long will each appointment last?
Set aside one hour for the interview, treatment, and counseling session.
How early should I arrive?
PLEASE BE ON TIME. We offer a grace period of 15 minutes. Past that time
will be considered a late cancellation. Before your first visit, please arrive 15 minutes
beforehand to fill out paperwork.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Yes. Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
Full payment will be expected for late cancellations.