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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION
Our doctors will use the information you provide in your health
history to prepare for your initial consultation. We generally
schedule 60 to 90 minutes for your first visit with the doctor.
Your consultation will include an extensive review of your
medical history and will often involve one or more of treatments,
such as acupuncture, cupping or moxibustion.
TREATMENT MODALITIES
ACUPUNCTURE
This ancient Chinese technique promotes the body’s ability
to heal naturally. Our doctor will place very thin, sterile
needles in combinations of precise acupuncture points around
the body. According to the Chinese medicine, these needles help
improve the flow of Qi (pronounced chee), or life energy, through
the body, thus improving its functioning. Many scientific
studies demonstrate the profound effect acupuncture
can have on the body’s ability to repair itself.
Classical theory recognizes about 365 acupuncture points
on the surface Meridians of the body. With the inclusion of
miscellaneous points, and new points used in ear acupuncture
and other recent methods, the total universe has risen to
at least 2,000 points for possible use. In practice, however,
a typical doctor’s repertoire might be only 150 points.
Acupuncture is very effective in relieving chronic pain associated
with conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraines,
and back problems. It can also be used to successfully treat
chronic sinusitis, bronchitis, premenstrual syndrome, irregular
or painful periods, morning sickness, anxiety, asthma, acute
laryngitis and minor injuries. Combined with more conventional
therapies, acupuncture can aid in recovery from stroke and addictions.
HERBAL MEDICINE
Like acupuncture, the herbal medicine that has been practiced
in Asia has a very long and solid tradition. Harbor Eastern
Medical Group uses well-established herbal combinations from
reputable companies with extremely strict quality control systems.
Herbal treatment, although often in the form of a pill, granules,
or raw herb is quite different from western medical drugs.
These treatments require the patient to slowly build up to the
dose, may take a few weeks before an effect is noted, often
require the patient to take up to 12 or 16 pills per day, and
have far fewer side effects and contraindications than western
drugs. These formulations are also usually far less expensive
than drugs from a pharmacy. To optimize the effect of herbal
treatment, we recommend avoiding following food items: pork,
turnip, greasy food
CUPPING
Cupping is a method of treating disease by causing
local congestion. A partial vacuum is created in jars, usually
by means of heat or suction, which are then applied to the skin,
drawing up the underlying tissues and forming blood stasis.
In ancient times, animal horns were used, principally in draining
postulated sores. Later this method was utilized in treating
consumptive and rheumatic diseases. Bamboo, ceramic, iron and
brass ‘cups’ were developed. Today, cups made of
glass or plastic are by far the most common. They are available
in many sizes, and selected according to the skin surface and
method of treatment. Both the rage of indications and the variety
of instruments have grown since the beginning of the Cultural
Revolution.
MOXIBUSTION
Moxibustion is a method whereby moxa punk (or other herbs)
is burned on or above skin at acupuncture points. The heat
warms the Qi (energy) and Blood in the channels and is therefore
useful in the acupuncture, whereas at other times the two
have a synergistic effect.
The use of the moxa plant, dried and ground into a powder
or moxa ‘wool’, is considered especially beneficial
for this purpose. Its combustion produces a penetrating heat
in which general balance of the body is promoted.
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