integrated medicine for orthopaedics, rheumatology, neurology, stress-related disorders
Specialties
Acupuncture is considered a medical specialty in the United States, prescribed primarily for relief of pain
due to neurological or musculoskeletal problems. Historically, in the context of medicine in China, it is one
of a triad that comprise the main treatment methods utilized in Oriental medicine: acupuncture, herbs and
physical manipulations (including massage, joint mobilization and bone setting). Acupuncturists in California
undergo rigorous training in acupuncture and herbal therapy. In fact, licensed acupuncturists (designated by
the title LAc.) are the only health professionals who are specifically licensed to prescribe herbal remedies.
Acupuncture promotes healing by increasing local blood flow, stimulating localized and systemic immune
response, modulating pain perception through release of pain-killing endorphins, and promoting
physiological balance by deactivating the "stress response" in the autonomic nervous and endocrine
systems. In essence, acupuncture helps your body to help itself.
Neuro-musculoskeletal Complaints
In both clinical research studies and private practices across the country, acupuncture therapy has been
shown to be effective in treating sports injuries, degenerative diseases and neurological disorders. These
include but are not limited to acute soft tissue injuries, vertebral disc disorders, degenerative joint disease,
radicular pain, and peripheral neuropathies. These types of conditions often require a combination of
acupuncture, stretching and/or exercise. In cases complicated by a metabolic component, such as
auto-immune diseases, herbal therapy may also be recommended. For non-complicated orthopedic,
rheumatological and neurological complaints, you can expect to see progress within 4-6 treatments. The
total course of therapy to reach maximum benefit, however, will depend upon the chronicity and severity of
the symptoms, as well as the presence of additional complicating factors. Complicating factors include
history of surgeries, major or chronic illness and degenerative disease such as osteoarthritis.
Stress-related Disorders
The American Academy of Family Physicians stated that up to 80% of complaints seen in a family practice
office are stress-related. This can be as diverse as menstrual cramps, shingles, recurrent sinus infections and
irritable bowel syndrome. Long-term stress can even be a risk factor in the occurrence of life-threatening
diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
Acupuncture treats the physiological symptoms of stress by deactivating the sympathetic "stress" response
and promoting the parasympathetic "relaxation" response. Functional disorders of short-term duration,
where evidence of the complaint is not yet detectable on x-rays or lab results, will often respond fairly
quickly to acupuncture therapy. Chronic conditions will usually require a prolonged course of therapy. In
cases where there are already detectable pathologies such as cysts, fibroids, degenerative changes or
abnormal blood chemistry, co-management of your case between your acupuncturist and primary MD
physician is often recommended to receive the best that both medical traditions have to offer.
FAQs on Medical Complaints (download in PDF format)
Back, neck and joint pain MMM Infertility
Soft-tissue injuries MMMMMM Gastrointestinal complaints
Headaches MMMMMMMMM Gynecological disorders
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