There are many aspects of Oriental Medicine.  The most common are acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, electro-magnetic stimulation, herbs, nutrition and massage. 

Acupuncture when practiced by a licensed professional is very safe.  Like most acupuncturists we use sterile, disposable, one time use needles.  Oriental medicine is drug free and so avoids the side effects of western pharmaceuticals.

Side effects from acupuncture are rare, but may include:  bruising, drowsiness, light headedness or soreness.  All of these are temporary and short lived.  The cause of the last three:  drowsiness, lightheadedness and soreness may be related to the adjustment in the channels.

Yes, there are different types of acupuncture.  Here we practice both Japanese and Chinese Acupuncture.  The core theory is the same for both types of acupuncture.  The biggest difference you would probably notice as a patient is the needling style.  Japanese Acupuncture usually uses finer and fewer needles.  There is no right or wrong style.  The appropiate style for you is determined based on the reason for your visit, your medical history and your sensitivity to the needles.

The number of treatments needed varies considerably depending on a number of factors, including:  the condition being treated, the age of the patient, the patient's overall health, and how long the conditon has existed.  In general, most problems can be resolved in under 10 treatments.  Often you can reduce the number of treatments by following suggestions given which may include: stretching or exercises, dietary modifications, herbal or vitamin supplements, breathing techniques and massage.

The World Health Organization recognizes Acupuncture as being an effective treatment for many of today's ailments.  The following is a partial list of the most common conditions treatable by Acupuncture.

MUSCULO-SKELETAL DISORDERS

Low Back Pain, Sciatica, Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, TMJ, Frozen Shoulder

PSYCHOEMOTIONAL DISORDERS

Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Irritability, Insomnia

NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

Headaches, Migraines, Dizziness, Post Stroke Paralysis, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Neuropathies, Fascial Palsy, Meniere's Disease, Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction, Sequlae of Polymyelitis

GYNECOLOGICAL DISORDERS

Infertility, Menopausal Symptoms, Endometriosis, PMS, Irregular Menstruation, Hormonal Disturbances

GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISORDERS

Constipation, Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Indigestion, Acid Reflux, Colitis, Hiccough, Ulcers, Food Allergies

CIRCULATORY DISORDERS

High Blood Pressure, Angina, Poor Circulation

UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT

Sinusitis, Rhinitis, Common Cold, Tonsilitis, Toothaches, Earaches, Sore throat, Allergies

RESPIRATORY DISORDERS

Asthma, Bronchitis, Emphysema

URO-GENITAL DISORDERS

Incontinence, Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction, Cystitis, Prostitis