Home Page Los Gatos Acupuncture and Qigong Center Events Calender Schedule of Classes & clinic hours What is Acupuncture? What Happens in an Acupuncture Treatment? About Sacred Acupuncture Qigong Classes Spiritual Journey Breathwork Seminars for Acupuncturists Free Talks Healing Session Special Events Radio Show Juice Fasting and Detox Newsletter Audio & Video Free Downloads Internship & Apprenticing Resume Biography Poetry Links Contact		What is Acupuncture? The theory and practice of acupuncture is based on Asian medicine (also known as traditional Chinese or East Asian or Oriental medicine). This is a comprehensive natural health care system that has been used in Asian countries for thousands of years to preserve health and to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. Acupuncture treats health conditions by stimulating acupuncture points found at specific locations on the surface of the body to produce physiological effects. Acupuncturists stimulate these points in a number of ways. The most common are: 1/ by inserting very thin, sterile needles through the skin 2/ by applying heat to the acupuncture points 3/ by applying finger pressure and massage techniques The general theory of acupuncture is that proper physiological function and health depend on the circulation of an energy called Qi (pronounced "chee") through a network of "channels" or "meridians." This network connects every organ and part of the body, providing balance, regulation, and coordination of physiological processes, influences the movement of blood and body fluids and is reflected in nervous system function. Pain and ill health result when the flow of Qi through the body is disrupted or blocked. This can be caused by many things, including disease, hereditary influences, pathogens, trauma/injuries, medications, toxicity, afflictive emotions, stress, overwork, poor diet, lack of rest, etc. Stimulation of the appropriate acupuncture points through acupuncture treatments helps to restore sufficient, continuous, and even flow of Qi and other nutrients throughout the body, restoring health and balance to the body while relieving pain and other symptoms. The acupuncturist uses a sophisticated and complex system of diagnostic methods that take into consideration the person as a whole, discerning the body's pattern of disharmony rather than isolated symptoms. The aim of acupuncture is not only to eliminate or alleviate symptoms, but more importantly to treat the underlying causes of disease, to increase the ability to function, and to improve the quality of life. Acupuncture is one of the newest primary health care professions in California. The potential benefits of acupuncture are widely recognized, and it is steadily being integrated into mainstream health care. More than 15 million Americans have tried acupuncture and Asian medicine since it was introduced in the United States in the 1970s. The risk of side effects from acupuncture is very low and the potential benefits are high.   Who Can Benefit From Treatment? Patients of acupuncture range from infants to senior citizens. They may be seeking an alternative to Western medicine or it may be their last hope for relief, having exhausted other methods of treatment for a chronic condition. For increasing numbers of people, an acupuncturist is their first choice of Primary health-care Practitioner- for a low-risk form of treatment with few side effects.   How Much Does Acupuncture Cost? I charge $125 for an initial consultation, diagnosis, acupuncture treatment and herbal / nutritional plan Subsequent appointments cost $88   What About Insurance Coverage? Many California insurance plans include acupuncture treatment in their policies. Ask your insurer about coverage or reimbursement. Some plans that do not routinely cover acupuncture may pay for treatments if they are recommended by a physician. Acupuncturists are currently covered under California State Worker's Compensation. Contact our office for help with insurance billing.   What is Your Training as an Acupuncturist? I have been studying Asian medicine for 32 years. I still study every day, as this is not a subject that an acupuncturist can ever complete the study of. I began my studies in Europe in 1978 and then continued in Belgium in 1982, China in 1985, Japan in 1986 and America in 1988. I completed my American studies to become licensed in acupuncture in 1991 and continued to apprentice with senior practitioners. To qualify for licensing in California, acupuncturists must study in a four year post-graduate program and pass a comprehensive State licensing examination. Once licensed, acupuncturists are required to renew their license every two years and complete continuing education as a condition of renewal. I have been teaching acupuncture for 12 years. See my resume and biography for more details    RESUME    BIOGRAPHY   What does Acupuncture Treat? Basically I would say that acupuncture and Asian Medicine could potentially treat ANY disorder, disease or illness. Scientific evidence has been gathered for its effectiveness in the following conditions listed below, but it is important to remember that these reflect what Western trained researchers are interested in testing, which is biased towards musculoskeletal pain conditions. It is hard for a Western researcher to get funding and approval to run studies showing that acupuncture and Asian medicine could help cancer, heart disease, internal medicine disorders or emergency room presentations, it is easier to get approval for a study of knee pain. This reflects the difficulty of intruding upon areas of western medical practice which are economic 'territories'. I would argue that acupuncturists can help greatly in all these conditions and many more, but the scientific research literature currently points to the following: According to the Acupuncture Board of California acupuncture may be effective in the following conditions: allergies/asthma anxiety/depression arthritis/joint problems back pain bladder/kidney problems constipation/diarrhea colds/influenza cough/bronchitis dizziness drug/alcohol/smoking addiction fatigue gastrointestinal disorders gynecological disorders headache/migraine heart problems/palpitations high blood pressure immune system deficiency knee pain menopausal discomfort musculoskeletal injuries pre-menstrual syndrome paralysis/numbness rhinitis sciatica sexual dysfunction side effects of chemotherapy sinusitis skin problems stress/tension stroke rehabilitation tendonitis How effective the treatment is depends on the severity and nature of the condition being treated. Acupuncturists are trained to identify conditions that may require referral to a specialist, so it is important for you to provide detailed information about your condition to me so that important medical problems are not overlooked.   Scientific Research and Studies In November 1997, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) convened a panel of 12 distinguished physicians and scientists to review the history, licensing, practice, and current status of clinical research on the effectiveness of acupuncture. The first formal endorsement of acupuncture by NIH stated, "There is sufficient evidence of acupuncture's value to expand its use into conventional medicine and to encourage further studies of its physiology and clinical value." The panel reviewed evidence that acupuncture is effective for relief of: post-operative chemotherapy pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting and post-operative dental pain relief of post-operative pain addiction stroke rehabilitation carpal tunnel syndrome osteoarthritis headache tennis elbow fibromyalgia menstrual cramps asthma. In a more recent official report,  Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials (2003) the World Health Organization (WHO) has listed the following symptoms, diseases and conditions that have been shown through controlled trials to be treated effectively by acupuncture: low back pain neck pain sciatica tennis elbow knee pain periarthritis of the shoulder sprains facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders) headache dental pain tempromandibular (TMJ) dysfunction rheumatoid arthritis induction of labor correction of malposition of fetus (breech presentation) morning sickness nausea and vomiting postoperative pain stroke essential hypertension primary hypotension renal colic leucopenia adverse reactions to radiation or chemotherapy allergic rhinitis, including hay fever biliary colic depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke) acute bacillary dysentery primary dysmenorrhea acute epigastralgia peptic ulcer acute and chronic gastritis The panel found that one of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same condition. For a complete listing of medical trials and studies of acupuncture see the following World Health Organization publication: http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js4926e/5.html     What to Expect From Acupuncture Treatment Knowing what to expect from an acupuncture treatment will make you feel more comfortable about the experience:   The Clinic Environment A visit to my clinic is felt by most to be a deeply restorative, healing break from the normal stress of life. Coming to the clinic for regular treatments can help establish a new rhythm of respect for the body and calm pacing in life. The clinic is designed to promote calmness with pleasing decor, and soft lighting and peaceful music in the treatment rooms. What Happens in an Acupuncture Treatment? Here is how a treatment unfolds:  fIrstly I will take a brief medical history, or update on your symptoms. You will then lie down on a treatment table. My patients are given privacy to disrobe but leave on their underwear, and they climb under a sheet. If at some point during the treatment we need to get access to parts of the body for treatment, the patient will always be asked first and appropriately draped for modesty. For the patient the Acupuncture Treatment will normally feel very relaxing and restorative. Many patients also report feeling powerful energy flows within their body and a deep connection to healing energies and experiences. The treatment does not have to involve acupuncture. These techniques can be applied with acupressure or other healing techniques. However as I am an acupuncturist, I do often wish to use acupuncture needles, to generate the most effective treatment.   Determine Your Goals Are you seeking short-term treatment for a specific complaint, or do you want the prevention oriented, holistic approach to the health of mind, body, and spirit that acupuncture and Asian medicine can provide? Knowing what you're expectations are and communicating them to me will help you get the most from your treatment.   Diagnosis My diagnosis is determined in part by using methods similar to other health care practitioners: Asking patients for a thorough history of their health, diet, exercise patterns, and chief complaints; I also use diagnostic techniques specific to acupuncture and Asian medicine: for example, I take your pulse on both wrists and observe the tongue. I look at the facial colors and complexion. I will assess the Qi of the whole body and specific organs and acupuncture channels using Medical Qigong methods. Following the diagnosis, I will, to the extent possible, explain to you the nature of your problem, recommend a treatment plan, and give you an anticipated prognosis (outcome).   Treatment Procedures My acupuncture needles are surgical quality silica-coated (for smooth and pain-free insertion) or gold-coated (for power in transforming the Qi) stainless steel, and are between one-half and three inches long, ultra-fine, and quite flexible. They are pre-sterilized, non-toxic, and disposable (single-use). When the needles are tapped into the skin, there may not be any sensation. Much depends on the location (hands and feet tend to be more sensitive), the condition being treated, and the acupuncture technique that is needed. Needles are typically placed in multiple (2-12) acupuncture points and are usually left in about 20 to 40 minutes. The goal is to work with the circulation of Qi in the specific acupuncture channel and point that corresponds to the illness. By unblocking energy flow if it is blocked, strengthening Qi if it is weak, draining diseased energy and directing health energy to a specific organ or target area, we encourage the body's natural healing process.   How Long will I Have to be Treated For? The number of treatments needed depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your health condition. Some improvement should be apparent in one, two or three sessions, or six to eight sessions for more pervasive conditions. Two or three treatments may be sufficient for an acute condition, while a series of 10 to 15 treatments may be needed to resolve chronic conditions. Some degenerative conditions may require ongoing treatments over a long period of time. If you see encouraging signs, stick with it. Ask me if you have questions about your treatment and improvement. If your response to treatment is not satisfactory, I will try to figure out why not, modify the treatment plan, or refer to another practitioner.   Other Techniques Used along with acupuncture Other techniques I use frequently along with acupuncture include moxibustion (burning herbs to heat acupuncture points), cupping (suction), massage, acupressure, Gua Sha (acupuncture channel or point stimulation with tools) and Medical Qigong. None of these techniques hurt particularly, and the overall effect of treatment will be to to leave your body (and mind) feeling stronger, healthier, more relaxed, more energized and without pain.   Treatment Precautions Having an acupuncture treatment if you are very hungry or tired is not recommended. Occasionally, a bruise may occur at the needle site after treatment. If you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood thinning medications, you should inform me before undergoing treatment. If you are pregnant or have a pacemaker, tell me so that the appropriate herbs and acupuncture points will be chosen.   Herbal Therapy In the course of your treatment Chinese herbal remedies may be prescribed. They may be dispensed as raw herbs or in pills, capsules, granules, or tinctures which make them easier to ingest. Most herbal formulas can treat a wide variety of symptoms while stimulating the body's natural healing process. Acupuncturists are the only licensed health care professionals in California who are required to be trained and tested for competency in prescribing herbal medicine. Chinese herbal medicine has been practiced safely and effectively for thousands of years and it has the greatest potential for beneficial results when prescribed by a trained professional who understands exactly how to prescribe according to your individual pattern of illness and according to your innate and individual strength an weaknesses and inherited constitution.   More about Acupuncture If you have read through all this you probably know enough to decide if this is for you, but if you would like even more details about these techniques and about what happens in one of my acupuncture treatments see: acupuncture treatment If you would like more details about my specific methodology and philosophy of acupuncture see: Sacred Acupuncture