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What Is Chinese Medicine?Chinese Medicine is a complex system of diagnosis and treatment. It was developed over thousands of years by observing nature and observing the human body both in health and in illness. Using acupuncture, Chinese herbs, nutrition, lifestyle counseling and special exercises (such as tai chi and qi gong), Chinese Medicine works by correcting imbalances in our body, mind and spirit. In this way, Chinese medicine seeks to treat both the root cause of disorders as well as the symptoms. By relieving pain and stress and restoring the proper internal functions of our bodies, Chinese Medicine allows our bodies to better heal themselves, naturally.What Is Acupuncture?By balancing the body, acupuncture promotes the body's natural healing capabilities. Acupuncturists view the body as being made up of a network of channels that contain Qi (life energy & vital fluids). This network of channels is similar to the networks that make up our circulatory, nervous and lymphatic systems and is often thought to overlap with these systems. By using very thin, disposable, sterile needles, specific acupuncture points along these channels are stimulated in order to balance the entire network of channels within our bodies.How Does Acupuncture Work?Every person's body and mind has the ability to heal it’s self. With good food, time, rest and a positive outlook, we bounce back from many illnesses over the course of our lives. But, over time, many stressors (such as pain, injury, poor diet, daily stress, depression, overwork, lack of sleep, etc.) make it difficult for our bodies to heal on their own.Acupuncture works by either strengthening the areas of the body that are weak or removing blockages within the network of channels that carry Qi throughout our bodies. In this way, Chinese medicine relieves pain, restores proper internal functions and allows our bodies to relax and better heal themselves, naturally. Is Acupuncture Safe?When administered by a licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture is a safe way to improve your health with little to no side effects. All acupuncture needles are pre-sterilized, pre-packaged and disposable. They are used only one time and then safely disposed. In Massachusetts, licensed acupuncturists are regulated by the Board of Registration in Medicine. Acupuncture Licensure in Massachusetts requires a Masters Degree in the field of Chinese Medicine, a minimum of 1,450 hours of clinical and course instruction, as well as the successful completion of Board Exams which are administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Licensed acupuncturists practice Universal Precautions and adhere to OSHA Safety Standards.Does Acupuncture Hurt?Acupuncture needles are very thin (as thin as a strand of hair or a thread). The sensation caused by the acupuncture needles varies from person to person. Some people experience no sensation at all. Others will feel a slight pinch, warmth, tingling, heaviness or aching sensation. These sensations are not usually considered to be painful. In fact, most consider acupuncture a pleasant and relaxing experienceHow Many Treatments Will I Need?Most conditions require an average of 6-12 treatments for some improvement to be obtained, although some will respond well with less and others may require a longer treatment series – this depends on the severity and the chronic nature of your main complaint.Because most conditions will respond better to more frequent treatment we offer a discount for multiple visits in the same week. What Is Chinese Herbal Medicine?Chinese herbal medicine uses roots, bark, flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, branches, minerals and some animal products for medical purposes. Chinese herbal extracts are granule herbs that have been cooked and decocted according to the requirements of the individual herbs. They have then been processed into a granular form that does not require additional cooking. Granules are 5 times more concentrated than raw herbs. The granules readily dissolve in warm water. Granules are similar in effectiveness to raw herbs, but are much easier and more convenient to prepare.Are Chinese Herbs Safe?Concord Center Acupuncture uses Mintong Herbs and KPC Herbs because their modern scientific processing methods and rigorous quality control set them apart from all other sources of Chinese herbs. Both manufactures are located in Taiwan and share similar strategies for manufacturing premium Chinese herbs, herb extracts, and herbal preparations. Throughout the process, the herb extracts are subjected to tests to insure that they meet or exceed GMP standards. The site laboratories use equipment such as High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to assure consistent levels of active ingredients. All products are tested to insure that levels of heavy metals and harmful bacteria, such as salmonella and E coli, fall below minimum requirements.When Will My Herbal Prescription Be Ready?Herbal prescriptions are usually ready for pick-up 24-48 hours after your herbal/acupuncture appointment. A pickup time will be discussed during your appointment. Herbal prescriptions can also be shipped for a nominal shipping and handling fee. There may be occasions when your herbal prescription will be ready right after your appointment, however this can not be guaranteed.How Do I Prepare My Herbs?Granules dissolve readily in warm water. You will be provided with a 1 gram spoon with each formula to make dosages easy. Follow the dosage instructions provided on the label of your formula. Add the indicated number of level gram spoons into a mug, mix with warm or hot water and then drink. Herbs are usually taken 1/2 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating. If you experience any abdominal discomfort after drinking herbs you may take them with meals. If you experience persistent abdominal discomfort or other side-effects after taking your herbs, please discontinue taking your herbs and contact your herbal practitioner. |
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Conditions Treated | FAQs | New Patients | About Us | Contact Us ©2007 Concord Center Acupuncture, all rights reserved Serving Concord, Acton, Bedford, Carlisle, Lexington, Lincoln, Sudbury, Maynard, Metrowest and Boston, Massachusetts areas |
