considering acupuncture

In the past and in the United States today, individuals use acupuncture

•      to promote health and well-being,
•      to prevent illness, and
•      to treat various health conditions and medical problems.

You may wish to consider medical acupuncture if you have a problem for which the usual treatments have been ineffective or if you wish to avoid the side-effects of conventional treatments.  If you have puzzling or cyclic problems or have developed symptoms that “do not make sense” to you or to your health care provider, you may find that the different approach of Asian medicine provides a new understanding that leads to effective treatment. 

Although research over the past ten years has provided better information on what conditions are and are not likely to respond to acupuncture, there is no way to tell without a complete evaluation (and often a trial of treatment) whether or not any individual is likely to benefit. Your initial evaluation will include a review of your past treatments and a discussion of what is known about the efficacy of acupuncture and other complementary approaches for individuals with your particular conditions.

Asian medicine invites practitioner and patient into a creative collaboration. Over a period of time, they engage in an exploration that often begins with a single symptom and gradually opens into an understanding that the symptom is part of a much larger context. It is like piecing a quilt; with time and close attention, a pattern emerges.

If you are interested in being an active participant in your health care and in exploring an approach that addresses your mind, body, and spirit and environment, acupuncture may help you maintain your good health and improve your overall well-being..