Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) refers to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and Chinese therapeutic massage called Tui Na. TCM has been used in China for thousands of years. 3,000 years ago, references to acupuncture appear as inscriptions on bones and shells. The first acupuncture instruments were made of stone (ouch!). Today the tools of the trade have changed, but treatments still use the knowledge gathered over centuries of practice. The fundamental idea is that when the energy of the body is in balance there is health, when it is out of balance, there is illness or pain. Acupuncture, Herbs and Tui Na work to restore balance to the body to reduce pain and support healing.
Does it hurt?
No. Acupuncture, when done correctly, is not painful. The needles are extremely fine, most of them are as thin as a hair. When the "chi" feeling is achieved, the patient may feel a numbness, heaviness or aching, but not pain. Most people find acupuncture painless and profoundly relaxing.
How many treatments will I need?
This varies person to person. In acute situations one or two treatments may be enough. Long-term chronic conditions may take several treatments to begin to be affected. The reason for this is that TCM works to heal the root of the problem, not just cover up the symptoms. Heather suggests patients come for 6-8 treatments to decide if acupuncture will be helpful, some shift should occur in that time even in chronic cases. Herbal treatments can range from short term (i.e. for a cold) to ongoing for chronic or maintenance care.
Are Acupuncturists required to be licensed?
Yes. All acupuncturists must complete an accredited 3-4 year course in TCM and pass a national exam in acupuncture, a national exam in Chinese Herbology is optional. I am nationally certified in both modalities and state certified in CT, NY. and CA.
Are the Needles Clean?
Yes. I use only sterile, individually wrapped, disposable needles that are disposed of immediately after each treatment.
What conditions can acupuncture be used to treat?
Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of health issues including pain, infertility, digestive disorders, headaches, insomnia and anxiety or depression. The World Health Organization lists more than 40 conditions for which acupuncture may be used. They include: Pain, musculo-skeletal problems, infertility, digestive disorders, ear-nose-throat problems, gynecological problems, neurological problems and respiratory problems.
To book an appointment or ask a question, please call 203.561.7052 or email me at chinaheather@yahoo.com.