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Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) & Acupuncture offers a unique perspective on the nature of health & illness that is different from that of the western perspective. It holds the human body in great reverence, respecting & promoting its endless capacity for rejuvenation & recovery. The symptoms are recognized as the body’s language. Through differentiation of signs & symptoms, a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture can analyze the root cause of the condition. By harmonizing the body, mind, & spirit, they are able to combat or prevent illness to improve the quality & duration of life. Acupuncture is used as an essential method to guide and support the body in its healing process. It involves the painless insertion of extremely thin needles into specially chosen points along the energy meridians of the body. The ancient Chinese believed that there is a universal life energy called Chi or Qi present in every living creature. This energy circulates throughout the body along specific pathways that are called meridians. As long as this energy flows freely throughout the meridians, health is maintained, but once the flow of energy is blocked, the system is disrupted and pain and illness occur. Imagine rivers that flood and cause disasters or an electrical grid short-circuiting that causes blackouts. Acupuncture works to “re-program” and restore normal functions by stimulating certain points on the meridians in order to free up the Chi energy. In more complex situations, Chinese herbal medicine is sometimes prescribed in order to aid in the healing process.

  According to the World Health Organization, there are 47 specific disorders that are treatable by acupuncture   although, through observation and experimentation, we know there are more.

	What does acupuncture feel like? Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, can cause some discomfort during treatment.
	What should I expect during my first visit? During your first office visit, the practitioner will ask you about your health condition, lifestyle, and behaviour. The practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviours that may contribute to your condition. Be sure to inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.
	What is acupuncture and how does it work? Acupuncture is a 5000 year old Chinese art of healing that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile, disposable needles into specific parts of the body. This technique stimulates and activates the body's immune and healing systems
	Is acupuncture safe? When practiced properly, acupuncture is extremely safe. In addition, acupuncture can work along with, as well as, enhance your other medical treatments.
	What are the needles like? The acupuncture needles used are sterile, individually packaged, and disposable.
	How often do I need to go for the treatment to be effective? The number of visits depends upon the disorder as well as the general health of the patient. An acute disorder may only need one or two treatments. Chronic conditions require more. Two to twelve treatments is a common prescription for acupuncture.
	What forms do herbs come in? Herbs may be taken as tea, pills, tinctures, and powdered extracts.
	How do herbs work? Herbs are used to nourish deficiencies or sedate excesses in the body
	Why should I try acupuncture? If you've tried other methods of treatment and they have not worked, or if you are looking for an alternative method of treatment that does not require prescription medication, acupuncture may be right for you.
	Does insurance cover acupuncture? Some insurance plans reimburse for acupuncture but, you must check with your particular company

	How Cosmetic Acupuncture Works? Acupuncture is an ancient Taoist therapeutic practice originally developed in China. The idea is that two life forces known as the yin and the yang must be balanced to produce the life force, known as chi. This chi energy flows through the body along fourteen different pathways. The idea is that wrinkles and sagginess in the face is caused by life forces out of balance in other parts of the body. By inserting very fine needles just beneath the skin, acupuncture modifies the energy flow in the body by releasing endorphins and other chemicals. The use of acupuncture for the face has been in practice over 20 years. It is believed that wrinkles evolve from specific muscular movements. A skilled and licensed acupuncturist can examine your body and identify the root cause of your facial wrinkles. Treatment will then commence on a weekly or bi-weekly basis for several weeks. Younger patients only require a month and a half worth of treatment, while older ones will probably require two to three months. The needles won't necessarily be inserted in your face. If a specific wrinkle is caused by imbalances in the spleen, for instance, the needles will be inserted in the spleen area. With each successive acupuncture therapy, patients typically notice gradual improvement of their energy levels and skin tone.
	Benefits of Cosmetic Acupuncture? Eliminate fine lines Increased collagen production Makes deep lines look softer Minimize dark circles Eliminate under-eye bags and puffy eyes Tightens pores and sagging skin Brightens eyes Eliminates drooping eyelids Removes double chin Increased muscle tone to prevent wrinkles from forming Increases circulation and increases oxygenation of the skin Tightens pores Nourishes skin, resulting in a healthy complexion and a natural, radiant glow Moisturizes the skin from the inside giving rosy cheeks to dull and tired looking skin Helps to control and manage acne prone skin Improves elasticity and texture of skin
	How much does it cost? The cost of an acupuncture session varies, but is usually about $100 - $120. That's a great price compared to a thousand dollar one-time cosmetic surgery.
	Who could benefit from Cosmetic Acupuncture? Cosmetic Acupuncture is ideal for anyone, both men and women, who wish to delay the aging process and especially for those who are looking for a non-surgical way to look and feel younger. Cosmetic Acupuncture is suitable for those with deep wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, dark circles, dark under-eye bags, puffiness around the eyes, double chin, large pores, dry, oily or acne-prone skin.
	What is the course of treatment? A typical course of treatment consists of a sequence of 12 sessions. Ideally, for optimal results, 2-3 sessions a week are recommended. Each session last approximately one hour and best of all, there is no pain, no down-time, no side effects and no risk of disfigurement or scarring. Results to treatment will vary depending on the individual’s skin type, as well as their age, health and lifestyle. Visible results after just 5-7 sessions. Once results have been achieved, maintenance of every 3 to 6 weeks is recommended to not only maintain but also continue to improve the facial rejuvenation
	Can I have Cosmetic Acupuncture if I have had botox? Cosmetic Acupuncture can help to maintain the effectiveness of Botox, therefore decreasing the number of injections needed per year. It can also possibly eliminate the need for injections completely.
	Does insurance cover acupuncture? Some insurance plans reimburse for acupuncture but, you must check with your particular company.