Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat and prevent illness for over 2000 years. 
Acupuncture is performed by inserting fine needles into points along the body, stimulating the flow of the body''s vital energy and functionality, known as Qi (pronounced 'Chee'). These acu-points connect to the network of meridians that flow beneath the surface of the skin, where they flow into the major organs. When the flow of Qi is disrupted, the body's systems become imbalanced. This is frequently experienced as illness or pain, and can appear in women as period irregularities, menstrual pain, breakthrough bleeding, etc. The goal of acupuncture is to clear away these disruptions and revitalize the flow of energy in the meridians.
Acupuncture is proven to remedy acute or chronic ailments, relieve pain, enhance recuperative powers, and strengthen the immune system. It is also effective in soothing the mind and balancing the body's hormones and chemicals, thus regulating the cycle and enhancing fertility.
During the initial consultation, the practitioner will take a comprehensive history of health and illness. This provides a diagram of the overall state of the body, not just a particular symptom. The practitioner asks questions, takes your pulse, examines your tongue, and sometimes palpates your abdomen. The initial visit can last up to 90 minutes, including your first treatment. Subsequent visits usually last about 45 minutes and are done on a weekly basis depending on the patients need for treatment. The course of treatments can vary widely. Problems that have been around for a long time may take more treatments to resolve than ones that are acute. 
Your treatment course will be determined after the initial consultation and re-assessed after each visit. For more answers, visit our Acupuncture FAQ.
Before pharmaceuticals and even the use of Acupuncture needles, herbal remedies were used to heal and balance the human body. Chinese herbs have shown their effectiveness under the scrutiny of both empirical study and modern clinical trials. These herbs can be used to augment the treatment of a particular imbalance, working together or sometimes in place of Acupuncture and other medicines. Unlike most drugs, the herbs are put into complex formulas that are specific to an individual's condition, not just any one symptom. Additionally, the formulas are so well balanced that they hardly ever cause side effects.
In the past, patients had to purchase a large bag of raw herbs, cook them for a half hour every day, and drink bitter teas. Though that option is still available to you, convenient patent medicines have become readily available and are much less of a hassle. These take high quality ingredients and put them into small, round pills that are easy to take and taste much better - no brewing or simmering needed.
Herbal remedies are usually taken a few times a day and can be used for as little as one month, to as long as one year. Herbal consultations can be included in an Acupuncture visit with the only extra charge being the cost of the herbs themselves. They can also be done separately, and unlike Acupuncture, follow-ups are only needed every other week. Herbal medicines are usually immediately available following a consultation, however, some may take a few days to prepare due to the individual nature of every formula.
Unlike prescription drugs, herbs are extremely cost effective. Herbal medicine that lasts about 30 days can range between 30$ - 40$. This is similar to the average co-pay of a prescription drug plan, with the added benefit that you won't be on them for the rest of your life.
Acupuncture is performed by inserting fine needles into points along the body, stimulating the flow of the body''s vital energy and functionality, known as Qi (pronounced 'Chee'). These acu-points connect to the network of meridians that flow beneath the surface of the skin, where they flow into the major organs. When the flow of Qi is disrupted, the body's systems become imbalanced. This is frequently experienced as illness or pain, and can appear in women as period irregularities, menstrual pain, breakthrough bleeding, etc. The goal of acupuncture is to clear away these disruptions and revitalize the flow of energy in the meridians.
Acupuncture is proven to remedy acute or chronic ailments, relieve pain, enhance recuperative powers, and strengthen the immune system. It is also effective in soothing the mind and balancing the body's hormones and chemicals, thus regulating the cycle and enhancing fertility.
What Can I Expect During a Treatment?
During the initial consultation, the practitioner will take a comprehensive history of health and illness. This provides a diagram of the overall state of the body, not just a particular symptom. The practitioner asks questions, takes your pulse, examines your tongue, and sometimes palpates your abdomen. The initial visit can last up to 90 minutes, including your first treatment. Subsequent visits usually last about 45 minutes and are done on a weekly basis depending on the patients need for treatment. The course of treatments can vary widely. Problems that have been around for a long time may take more treatments to resolve than ones that are acute. Your treatment course will be determined after the initial consultation and re-assessed after each visit. For more answers, visit our Acupuncture FAQ.
Herbal Medicine
Before pharmaceuticals and even the use of Acupuncture needles, herbal remedies were used to heal and balance the human body. Chinese herbs have shown their effectiveness under the scrutiny of both empirical study and modern clinical trials. These herbs can be used to augment the treatment of a particular imbalance, working together or sometimes in place of Acupuncture and other medicines. Unlike most drugs, the herbs are put into complex formulas that are specific to an individual's condition, not just any one symptom. Additionally, the formulas are so well balanced that they hardly ever cause side effects.Do I have to cook it and will it taste bad?
In the past, patients had to purchase a large bag of raw herbs, cook them for a half hour every day, and drink bitter teas. Though that option is still available to you, convenient patent medicines have become readily available and are much less of a hassle. These take high quality ingredients and put them into small, round pills that are easy to take and taste much better - no brewing or simmering needed.
Herbal remedies are usually taken a few times a day and can be used for as little as one month, to as long as one year. Herbal consultations can be included in an Acupuncture visit with the only extra charge being the cost of the herbs themselves. They can also be done separately, and unlike Acupuncture, follow-ups are only needed every other week. Herbal medicines are usually immediately available following a consultation, however, some may take a few days to prepare due to the individual nature of every formula.
Are herbs expensive?
Unlike prescription drugs, herbs are extremely cost effective. Herbal medicine that lasts about 30 days can range between 30$ - 40$. This is similar to the average co-pay of a prescription drug plan, with the added benefit that you won't be on them for the rest of your life.