Clinic Services

In your treatment sessions you can expect:

Acupuncture

Thirty years ago, for most Americans, it seemed weird and strange to pierce fine needles into body to relieve pain. Today, it is a well known fact that acupuncture helps to manage pain. It is American's fastest growing form of health care.

What is Acupuncture?

  • Acupuncture procedure typically involves inserting very fine, solid pre-sterilized needles to selected body points (acupuncture points) along acupuncture meridians ( pathways of energy) of the body. There are a variety of manipulation techniques by the hands or by electrical stimulation. To achieve the best possible results, the method of treatment and the selection of body points must be based on proper diagnosis and treatment principles according to the theory of TCM. Classic theory recognizes about 365 acupuncture points on the surface meridians of the body. With the inclusion of miscellaneous points and new points used in ear acupuncture and other recent methods, the total universe has risen to at least 2,000 points for possible use. An acupuncturist must process a finely calibrated skill to read a patient’s body. She or he has cultivated sensitivity to the touch of different energy levels along the surface of body.

What is "Acupuncture Meridian"?

  • Acupuncture meridian is a translation of the Chinese term jing-luo. Jing means " to go through" or " a thread in a fabric"; luo means " something that connects or attaches," or " a net". The Meridian system is made up of twelve main meridians that correspond to internal Organs. There are also eight Extra meridians and many small, finer, netlike minor meridians. Transversely and longitudinally, they cross with each other in both the interior and exterior of the body. They are the channels or pathways that carry Qi and Blood through the body. They are not blood vessels . Rather, they comprise an invisible lattice that links together all the fundamental textures and Organs. They embody a kind of informational network - Qi and Blood move along them. Qi is an important concept of TCM , which refers to the invisible life force or energy that is present in all living things. The free flowing of Qi provides vitality to the human body. There is a old saying: "where there is free flow, there is no pain; where there is no free flow, there is pain". Acupuncture meridians play an important role in human physiology, pathology , prevention and treatment of disease.
  • The acupuncture meridians have been measured and mapped by modern technological methods: electronically, thematically and radioactively. Along the meridians, acupuncture points have unique electrical characteristics differing from surrounding skin. These points are electro-magnetic and consist of small palpable spots, which can be located by hand, with micro-electrical voltage meters and with muscle testing, when they are functioning abnormally. Modern research also finds parallels between the ancient concepts and modern anatomy. Many of the 365 acupuncture points correspond to nerve bundles or muscle trigger points. Several meridians track major arteries and nerves. "If people have a heart attack, the pain will radiate up across the chest and down the left arm. That's where the heart meridian goes," says Peter Dorsher, a specialist in pain management and rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. "Gallbladder pain will radiate to the right upper shoulder, just where the gallbladder meridian goes."

How does Acupuncture work?

  • The effectiveness of acupuncture is based on the functions of the Meridian system. Under normal conditions, the meridian system transports qi and blood and regulates the balance of the whole body. A relative equilibrium of normal life activities is maintained. Under pathological conditions, the meridian system performs its function of combating pathogens and reflecting systemic or local symptoms and signs. Various symptoms and signs of disease of the internal organs may find their way to the particular location where the corresponding meridians traverse. Besides, when the body defense system is weak and pathogenic factors are predominant, the meridian system may serve as a passage for pathogen transmission. Disorders of meridians developing from the exterior may traverse inward to impair the internal organs in the interior. Conversely, disease of the internal organs may affect the meridian system.
  • In treatment and prevention of diseases , the meridian system assumes the responsibility of transmitting needling sensations and regulating conditions of deficiency or excess. When acupuncture therapy is applied, stimulation of the acupuncture points is transmitted to the relevant internal organs. Consequently, normal free flow of qi and blood is restored, the function of internal organs regulated, and diseases cured. The acupuncture points themselves can be viewed as the vehicles for adjusting the meridian system, functioning like the holes of a flute that could be opened or closed to alter the "tone" of the meridian flow. The crux of acupuncture treatment is to restore the meridians to their proper state .
  • Studies have shown that there is a correlation between the electromagnetic fields in the body and the channels or meridians. So, this electrical theory of acupuncture suggests that acupuncture works by influencing the body’s electromagnetic fields.
  • Many studies have been carried out aiming to understand the mechanism of acupuncture. Acupuncture has been shown to have positive effects on the immune system, the circulation, blood pressure, rhythm and stroke volume of the heart, the secretion of gastric acid, and the production of blood cells. It also stimulates or alters the release of a variety of hormones, chemicals, and neurotransmitters that help the body to cope with injury and stress.

What conditions can be successfully treated with Acupuncture?

  • While Acupuncture is mainly known for its ability to reduce pain, it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as an adjunct to other medical treatment in many medical and surgical disorders. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed over 40 conditions that Acupuncture can treat successfully, including:Addiction, Allergies, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Back pain Constipation, Diarrhea, Depression, Food cravings, Gastrointestinal disorders, Headaches, Insomnia, Knee pain, Migraines, Menopausal symptoms, Neck pain, Pre-menstrual symptoms, Skin conditions, Smoking cessation, Sports injuries, Stress, Weight management.
  • It is said that about 90% of population responds well to acupuncture treatment. When it fails, it is most likely that failure occurred because not enough time was allowed to complete a course of treatment, or patients may have taken drugs that have a cumulative blocking effect on acupuncture

How safe is Acupuncture?

  • Acupuncture has a proven track record of being incredibly safe and effective for many different illnesses. The 1997 National Institute of Health Consensus Conference on Acupuncture stated,
  • “The data in support of acupuncture is as strong as those for many accepted Western medical therapies. One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions.”
  • As far as hygiene of acupuncture is concerned, the most common practice in America is the use of disposable needles-manufactured and packed under sterile conditions in foil-backed blister packs or in packs with guide tubes These needles are used once and then discarded. The skin is cleaned with 70% alcohol before they are inserted. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996.There are virtually no side-effects when delivered properly by a qualified practitioner. A licensed acupuncturist is required to practice by a strict code of hygienic principles known as “Clean Needle Technique,” which helps to negate the risk of infection.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

  • This is one of the most common fears of first time acupuncture recipients. Typically people assume that the needles used in acupuncture are the same type used to draw blood or to give injections. This is not the case. The needle used to draw blood or to administer injections has to be a hypodermic needle which is larger and hollow so that fluid can either be removed or inserted through its center. Acupuncture uses much smaller threadlike needles, which are solid. These smaller needles can be inserted most times without any discomfort. When people try acupuncture for the first time, they are typically surprised by how much it doesn’t hurt. A majority of acupuncture recipients report that the initial needle insertion into skin causes a sensation like a mosquito bite or mild pricking sensation, which lasts a few seconds. Once the needles are inserted in place, most users don’t feel any pain. The vast majority of patients experience a deep peaceful and relaxed feeling during and after their acupuncture treatment. Some people are energized by treatment. Occasionally, a slight increase in symptoms can occur but these are generally moderate and very temporary.
  • In some cases, based on professional judgments , the acupuncturist may choose to "manipulate" the needles which involves twisting or tapping the needle for a few seconds until " The arrival of qi" is achieved. This feeling can vary from a dull, aching pain to a tingling “shock.” The local area needled may begin to feel heavy, and the sensation of the needling may travel along the line of the meridian. The effect can thus spread beyond the local area. The needle sensation is under control , temporary and brings long term therapeutic effects.

How many acupuncture treatments will it take?

  • The number of treatment needed is different person to person. Each individual will be evaluated and a tailored treatment plan will be recommended depending on symptoms ,history and the severity of condition. Some people may only need a very small number of treatments because their condition is mild and they have only had the problem for a very short period of time. On the other hand, someone who has had a more severe condition for a number of years may require more treatments to have a significant improvement in their state of well being. Generally speaking, a patient begins to feel the beneficial effects of acupuncture after one to five treatments. For most acute aches or pain (such as back/neck pain) acupuncture has shown amazingly quick results, and patients will feel much better after first or second treatment.
  • Other factors that will contribute to the number of treatment will be your willingness to adhere to different recommendations given by the clinician, such as: dietary changes, herbal therapies, self applied acupressure and meridian style exercise. Clinically it is proven that the more the patient complies with the program given the better and longer lasting the results will be. So depending on the willingness of the patient to adhere to recommended treatment plan makes a world of difference to the number of treatments needed to see the results. Compliance and persistence many times are the hallmark of success.

Acupuncture is the core of Hui's treatment. Based on an initial comprehensive and accurate assessment of the patient, the individualized treatment plan is developed focusing on healing the body as a whole while taking care of symptoms immediately. To achieve the best result, Hui also employs:

Chinese Herbal Medicine

  • Chinese herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years and is still the backbone of medicine in China, accounting for more than 75% of TCM practice.
  • It is a highly developed and sophisticated system of natural healing used to treat a multitude of different health complaints.
  • Herbal therapy can be a powerful tool if used correctly and can be effective as the only treatment used, or as an adjunct to other modalities in many medical disorders. It is a wonderful complement to acupuncture, which makes the treatment even more effective and lasting. Almost all conditions can be helped with proper herbal therapy.
  • Lake Bluff Acupuncture carries an herbal pharmacy of patented formulas, tinctures, plasters, and granular supplements for common conditions such as:
    • allergies
    • common cold
    • cough
    • constipation
    • diarrhea
    • insomnia
    • PMS
    • sore throat
    • soft tissue injury and more
  • Detailed counseling will assure the maximum effectiveness of treatment and the safest use of herbs such as precautions about drug interactions.
  • The only safe way to find out if herbs could help with a particular problem is to consult with a trained professional. Hui believes individualized herbal recommendation is critical to successful patient outcomes.
  • Chinese herbs are a rich and potent source of energy and their use has been perfected and refined over thousands of years. In the West, the term “herb” tends to refer to something that grows in the garden. Certainly, the majority of herbal remedies are made from parts of plants-root, stalks, bark, leaves, fruit, seeds, and so on. However, animal products (such as cicada and snake skin, pig’s bile or skin) and minerals (such as talcum, kaolin, sodium sulfate) are all in the realm of Chinese Herbology.
  • In western pharmaceuticals, one active ingredient is identified and extracted from its plant origin to be used in extremely high dosages. Chinese herbs will not work as Western pharmaceuticals do. TCM doesn’t analyze herbs by their chemical ingredients. It categorizes herbs by their properties and observed effects. That includes everything from taste and temperature to the organ channel that it affects or “enters”. Chinese herbal formularies use not only the whole herbs, but sometimes up to 20 different herbs to treat one particular condition. It’s the synergy of herbs that maximizes the healing effect. It has been an empirical process in which the properties of herbs and effects of combining them- have been observed and recorded over many centuries. The resulting classic formulae comprise the basis of treatment in Chinese herbal medicine.
  • Herbal Medicine is very safe when taken by the instruction of a competent practitioner. Herbal therapy has been used almost 4,000 years in China to fight illness and promote health. Under the guidance of TCM diagnostic and healing principles, a practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine must arrive at a detailed understanding of the patient’s energy disharmonies, before suggesting the types of herbs that are required. Almost all conditions can be helped with proper herbal therapy without any or with very minimal side-effects. The reported harmful incidents with herbs were primarily from improper use at excessive dosage, without proper medical supervision. Of over 7,000 different species of herbs in Chinese Herbology, not more than ten are considered as toxins, in which case, professional advice must be obtained.

Cupping

  • Cupping is Hui's favorite tool to use to cope with issues such as the common cold and digestive complaints. Cupping is also kid-friendly and safe.
  • Cupping is a therapeutic method of oriental medicine in which cups are applied to the skin and partial vacuum in the cups is created by combustion or suctioning out air, so that the skin and superficial muscle layer are drawn into and held in the cups.
  • The cup has been made from many materials but is most often made from glass. Numerous techniques have been devised to evacuate the air from the cap. When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutes, partial vacuum created in the cup causes the blood to circulate and pulls it toward the surface of the body, thus local congestion is formed and healing takes place. The cup can be moved along the surface of the skin with the intention of breaking up stagnation. Cupping is applied by acupuncturists to certain acupuncture points, as well as to regions of the body that are affected by pain where the pain is deeper than the tissues to be pulled. Cupping has also been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues. It is the best deep tissue massage available.
  • Cupping is employed especially when there is a toxic heat syndrome and for a variety of acute ailments. It can open up areas of congestion to draw out toxins and pathogens, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, activate/clear veins, arteries, capillaries, activate the skin, clear stretch marks and improve varicose veins. It is effective in increasing circulation, relaxing tight contracted tissue, and can reduce pain. Those with very tight muscles often experience a looseness that often lasts longer than a traditional massage.
  • Cupping is safe, painless, and effective. In China, it is common knowledge and is one of the most commonly used therapeutic techniques in treatment of traumatic injury. However, patients should be informed that cupping often leaves purplish marks due to breakage of some of the surface capillaries. These marks are therapeutic, painless and will disappear without special treatment within one week or so.
  • Also see CBS news “’Cupping’ Takes The Pain Away” for more about Cupping.

Electronic Acupuncture Stimulators

Reflexology

  • For patients who are afraid of needles, reflexology is a non invasive, but effective treatment method. Hui considers reflexology as an integrated part of her treatment which helps to relax the patient for acupuncture treatment, and reflexology also provides valuable information for more accurate diagnosis. Hui has 5-years hands on reflexology experience. She developed her own gentle style, which is highly acceptable and proven among her family members.
  • Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears and their referral areas within zone related areas, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes , with the feet being the primary area of application, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body. Reflexology is Greek in origin. Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, introduced this concept of "zone therapy" to United State in 1915. American physiotherapist Eunice Ingram further developed this zone theory in the 1930's into what is now knows as reflexology. Reflexology is a gentle, effective tool used to assist in supporting and encouraging the well-being of the receiver. Reflexology is widely accepted as a complementary therapy for post-operative or palliative care. A study in the American Cancer Society journal found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as a complementary therapy. It is also commonly used for:
    • Constipation
    • Stress and stress-related conditions
    • Tension headaches
    • Digestive disorders
    • Arthritis
    • Insomnia
    • Hormonal imbalances
    • Sports injuries
    • Menstrual disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
    • Digestive problems, such as constipation
    • Back pain

TDP Lamp

  • Hui will use TDP lamp, a far-infrared heating device during a treatment to help warm the body and enhance the therapeutic effect. Unlike conventional infrared therapeutic devices, the TDP lamp features a plate coated with a proprietary mineral formation consisting of 43 elements. When heated by an electric heating element, this mineral plate emits a special band of electromagnetic waves in infrared range of 2-50 microns which simulate the Bio-Spectrum waves released by the human body itself.
  • By the end of 1985, the TDP had been successfully used in country of its origin, China to treat over 30 different human diseases and disorders; over 30 million people had received medical treatment with the TDP device. The Gold Medal was awarded to the TDP at the 1986 Zagreb International Fair in Yugoslavia. In the same year, the TDP won the Silver Medal at the 35th Brussels Eureka World Fair for inventions. In 1988, the TDP was registered by the FDA for use in the United States. Doctors in America can use a CPT code 97026 to bill insurance companies. The Widespread use of TDP lamp further confirmed that TDP had the recuperative capacity to alleviate inflammation, tranquilize pain and improve micro-circulation, as well as stabilize the metabolism. It provides several key health benefits for condition such as Chronic pain, Arthritis, Sore Muscles/Joints, Back Pan, Neuropathy, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Diabetes, Osteoporosis, soft tissue, bruises, Sciatica, Fibromyalgia, Shingles, Migraines, Surgery Wounds, Circulatory Problems, Menstrual Cramps, Injuries, Infection, Spastic Bowel, Sprains& Strains, Tennis Elbow, Ulcer And more.

Nutrition Counseling when needed.

  • Hui has a deep understanding of how eating certain food can either alleviate or aggravate a condition. She believes that there is no 'one size fits all' approach to the best way to eat because each of us has a different constitution. For patients who are ready to make life style changes for better health, Hui will incorporate nutritional recommendations from an Eastern point of view to help in extending the benefits of treatment.
  • Throughout the history of Chinese Medicine, doctors have recommended different kinds of food as treatment for their patients’ ailment. Many of the doctors recorded the diets, sometimes called prescriptions or formulas, in medical texts. Food preparations have been noted as one of the essential therapies of Chinese Medicine. A quote by a famous fourteenth century physician describes the role of Chinese nutrition within TCM: “Doctors first have to find the cause for an illness and determine which disharmony prevails. To balance this disharmony, the first and foremost measure is appropriate diet. It is not until this measure bears no results that one should use medicines.”
  • Chinese nutritional therapy is closely related to acupuncture and herbal medicine and follows the same diagnostic principles. It focuses on the qualitative effects of foods in the body. Per TCM, health is an expression of Qi balance, disease occurs when Qi is unbalanced. The body extracts and absorbs Qi from food. Foods, therefore, are mild therapeutic agents that help the body stay balanced, or bring it back into balance. Food classification follows the same criteria used for Chinese medicinal herbs: thermal nature, flavor, organ network, and direction of energy flow. Inappropriate and imbalanced dietary habits are among the most significant causes of energetic disharmony in the West. Moderation, discipline, and balance are the fundamental concepts to bear in mind when considering eating. Be aware of the flavors and the temperature of the food; be aware of a disciplined approach to quiet and reflective eating; be aware of the body’s natural daily rhythms. It is not necessary to eat Chinese food in order to follow these basic principles, it is the manner of preparation, the methods of cooking, the mixture of ingredients, and the disciplined approach of a Chinese meal that count.
  • To insure that your dietary habits support the balance of your body energies, try where possible to follow these rules: cook food lightly and serve warm; consume cold, raw, energetically hot and spicy foods sparingly; avoid cooking in heavy fats and oils; chew food well and swallow without undue haste; do not cook and warm food in a microwave: this can seriously upset its energetic balance; prepare, serve, and eat food in a quiet and focused way; eat meals at regular intervals; stop eating when it still tastes good.