The National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) find acupuncture effective for the following ailments:

+ Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders

• Sinusitis • Sore throat • Hay fever • Earache • Nerve deafness • Ringing in the ears • Dizziness • Poor eyesight

+ Circulatory Disorders

• High blood pressure • Angina pectoris • Arteriosclerosis • Anemia

+ Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Irritable bowel syndrome • Spastic colon • Colitis • Constipation • Diarrhea • Food Allergies • Ulcers • Gastritis • Abdominal bloating • Hemorrhoids

+ Gynecological and Genitourinary Disorders

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) • Irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation • Endometriosis • Menopause • Fibroids • Chronic bladder infection • Complications in pregnancy • Morning sickness • Kidney stones • Impotence • Infertility in men and women • Sexual dysfunction

+ Immune Disorders

• Candida • Chronic fatigue • HIV and AIDS • Epstein Barr virus • Allergies • Lupus • MS • Hepatitis Addiction Smoking Cessation • Drugs • Alcohol

+ Emotional and Psychological Disorders

• Anxiety • Insomnia • Depression • Stress

+ Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders

• Arthritis • Neuralgia • Sciatica • Back pain • Bursitis • Tendonitis • Stiff neck • Bell’s palsy • Trigeminal Neuralgia • Headaches and Migraines • Stroke • Cerebral palsy • Polio • Sprains • Muscle spasms • Shingles

+ Respiratory Disorders

• Asthma • Emphysema • Bronchitis • Colds and flu

+ Chemotherapy and radiation side effects

• Diabetes • Dermatological disorders • Weight control

Common Questions

+ What is acupuncture and Oriental medicine?

Acupuncture encourages natural healing and improved bodily function. Sterilized, stainless-steel needles (that are as fine as a human hair) are inserted into specific points on the skin surface that have the ability to alter biochemical and physiological processes in order to treat a wide variety of illnesses. Acupuncture points have been shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems over approximately 2,000 years of patient care.

Acupuncture at these specific points is effective because it provides access to Qi (pronounced chee), the animating force of living things and one of the critical elements of diagnosis and treatment in Oriental medicine. Qi flows through the body in channels, also known as meridians, and health depends on the free flow of Qi through these pathways. Because these channels not only traverse the surface of the body, but also connect to the internal organs, acupuncture provides a means to affect structures in the body, both superficial and deep.

Marguerite makes a Chinese medical diagnosis based upon a thorough physical examination (including pulse and tongue) and consultation. Once a diagnosis is made, she chooses the most appropriate acupuncture points for treatment.

+ Is acupuncture only for treating pain?

Currently in the US, the most common ailments treated with acupuncture are pain related conditions. However, as the public learns more about the efficacy of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, people are seeking treatments for many other conditions, such as digestive complaints, gynecological disorders, insomnia, asthma, depression, and various skin conditions.

+ How many treatments do I need?

Depending on the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint, you may need only a single treatment. However, a series of 5-10 treatments is more commonly necessary. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time. Although chronic conditions may require taking herbal medicine for a long time, signs that the medicine is working should be apparent to the patient and practitioner from the very start. To help reduce the number of treatments, Marguerite may suggest dietary modifications, specific exercises, relaxation techniques, and self-massage, all of which increase treatment efficacy.

+ Does Chinese herbal medicine have side effects?

No, not if the formula is correct. Most of the medicinals in the Chinese pharmacopeia have a very low toxicity compared to even common, over the counter Western drugs. When it is prescribed correctly, Chinese herbal medicine should have virtually no side effects, only beneficial healing results. If you experiences any discomfort while taking Chinese herbs, tell your practitioner, who can then modify the formula until there are no side effects.

+ Are Chinese herbs safe?

Yes, they are safe when prescribed by a professional Chinese medicine practitioner. Chinese herbal medicine has been used for over 2,000 years to treat diseases without causing harm. Although Chinese herbs are safe when prescribed by a trained, knowledgeable practitioner, they can be harmful when prescribed inappropriately. A prospective patient should feel free to ask about the training and credentials of a potential practitioner.