Monday, February 1, 2010

Acupuncture is More Than “Being Stuck with a Bunch of Needles”

What comes to mind when you think about acupuncture.  “Getting poked with lots of needles”? 

If so, then it may be a little confusing you when I start talking about things like food, energy work, and massage.  When I say “acupuncture” I am referring to the whole treatment process that an acupuncturist (or more specifically, what I) would use if you came in to the clinic. 

The word “acupuncture” so aptly encompasses everything to do with what we do as physicians of Chinese medicine, that no one says they are going to see their “Chinese medicine practitioner”.  They say that they are going to see their “acupuncturist”.

This acupuncturist will use all the tools that she has in order to facilitate health and vitality within her patients.  That means that some of my patients will go home wearing ear magnets and some will be put on a strict food plan. Not everyone gets stuck with needles.


And just what do I do? I utilize acupuncture and Chinese medicine to:
  • Trigger the body to self-heal
  • Improve digestion
  • Increase energy
  • Stop hunger
  • Stop cravings
  • Decrease Inflammation
  • Stop pain
  • Regulate hormones 
  • Improve mood and help you to relax
So, even though not everyone “gets” why I call what I do "acupuncture" weight loss.  I still defend it wholeheartedly and believe that it is the very best name for my work.  And I am sticking to it!