Marian Hughes Acupuncture 707.293.6647
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Oriental Medicine is a comprehensive system describing our natural environment, the human body and its functions, and methods of correcting disharmony. This system has been refined over thousands of years in Asia. Now, this medicine continues to develop and adapt to today’s cultures, while retaining a strong connection to traditional wisdom. Part of every acupuncture appointment is your Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis, based on symptoms and signs, as well as objective and subjective findings. This diagnosis takes into account your body’s constitutional makeup and whatever disharmony is presenting currently. Your diagnosis is used to guide the prescription of acupuncture points, use of moxibustion, and prescription of a Chinese herbal formula.
Acupuncture is the therapeutic use of fine needles at specific points on the body. At one time, needles were made of bone or shell. Now, acupuncture needles are stainless steel which is sterile and disposable, made for single use. Usually, the acupuncturist will use an insertion tube to protect the sterility of the needle during insertion. The needles themselves are very fine, like a piece of hair.
During an Acupuncture treatment, insertion of needles is swift and painless. When the needle is in place, there may be some sensations in the surrounding tissue, or elsewhere in the body. These feelings of movement, tingling, heaviness, or lightness are what TCM doctors call Qi (pronounced chee). Most people find these sensations pleasant, in addition to their pain or discomfort being relieved by the treatment.
Mechanisms of how Acupuncture works have been studied in the United States since the modality was introduced here in the 1970s. Theories include chemical moderation of brain by neurotransmitters, Gate control theory (also in the brain), change in local tissues ability to transport chemical and electrical signals, and acupuncture’s ability to change blood chemistry. Further reading on these topics is available in our office. Acupuncture is recognized as effective for a great number of health issues, including addictions, anxiety, arthritis, bronchitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, colds, constipation or diarrhea, digestive pain, depression, facial paralysis or tics, fatigue, fertility issues, headache, incontinence, musculoskeletal pain, menstrual problems and menopause, stress, and insomnia. For new health concerns, patients should always consult their medical doctor for a thorough differential diagnosis of their discomfort. Then Acupuncture can be used most effectively to complement regular medical care.
Explaining treatment
Herbal medicine is available to patients of our clinic. The Materia Medica (Compendium) of Chinese Herbs contains some 200 herbs which are organized according to their individual properties and effects on the body. Classic formulas have been in use for hundreds of years, with effects and side effects documented. Herbs are combined in such a way that few people experience any side effects. Herbs can be taken in pill form, in powder form, or as a decoction of whole herbs. Some herbs are available at our clinic, while others can be shipped directly to the patient’s home within a few days. There is no extra fee for herbal consultation as part of an established treatment plan. New patients who desire herbal treatment without acupuncture or massage will pay regular consultation fees ($25-$45).
Financial
Policies
**All payment is due at the time of service** -
If you have insurance that covers acupuncture we can provide you with a form to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. You are responsible for payment at the time of service. -
Most conditions require an average
of 6-12 treatments, although some will respond well within 4-6 visits and others
may require a longer series – this depends on the severity and the chronic
nature of the chief complaint. -
MasterCard, Visa, American Express,
and Discover are accepted as well as cash and checks. If you will be paying by credit card, please use the OnlineStore -
A sliding scale is available upon
request. -
Your appointment time is reserved
specifically for you. In the event of a missed appointment or an appointment
cancelled with less than 24 hours notice you may be charged a $35 fee. Insurance
will not pay for a missed appointment.
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