At the Integrative Medical Center, we are committed to bringing the highest expertise of both Eastern and Western medicine in our management of patients health. Here we combine the latest advancements in conventional Western medicine, with alternative approaches to promote natural healing and total wellness. The therapies are nonconventional, evidence-based guiding principles within the integrative medicine field, we use them to achieve the highest therapeutic efficacy. To integrate the best of Western and Eastern medicine are combined to meet the needs of the aging population, to enhance the quality of living, to reduce the overall cost of healthcare and enhance healthy productive life.
Integrative doctors work with each individual and focus on a more holistic and comprehensive approach. A patient is given a conventional western medical diagnostic procedures. We prescribe medications when needed, and strategize to find the perfect balance of alternative natural approaches. We emphasize and focus on the individual's health needs such as relief of pain, eliminate symptoms, reduces stress, restore total functions. The alternative approach may include nutritional consultation and supplements, acupuncture, massage, anti-aging, detoxification, weight management, and other. Every patient is given abundant education and guidance of self-helping and lifestyle enhancing techniques on a regular basis. Both doctors and patients alike are bonding with the philosophy of integrative medicine to achieve the goal of most effective and least invasive clinical results.
What to integrate.
At the Integrative Medical Center, we take full advantages of Western medicine in the area of its superior diagnostic technology, which can precisely locate the source of the problem in some cases and its effective treatments for acute relief and specific targeted therapy.
We strive to optimize the unique contribution of Eastern medicine, which is a non-invasive approach based on a holistic view of the human body, working through complex natural systems, with no side effects, focusing on long-term total health. Typically, this approach involves a greater patient participation and empowerment through education and practice of healthy lifestyle. This practice is especially vital for healing chronic long-term problems, and aging-related diseases.
When to integrate.
These are the questions we can ask ourselves…
- Is there anything I can do to be less invasive and have fewer side effects?
- Is there anything that can be integrated to reduce the needs for drugs or avoid invasive procedures.
- Is there anything that can be done preventively?
- Is there anything that can be done via a better lifestyle approach.
Generally speaking, Western medicine can be necessary for acute, serious and life-threatening diseases. While Eastern medicine and natural therapies shall be integrated into every situation.
How to integrate?
It is important to understand the pros and cons of each modality. Qualified professionals are the key to effective treatment. At the Integrative medical clinic, we offer over 30 years of expertise in treating our patients using the Integrative approach. With active participation in your own healthcare, you can maximize a healthy, preventive lifestyle, diet, nutritional support and ongoing education for a long, vigorously healthy life. Our doctors spend the time to both educate and customize a unique plan to address each individual's needs. We continue to follow up and modify the treatment plan as appropriate. We guide you to develop a healthy long-term lifestyle plan.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.
How does acupuncture work?
The classical Chinese explanation is the channels of energy run in regular patterns throughout the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others.
These meridians can be influenced by “needling” the acupuncture points: the acupuncture needles unblock the obstruction at the dams, and re-establish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can, therefore, help the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their healing energy through meridians.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the body via the nervous system, and other systems, to release chemicals throughout the body. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which will influence the body’s own internal healing system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture result in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well- being.
What is medical acupuncture? Is it different from ordinary acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a very old medical field, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained in Western Medicine who has also had thorough training in Eastern Medicine and acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both, as the need arises, to treat an illness. At our center, we integrate the most effective methods to meet individual needs.
What is the scope of medical acupuncture? Is it different from ordinary acupuncture?
Medical acupuncture is a system that can influence three areas of healthcare:
- Promotion of healthy well being
- Prevention of illness
- Treatment of various health and medical conditions
While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well- trained practitioner, it has much broader applications.
Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support, or adjunct to other medical treatment forms. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:
- Arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue
- Neurological and muscular disorders; headaches, facial tics, neck pain, Frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendonitis, Osteoarthritis, low back pain, sciatica, neuroma and peripheral neuropathy
- Digestive disorders, gastritis and hyperactivity, acid reflux, spastic colon, constipation and diarrhea
- Respiratory disorders: allergy, hay fever, chronic sinusitis, sore throat, chronic bronchitis, asthma and frequent colds
- Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems
- Common female disorders, menstruation, PMS, chronic pain and menopausal symptoms
Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension, stress and emotional conditions.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, and for health maintenance, four sessions a year may be all that is necessary.
Are there any side effects?
Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally, the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns or emotional state, may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is beginning to work.
It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation, or some local soreness if acupuncture was applied. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than rest or a bath to overcome.
What are the needles like? Do they hurt?
People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. You may feel pressure and heaviness at the focal points during treatment.
Acupuncture needles are very thin, solid, and are made of stainless steel. In comparison with injections or blood sampling, which utilizes hollow needles, the risk of bruising and skin irritation is less with acupuncture needles, where the needle point is smooth.
Because only pre-sterilized disposable needles are used in our clinic there is little risk of infection from the treatments.
Does acupuncture really work?
Yes, for over 2000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union, and in Europe. It is now being used more frequently in America by patients and physicians.
Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to really work?
No, Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses, and animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude (”I don’t know if I really believe in this .”) will not block acupuncture results.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Some insurance companies cover acupuncture costs. Each health policy must be reviewed to determine acupuncture benefits.
