Can acupuncture and herbal medicine help me?

My training in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine helps prepare me to treat most non-emergency conditions that might lead you to a primary care provider. In fact, in some states, including California where I am also licensed, acupuncturists are considered primary care providers. Quite often patients see an acupuncturist when they feel that they are not getting better with the conventional care they are currently receiving or the medication they are taking. This is not to say that acupuncture and herbal medicine is better than conventional Western medicine, nor that it is necessarily a replacement for it. In fact,

a number of patients are referred to me by their medical doctors. Most often, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be used at the same time you are under the care of a physician or are taking pharmaceutical medication. While acupuncture and herbal medicine can treat most conditions, it can have its limitations, just as with any form of treatment. I recognize that there are circumstances that can be dealt with more effectively by Western medicine. There are many paths to healing. We will work together to find the best one for you.

For what conditions is Chinese medicine most effective?

In recent years, acupuncture has most commonly been utilized in the treatment of pain of any kind, from back or neck pain, to sore joints, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, headaches, or in recovery from injuries or surgery. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can also be helpful in treating common health problems such as arthritis, allergies, digestive problems, insomnia, or menopausal symptoms, to name just a few. It can also be effective as adjunct care for more chronic conditions such as Hepatitis, autoimmune disorders like Lupus, Fibromyalgia, or Multiple Sclerosis. Although I can address most non-emergency conditions utilizing the tools of Chinese medicine, if I feel I can’t help you, I will certainly say so. If I think your condition will respond better to the treatment of a M.D. or another healthcare practitioner, I will refer you to one.
	In the National Institute of Health’s Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture, evidence-based research on the efficacy of acupuncture in treating the following conditions was presented. Please note that the following list does not encompass all conditions treatable by Chinese medicine.

Gastrointestinal Disorders	such as nausea, vomiting, peptic ulcer, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel disease, food allergies, heartburn, ulcerative colitis, and abdominal pain
Women’s Health Disorders	such as PMS; fibroids; infertility ( for men and women ); pregnancy discomforts; all stages of menopause; irregular, heavy or painful periods
Urogenital Disorders	such as stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction
Neurological Disorders	such as cerebral palsy, Bell’s palsy, spinal cord injury, stroke rehabilitation, peripheral neuropathy, dizziness
Disorders of the Bones,  Muscles, Joints	such as arthritis; musculoskeletal pain; migraine headaches; and back, neck, and shoulder pain
Immunosuppression	for the treatment of inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, and hypersensitivity
Respiratory Disorders	such as sinusitis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and the common cold
Circulatory Disorders	such as hypertension, anemia, angina, and arteriosclerosis
Mental & Emotional Disorders	including depression and anxiety
Addictions	encompassing withdrawal from alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs
Supportive Therapy	for chronic and painful debilitating disorders
Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders