Acupuncture
Acupuncture was first employed almost 5000 years ago. It developed as part of a system of Chinese medicine that incorporated massage, nutrition and herbs. Over the centuries acupuncture has been practiced on millions of patients. It is now being utilized as a highly successful complement to our Western medicine, just as our technological advances are being introduced in the East.

The Chinese observed over the years that a number of points on the body could be stimulated to help patients overcome disease and discomfort. Ultimately the points were noted to lie on twelve major pathways that pass lengthwise over the surface of the body. Chinese theory states that energy flows along these pathways, and that disease results from energy blockages or imbalances. Stimulating the points brings freedom and harmony to the energy flow, with a restoration of health.

Western research has revealed a scientific basis for the effectiveness of Acupuncture. On anatomic study, the Acupuncture points overlie areas where nerves either divide into branches or dive deeply into muscles. Stimulation of these nerves results in the brain responding in at least three ways. First, chemical messengers called neurotransmitters are released to favorably alter nerve output to the area. Second, there is a hormonal response which includes the release of the body's own cortisol. Finally, natural healing chemicals such as endorphins are also released from the brain. Future research will add even more to our understanding of the effectiveness of Acupuncture.

Acupuncture can be used to treat a large number of disease conditions. Remembering that it developed before technological medicine, and has been the only form of medicine for millions of people over thousands of years, one can understand that acupuncture treatments have been tried for almost every conceivable disease condition. Although in my practice acupuncture is primarily employed in muscle and skeletal system problems (such as back pain, neck pain, arm and leg pain, headaches, joint pain and arthritis); I also use acupuncture to treat a wide variety of other disease conditions.

The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA) offers voluntary testing in Acupuncture to applicants who wish to demonstrate their special proficiency. Dr. Teitelbaum completed this test in 1996.

For further information on acupuncture, or to find a physician acupuncturist near you, contact:
American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA), 5820 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 500, Los Angeles, California 90036 - Phone: 213-937-5514

Chinese Herbs
Chinese herbs have been employed therapeutically for almost 5000 years. Their use was incorporated into the system of Chinese medicine that also included acupuncture, nutrition and massage. Chinese medicine, like Osteopathy, emphasizes that the body has the ability to heal itself. Herbs are believed to aid in the process of rebuilding, normalizing, and maintaining the functioning of the body. Over the centuries Chinese herbs have been prescribed by thousands of herbalists for millions of patients.

Herbs, more like food than drugs, can supplement our diet and fortify our constitution as well as prevent or remedy ailments. Herbs are well tolerated and rarely cause unwanted side-effects. The herbs work well as a system by themselves but can be readily combined with Western medicines. There are a few specific herbs which should not be combined with certain prescription medicines.

There is an unfortunate tendency in the West to recommend specific herbs for specific symptoms, such as giving St. John's Wort for anyone having depression, Ginseng to enhance sexual performance, or Ginko for mental alertness. This approach will give symptomatic relief to some, but the traditional system of Chinese herbs formulates a specific prescription for each individual, recognizing that every person has a unique constitution. Thus, one is more likely to make significant improvements in overall health if given a personally formulated herbal prescription.

A determination of the best herbal approach for you requires an assessment of your unique symptoms, personality traits and basic constitution. This assessment consists of physical examination and questioning relative to Chinese medical theory. The information obtained is used to prepare an herbal extract that is formulated especially for you.