Different Drummer Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?
What kind of needles are used?
How many treatments will I need?
Are Herbs an important part of the treatment?
What does acupuncture treat?
What are your office policies?

What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a way to restore the balance and proper flow of Qi through the body by inserting very thin, sterile needles at specific points along the energy channels.

Originating in China over 3000 years ago Oriental Medicine is a complete medical system that includes acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, massage, and exercise. It is based upon the empirical knowledge that a vital energy called Qi (pronounced chee) flows through channels in the body. When Qi flows undisturbed, a person is in balance and good health.

Oriental Medicine theorizes that pain, distress, or disease is caused by either a blockage or an imbalance of Qi. Conditions that can cause this include trauma, stress, emotions, diet, and lifestyle. Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and Chinese body work restore the proper flow of Qi, returning the body to its natural state of balance allowing the body to heal itself quickly and completely.

Because it treats both the symptoms and the root cause of disease, all aspects of a patient's life are taken into consideration in Oriental Medicine. When this information is coupled with other diagnostic tools, such as tongue and pulse readings, an accurate diagnosis can be made and an individual treatment plan can be implemented.

Proven Effectiveness: Acupuncture has been officially recognized by the World Health Organization for the treatment of over 200 common clinical disorders. In 1997 the National Institute of Health issued a consensus statement on acupuncture. In it they concluded that acupuncture is effective for specific types of pain and nausea and that adverse side effects are extremely low, especially when compared to conventional treatments.

What kind of needles are used?
Different Drummer Acupuncture uses only sterile disposable needles. The needles are about the thickness of a human hair and are usually completely painless on insertion.

How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed varies widely. For acute diseases or injuries, several treatments in one week may be recommended. For chronic conditions, one session a week over the course of several weeks may be needed. A good maintenance or preventative program may only include one visit per quarter.

Are Herbs an important part of the treatment?
They are a very important component of Oriental Medicine. They may be used alone or in conjunction with acupuncture. The combination is very beneficial for many conditions. Chinese herbs are rarely ever given singly, instead they are combined in formulas. This eliminates side effects and enables the formula to be customized for each patient.

What does acupuncture treat?
Oriental medicine is a complete system of medicine that treats a wide variety of conditions and illnesses. Some of the common disorders that can be successfully treated are:

ADDICTIONS: Withdrawal symptoms and cravings of nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs.

CARDIOVASCULAR: angina pectoris, palpatations, hypertension.

EMOTIONAL: Depression, anxiety, nuerosis.

GASTROINTESTINAL: Constipation, diarrhea, colitis, ulcers, indigestion, acid reflux, IBS, Crohn's disease.

GYNECOLOGICAL: PMS, endometriosis, infertility, cramps, irregular, heavy, scanty, or painful menstruation, leukorrhea, fibrocystic breast disease, perimenopause and menopause, post birth recovery, headaches.

IMMUNE: Multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus.

MUSCULOSKELETAL: Sports injuries, back pain, arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, neuralgia, muscle spasms, sprains and strains, frozen shoulder.

NEUROLOGICAL: Post stroke paralysis, carpal tunnel, numbness, tingling, head injuries, Bell's Palsy, trigminal neuralgia, sciatica, migraine.

PAIN: Headache, fibromyalgia, post surgical.

RESPIRATORY: Asthma, colds, cough, bronchitis, sinusitis, flu, allergies.

URINARY: Bladder and kidney problems.

OTHER BENEFITS: Sleep disorders, insomnia, stress reduction, skin care.

In the treatment of more advanced and serious illness, Oriental Medicine can be an excellent adjunct to standard medical treatment. In cases of chemotherapy and radiation, Oriental Medicine helps strengthen the body and minimizes the side effects of the therapies.

What are your office policies?
I accept checks, cash and MC/Visa. I also bill insurance. Presently I am a Proferred Provider for ODS, Cigna, Providence, Lifewise and American Specialty Health Networks (ASH). I also bill Regence/Blue Cross and I handle personal injury claims. If you need to cancel an appointment try to give me 24 hours notice (I'm somewhat flexible on this), otherwise I reserve the right to bill you for the appointment.