Restorative Medicine

What is Restorative Medicine?

Restorative medicine is an umbrella term that encompasses all fields of medicine that work with the body's physiology and innate ability to heal in order to restore function and help prevent and treat diseases. These therapies may include dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, herbal treatment, supplements, acupuncture, manual manipulation, mindfulness, and more.

What Is East Asian Medicine?

East Asian Medicine falls under the umbrella term of Restorative medicine. It is a comprehensive medical system based on anatomy and physiology and consists of acupuncture/moxibustion, diet therapy, manual therapies, herbal therapy, and meditation. East Asian Medicine has been treating disease, illness and injuries for *thousands of years.     
_{*Ma, Danning, et al. “The Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine.” Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences, vol. 8, Nov. 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2021.11.002.}

Is Acupuncture Safe? 

*Acupuncture is one of the safest medical interventions in contemporary medicine. In fact, it is safer than taking an over-the-counter drug. A 2006 safety study analysis on acupuncture involving nearly 4 million treatments found that the risk of a serious adverse event is almost zero when provided by a practitioner with adequate training.    
_{*Linde, K., Streng, A., Hoppe, A., Jürgens, S., Weidenhammer, W., & Melchart, D. (2006). The programme for the evaluation of patient care with acupuncture (PEP-Ac) – a project sponsored by ten German social health insurance funds. Acupuncture in Medicine, 24(Suppl), 25–32. https://doi.org/10.1136/aim.24.Suppl.25}

Is there Evidence for Acupuncture? 

*Acupuncture has over 2000 years of clinical evidence, and over the past 20 years, there have been over 13,000 studies conducted in over 60 countries, including hundreds of meta-analyses and over 1,000 systematic reviews. In 2017 the Acupuncture Evidence Project reviewed and summarized the entire acupuncture literary evidence base and stated multiple times in their report, "It is no longer possible to say that the effectiveness of acupuncture can be attributed to the placebo effect or that it is useful only for musculoskeletal pain.   
_{*The Acupuncture Evidence Project – A Comparative Literature Review 2017 – Acupuncture.org.au. 2017;:1 81. http://www.acupuncture.org.au/OURSERVICES/Publications/AcupunctureEvide…}

What Is Acupuncture? 

*Acupuncture is one of many techniques that make up the whole-body system of medicine called "Traditional East Asian Medicine."     
_{*Yu F, Takahashi T, Moriya J, Kawaura K, Yamakawa J, Kusaka K, Itoh T, Morimoto S, Yamaguchi N, Kanda T. Traditional Chinese medicine and Kampo: a review from the distant past for the future. J Int Med Res. 2006 May-Jun;34(3):231-9. doi: 10.1177/147323000603400301. PMID: 16866016.} 
Acupuncture treatment is based on individualized diagnosis, which means points are tailored to each individual and may vary from one treatment to the next. More specifically, acupuncture uses whisper-thin, sterile, single-use needles that are placed superficially in the skin and used to activate the body's self-healing mechanisms. Most patients are surprised to find that they do not feel the placement of the needles at all, but when they do, the sensation is like the tiny prick of a pin rather than the stronger sensation of having a blood test.

Who can receive treatment?

There is no limitation in terms of age, sex, or condition regarding the Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine Clinic.

Can I have Acupuncture with western medical treatment?

Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine is often used in conjunction with western medical treatment. Western medical treatment, as does East Asian Medicine, has their strength and weakness. Utilizing both helps minimize weaknesses inherent in each system while maximizing their strengths. Please inform all providers of the different forms of care you are receiving. 

What happens on my first visit?

Your first visit includes an evaluation and treatment. This appointment will entail a detailed history of your condition and other relevant information. Your provider will feel your pulse and if necessary, will perform a brief physical examination. 

Do I need to prepare for my appointment?

• Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing. If possible, clothing that allows easy access to the thigh, upper arm, and shoulder, especially if you seek treatment for a physical problem that the practitioner will want to examine.
• Bring a list of the supplements and medications you are currently taking.

How does Acupuncture work?

The practice of Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine requires the use of a unique vocabulary. Nevertheless, acupuncture and East Asian medicine is an anatomy and physiology-based medicine that utilizes the body's various systems to create systemic and physiologic change. This includes improving blood flow, engaging neural tissue, fascia, the musculoskeletal system, the endocrine system, and more.  

Do I need to believe in Acupuncture for it to work?

No, you don't. 

What Can Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine Treat?

*Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine can treat a wide range of conditions. This includes but is not limited to the respiratory system, eye/ear/mouth/sinus disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular conditions, neurologic and musculoskeletal disorders, pain, reproductive & gynecological conditions, and mental/emotional concerns.  
_{*The Acupuncture Evidence Project – A Comparative Literature Review 2017 – Acupuncture.org.au.    
2017;:1–81. http://www.acupuncture.org.au/OURSERVICES/Publications/AcupunctureEvide…}