FAQs

Qi Gong is the art and science of using breath, movement, and meditation to cleanse, strengthen, and circulate the vital life energy and blood. Three basic principles are observed in the performance of the exercises: relaxation of mind and body; association of breathing with attention; and the interaction of movement and rest. There are thousands of different qi gong sets. Many are gentle and simple to learn and with regular practice one can reap great benefits.

Cupping is a technique of applying suction over selected points or zones of the body. A vacuum is created by warming the air in a jar of bamboo or glass and overturning it onto the body to disperse areas of local stagnation. This therapy is used in the treatment of arthritis, bronchitis, severe muscle tension and other ailments.

Moxibustion using Artemisia vulgaris (a plant of the composite or daisy family) evolved in northern China. In this cold, mountainous region, the effect of heating the body on the energetically active points was a logical development. Moxibustion is thought to have preceded the use of needles. The crushed leaves, or moxa, or vulgaris may be used in loose or cigar form. In theory, the burning from the moxa releases a radiant heat that penetrates deeply and is used to affect the balance and flow of qi. It is particularly useful in pain conditions that are worse with cold and better with warmth.

Originally a devastating martial art which was modified as a versatile health exercise which is likened to moving meditation. There is an emphasis on maintaining internal and external balance while encountering one’s environment. Usually one begins this practice by learning a set sequence of slow movements that have roots in self defense and energy circulation.

Various counseling techniques are used to help a patient not only gain insight into their situation but to help with reframing, problem-solving, building self esteem and learning new strategies to cope with life’s challenges.

Both are techniques that utilize deep relaxation and the alpha brainwave state to access the subconscious and facilitate healing and transformation on a deep level.

The Sandlin Technique is a gentle, non-intrusive approach to healing that incorporates the body, mind and spirit. It was developed by Virginia Sandlin, a Cherokee mystic, who has demonstrated extraordinary abilities in healing and parapsychology. This work complements and enhances all other treatment modalities and helps accelerate the healing process.

Tui Na is based and applied on the same theories and treatments as acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Because the Chinese concept of the human body includes special networks of modulation of the internal organs at the level of the skin (meridians), Tui Na can actually address internal conditions, as well as local pathologies.

Tui Na methods include pressing, circular kneading, pushing, grasping, shaking, stationary circular pressing, rotating, patting, tapping and so forth. The practitioner uses these methods with the fingers, palms, fists, or elbows.

William uses a variety of therapeutic techniques and Tui Na therapies that rest upon a solid understanding of both Western and Chinese concepts of health and disease.

Tui Na is one of the ancient branches of Chinese Medicine. Some of its techniques are akin to massage or physical therapy. Yet, Tui Na is a unique technique of body manipulations that addresses a variety of conditions. Its indications are both external and internal, and it presents therapeutic methods leading to excellent and sometimes immediate results.

In acute conditions, the results can be expected in a matter of minutes. In chronic conditions, some results should be seen within two to three weeks. Although chronic conditions may require taking herbal medicine for a longer time, nonetheless, signs that the medicine is working should be apparent to the patient and practitioner alike almost from the very start.

If taken responsibly, there are usually no side effects. Most of the medicinals in the Chinese material medica have a very low toxicity compared to even common, over the counter western drugs. If a patient experiences any discomfort while taking Chinese herbs, they should tell their practitioner, who will then modify their formula accordingly. It is important to keep your practitioner informed of any medications or supplements you may be taking.

Chinese herbal medicine treats the full range of human disease. It treats acute diseases, like intestinal flu and the common cold, as well as chronic diseases, such as allergies, gynecological disorders, autoimmune diseases, chronic viral diseases and degenerative diseases due to aging. In particular, Chinese herbal medicine is especially good for promoting the body’s ability to heal and recuperate.

For health maintenance –
Herbal therapy can also be used for general health maintenance. Tonics herbs are used to increase energy and to slow the aging process. They are also used for enhancing sexual energy and for cosmetic purposes.

For prevention –
Herbs are often taken as a method of prevention. For a person suffering from frequent headaches, taking herbs to prevent the headache from ever starting is a much better option than taking a pain reliever after the fact. Herbs are also used to prevent the flu, menstrual cramps and pre-menstrual syndrome, among many other things.

To assist Western medication –
Herbal medicine can assist with the effects and side effects of Western medication. For example, if a cancer patient is suffering from side effects such as nausea from chemotherapy, herbs can help alleviate these unwanted side effects.

Herbal therapy has three main functions:

1. to treat the immediate problem, such as killing bacteria or virus
2. to strengthen the body, helping it to recover from trauma or illness
3. to maintain health long-term

In China, herbs or herbal medicine has been part of the written history of Chinese medicine for over 4000 years. There are approximately 300 to 500 herbs that are commonly used to treat a variety of conditions. The herbs consist of roots, barks, flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, branches, insects and animal parts. They are often dried and prepared as a tea, soup, tablet, pill, granule or powder.

Yes, the following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment.

DO 
· Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the possibility of bacterial infection.
· Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your practitioner to know so that the follow up treatment can be designed to best help you and your problem.
· Continue to take any prescribed medicines as directed by your western doctor.
· Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.

DON’TS
· Avoid being too full or hungry before the treatment
· Avoid over exercise, sex, alcohol shortly before or after the treatment.

No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other 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 effect of the treatment received, just as 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 the treatment results.

Each person is unique with an individualized treatment plan. No two conditions or people respond exactly the same. The length of treatment depends on the type, severity and duration of the condition, and the physical state at the time of treatment. Both examination and your response can give us an idea. In short or lengthy cases, I do an evaluation with you to assess your progress. In order to get the best therapeutic results, it is important to follow the treatment plan and recommendations carefully. It is also vital to complete the course of therapy to restore health.

Our additional programs for health maintenance are designed and aimed toward prevention and promoting health, longevity as well as vitality to the body.

We will use one of several other methods that do not require the use of needles.

Very. One of the great advantages of acupuncture is that there are minimal risks of side effects. Needles generally cause no bleeding on entry or removal. We only use one time disposable and sterilized needles in our clinic, thus greatly reducing the risk of infection. There is minimal risk of organ or blood vessel penetration.

Most patients find the treatment very relaxing, which brings on the feeling of well-being. Most are surprised at how comfortable they are during treatment and how easily the needles are placed. Some people even go to sleep during treatment. A patient may feel a slight sensation upon entry and then pressure or a “dull” or “surging” reaction when the needle influences the energy flow. The tiny, thin needles are specifically designed to be virtually painless. Rest assured, the needles are different from the hypodermic needles given in injections.

Acupuncture is the insertion of thin, sterilized, stainless steel needles into specific points on the body to enhance the body’s innate healing abilities. Points are chosen based on a TCM diagnosis and needles are usually retained in the body for 15 -20 minutes.

TCM primarily includes acupuncture, herbs, and Tui Na (therapeutic bodywork) and has been evolving as a medicine for over 2,500 years. Many countries, both east and west have adopted Chinese medicine as part of their healthcare system. In China today modern medicine and TCM are used side by side offering the best of both worlds to their citizens.

In the US there are more integrative health centers and acceptance of acupuncture and Chinese medicine but it is far from mainstream. However, the national Institute of Health’s Consensus Development Panel on Acupuncture (November 1997) has acknowledged that there is evidence that acupuncture is efficacious for numerous medical conditions.