Larchmont Office: Michelle Wong, L.Ac
Acupuncture, one of the principal treatments in the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine, promotes healing by regulating the body’s flow of qi (vital life force, pronounced “chee”.) When qi stagnates, is blocked, or is too plentiful, illness results. When energy flows freely wellbeing is restored.
Over thousands of years, TCM has mapped out the movement of qi in the body through a system of 12 main meridians. Each meridian connects to one specific organ, or group of organs, that govern particular bodily functions.
During the insertion of needles, some people feel nothing, while others experience a quick twinge, which may be followed by tingling, heaviness or warmth. Unlike hypodermic needles that are used for injections, acupuncture needles are solid, remarkably thin, and therefore cause very little (if any) pain. Needles generally remain in place for 20-40 minutes. During (and after) acupuncture treatments, patients often describe a pleasant feeling of calm and relaxation. This feeling frequently persists for many hours after the needles are removed.
Symptom relief may occur immediately, or in the few days following treatment. For complex, longstanding complaints, several sessions are usually required, generally once or twice a week.
Chinese herbal medicine is one of the most sophisticated and effective herbal systems in the world, with an unbroken tradition dating back to the 3rd century BC. Throughout its history it has dynamically responded to changing clinical conditions and it continues to evolve with the integration of current diagnostic techniques and knowledge.
The main objective of Chinese herbal medicine is to protect, restore and balance the body. While much of modern, pharmaceutical-based medicine focuses on suppressing symptoms, herbal medicine works to heal ailments at their root. Herbal preparations nourish and strengthen the organs of the body and help to restore proper functioning. They work with the body’s innate wisdom, supporting its natural drive to fight disease and maintain health.
Many drugs used today were originally derived from botanical material and scientists continue to turn to the plant world to seek out new “cures”. Herbs are potent medicine, but unlike drugs, which contain isolated chemicals, herbs are holistic in nature. They contain hundreds of compounds that balance each other, making them safer and much less likely to cause side effects than pharmaceuticals.
Chinese herbs are typically prescribed in combination, as herbal formulas. These prescriptions are also customized, taking into consideration the unique nature of each person’s body. This practice ensures maximum therapeutic effect and enhances the medicine’s safety.
All herbs prescribed in my office are from companies with rigorous quality control specifications. They are made with premium raw materials that are safe from heavy metals, yeast, mold, pesticides, herbicides and pollutants.
Musculoskeletal: Low back pain, sciatica, hip and knee pain, tennis elbow, neck and shoulder spasm/pain, sprains/strains, TMJ, headache, arthritis
Digestive: Indigestion, gastritis, ulcer, IBS/IBD, bloating, gas, bacteria/yeast overgrowth, constipation, diarrhea
Cardiac: Hypertension, high cholesterol
Women’s Health: Painful periods, amenorrhea, irregular cycles, menopause, PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, infertility (male and female), morning sickness, correction of breech presentation
Immune System: Allergies, cold and flu, cough, immune weakness, autoimmune conditions
Metabolic: Weight loss, diabetes, thyroid disorders
Surgery and Oncology: Preparation for surgery, post-surgical pain, support during chemotherapy and radiation
Emotional: Stress reduction, insomnia, anxiety and depression
