Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting incredibly thin, sterile, single use needles into specific points on the body. Acupuncture is one part of a complete health care paradigm known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM originated in China and has been evolving over the past 3,000 years. Chinese Herbal Medicine, tui-na (Chinese bodywork), food therapy and life-style recommendations are some of the other tools used by TCM practitioners. Acupuncture is now receiving worldwide acceptance as a viable health-care option. Federally funded research on acupuncture treatments is ever expanding. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes over 40 conditions that, based on controlled clinical trials, have been proven effectively treated by acupuncture. These conditions include but are not limited to:

Muscle and joint pain (arthritis, tennis elbow, sprains, low back pain, neck pain, knee pain, post-operative pain, early signs of arthritis, sciatica, TMJ)

Menstrual difficulties

Headaches (migraine, cluster, tension)

Emotional problems including depression and anxiety

Allergies

Gastrointestinal disorders (IBS, constipation, diarrhea, ulcers)

Insomnia

Sports injuries

Tension or stress

View more

 

There are also many conditions that are not recognized by the WHO but are proven effectively treated through clinical experience. Further, if you have a question about a condition that is not listed here, please contact Hilary for a free phone consultation at (208) 720 2570.

All of the TCM therapies are holistic, meaning they treat the whole person not just symptoms. The goal of treatment is to not only relieve symptoms but to treat the underlying imbalance or root cause of the symptoms. In TCM, symptoms are viewed as warning bells, messages given to us by our bodies alerting us to the fact that something is out of balance. The TCM practitioner takes a comprehensive look at all of the clues, determining where the imbalances are and then works with you to correct it.

Oriental Medicine

Oriental Medicine is also known as Chinese herbal medicine. Herbs (plants, stems, leafs, roots, etc) are used in various combinations known as formulas to address your specific condition. It is important to note that the formulas were designed many thousands of years ago, they were developed to be balanced so as to decrease the likelihood of side effects. Meaning, a formula that helps cool a fever will in fact have some warming herbs in it so the formula is not as harsh on your body. This allows patients to remain on many herbal formulas for many months or years without nasty side effects. Herbs in addition to acupuncture can intensify treatment results. Herbs are naturally derived substances that cost much less than many western pharmaceutical prescriptions.

Food Therapy

Food therapy and dietary advice is another important aspect of Chinese medicine. Recommendations for your specific case will be discussed as a part of your treatments, including foods to add to your diet, subtract, when to eat and certain foods to focus on for the individual symptoms.

Other therapies also used may include:

Electric stimulation

Moxibustion

Cupping

Tui na (Chinese body-work)

Integrative Health and Training

Integrative Health and Training is a women's fitness group,with private fitness sessions for both men and women also available. The goal of IH&T is to help people lose weight, become more fit and incorporate exercise into their lifestyles.

Visit the Integrative Health and Training website