Acupuncture

1. Acupuncture Diagnosis and Treatment:
Acupuncture is one branch of Oriental Medicine. An acupuncture treatment starts with a consultation between the doctor and the patient. From interviewing, observing & taking the patients pulse, the practitioner is able to gather specific information in order to determine the diagnosis. The quality of the diagnosis is key in establishing a treatment plan for the patient. A treatment plan consists in one or a series of acupuncture sessions aimed at correcting imbalances identified in the diagnosis. As the patient improves, the diagnosis changes and the treatments are adjusted to reflect the patient's progress.

2. The Acupuncture Session:
The acupuncture treatment itself consists of the insertion of tiny thread-like needles into points along pathways of energy called "meridians". This facilitates the movement of energy or "qi" (pronounced 'chee'). As long as energy flows freely and harmoniously, health is maintained. Stimulation of acupuncture points can help regulate energy by supplementing what is deficient and dispersing what is blocked or stagnant.

During the treatment, most patients experience a sense of deep relaxation and well-being. Only pre-sterilized and individually packaged disposable needles are used. A treatment lasts between 30 minutes and one hour. When appropriate, herbs are prescribed to consolidate and sustain the benefits of the acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture is compatible with other health care systems, including allopathic medicine. It is important to discuss any concurrent treatment and medicines used with the other doctor(s) so that herb-drug compatibility may be assessed. Input and on-going discussion with other health care practitioners used by the patient is highly encouraged for increased effectiveness.

3. Traditional Oriental Medicine can address the following conditions most effectively:

Musculoskeletal Problems / Pain Relief back pain, injuries hip pain, sciatica arthritis, tendinitis headaches muscle pain, fibromyalgia neck pain joint pain	Quality of Life stress management fatigue insomnia anxiety irritability, mood swings depression anger stop smoking weight management adjunct therapy to cancer treatment
Sports Medicine injuries optimum performance	Women's Health menstrual disorders disorders of menopause postpartum disorders infertility fibroids bleeding disorders
Internal Medicine respiratory disorders (asthma, allergies, flu, colds) digestive disorders nervous system disorders hormonal disorders immune system disorders urinary disorders hypertension skin disorders	Preventive Health Care Particularly effective for allergies, immune system enhancement, health maintenance and performance enhancement.

This is only a partial list of the health problems that are successfully treated with Traditional Oriental Medicine.

If you have any questions or concerns about your symptoms or diagnosis, please contact the Willow Clinic at colonna@nets.com or phone (575) 758-5070

The Willow Clinic is looking forward to providing you with the very best of care.