Forestville Wellness Center is the newest of West County Health Centers’ non-profit community clinics.  Its focus for healthcare:  the patient’s contribution to his or her own wellness through partnership with healthcare professionals.   Patients are encouraged to become educated in self-care through classes and support groups.  They are invited to try holistic, Eastern, herbal, homeopathic, osteopathic or energetic medicine and/or massage, in tandem with Western medicine.

This fairly modern model of cooperative medicine between Western and “complementary” providers is fast becoming a highly requested and valued approach to patient care all across the country.  Now West County residents are able to make choices in care based on their needs and values instead of relying solely on what government programs like MediCal and Medicare make available.

When acupuncturist Jody James heard about the opportunity to participate in this cooperative environment, she thought it would be a perfect way to expand access to the services she has been offering for over two years at Graton’s Community Acupuncture, Massage and Chiropractic clinic.   Acupuncture, which has been safely practiced in Asia for over 5,000 years and medically licensed in California for about 30 years, is now gaining in popularity for its success in treating a wide range of health conditions without negative side effects.  It often has provided a fallback plan when Western medicine has run out of solutions, however its role in healthcare is preventative as well.

Patients have voiced their delight over being able to direct their own healthcare.

“I know how well I respond to therapeutic massage,” said Mrs. Z., “but I couldn’t afford to go on a regular basis before the low-cost option.  I’m so excited that my doctor is supporting non-drug treatments to alleviate my pain.”

You do not have to be a patient of West County Health Centers to take advantage of the low-cost acupuncture and massage at Forestville Wellness Center.  For information about low-cost acupuncture and massage clinics, visit www.AsyrahsGarden.com or call (707) 823-2866.  For information about integrative medical care and wellness programs, visit www.wchealth.org or call (707) 887-0290.

Yes, there are quite a few folk who share this sentiment.  I was one of them, even as I started my training in acupuncture.  I’m a huge needlephobe, the one who requires smelling salts after a blood draw at the lab.  So I get it.

The lovely thing I discovered, though, is that acupuncture is nothing like having blood drawn or getting an injection.  In fact, I think our tool shouldn’t even be called a needle.  Perhaps call it a filament, or a Qi beacon.  It is so small, like a piece of thick hair, and bendable.  Many people don’t feel any discomfort at all.  They’ll ask me, “Have you put a needle in yet?”  And I’ll respond, “Yes, that’s the fifth one…”

Not convinced?  Here is more helpful information:  What makes acupuncture painless is, first, the practitioner’s expertise, and second, whether it is Chinese style or Japanese style acupuncture.  Each type has it strengths.  The main difference in terms of comfort is that Japanese style promotes a “zero pain” insertion technique with specially coated needles that just glide through the dermis.  After that, there is very little or no manipulation of the needles to intensify the “Qi response”.

That Qi response may feel like a warm, heavy or achy sensation, or like energy traveling up and down a limb or body.  It’s all good.  And within a short time, you are totally relaxed, possibly drifting off to sleep.

Now if you are still freaking out, no worries, Mate, as there are other methods that get you the great results of acupuncture without getting needled!  One of my favorites is “electrostim” and what I call “mini electrostim”.

Electrostim(ulation) uses pairs of electrode pads applied to skin over acupuncture points with a low current passed between them for 10 to 20 minutes.  The mini electrostim looks like a big pen and discharges a low current for 15 to 30 seconds to a single acupuncture point at a time, usually on the ears.  The sensation falls way short of the static electrical charge you get when you cross the room and touch someone or something that zaps you.  Electrostim is particularly useful for acute or chronic pain – it interrupts the pain cycle.  Electrostim also activates organ or systems function and rebalances areas that may need a jump start.  The intensity of either treatment is set at a patient’s comfort level.  And, of course, your practitioner has been highly trained on this equipment prior to licensure.

Some acupuncturists do non-invasive energy work by applying gold and silver Teishin needles to the skin.  This method, called “contact needling”, is another gift from Japan.  Most practitioners use “seeds” or tiny magnets which are taped on ear points for a few days.  Others teach self-healing movement routines like medical Qi Gong or Tai Qi.  I found Qi Gong to be another good surprise, more effective over three months than physical therapy for ten months, in my case.

So, there are some healing alternatives for your consideration.  Lastly, acupuncture works for an endless list of maladies and diseases, not just pain.  If you are not sure that acupuncture can help you, please take a moment to view our acupuncture page.

Acupuncture works with the energy known as Qi, to promote the body’s ability to heal itself.   Qi is accessed through superficial points along meridians that connect all parts of the body and organ systems.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses a holistic approach, and diagnosis is based on information gathered from many sources: tongue and pulse signs, the patient’s appearance and demeanor, questions about the functioning of the body and the state of mind/spirit, lab work, personal and family history, diet, lifestyle, constitution and energy level.  All information gathered helps the practitioner determine patterns of disharmony and develop a treatment plan.

When acupuncture is chosen as the appropriate course, then fine, flexible needles are painlessly inserted into specific points on the body, ears or face.  The needles increase the flow of Qi in areas it is blocked, improving circulation and the functioning of the organs and systems, reducing pain as well.

Needles are sterile, used only once, then discarded in a biohazard container.

Treatments often include other modalities, such as massage, color and sound therapy, heat or cold therapy, herbal topicals, microcurrent stimulation, moxibustion, cupping or magnets.  Patients may further participate in the healing process with prescribed herbal medicines, foods, tea, dietary supplements, and energetic practices like qi gong or yoga.

Advantages of TCM

One of the real advantages of acupuncture is the lack of negative side effects.  California acupuncturists are licensed as primary health care providers who interface with Western medical doctors as well as alternative therapy practitioners.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine may

• be part of your comprehensive health care /maintenance program
• provide an alternative to surgery
• provide an alternative to drugs with mild to debilitating side effects
• build up the body’s resources prior to surgery or chemotherapy
• provide recovery support following childbirth, extended illness, detox, surgery or chemotherapy.

What it Feels Like

Most people find treatments to be painless and very relaxing.  Some patients experience sensations of tingling, heaviness, warmth or activity around or at the points of insertion.   Japanese technique needling is especially gentle and may be used in lieu of Chinese method for sensitive patients.

Length of Treatment

A treatment plan is unique to a patient’s situation, including the type of problem, its severity and duration, and the patient’s physical state.

For most acute conditions, one may expect marked results within two to eight treatments. An average treatment lasts between 20 and 40 minutes and patients are treated from one to three times per week depending upon the nature of the problem.

Read about what acupuncture can treat

Definition of Medical Terms

Qi (chee):  Energy or life force.  Pain and ill health result when the flow of Qi through the body is blocked or disrupted, whether due to disease, injury, medication (side effect), stress, emotions, lack of rest or nutrition, or overwork.

Meridians:  Pathways along which Qi travels.  Also known as channels, these pathways network every part of the body and every organ.  Specific meridians and points are chosen according to their influence on a particular physiological function and as taught over the centuries via the ancient Chinese texts.

Microcurrent:  The application of very weak (DC) electrical current using an approved device connected by wires to certain acupuncture needles (electroacupuncture) or superficially to pads on the skin (TENS).  The most common use is with musculoskeletal pain, facial rejuvenation, or areas with reduced circulation (slow to heal).   Patients usually experience a sensation of tingling or twitching in the activated area.

Moxibustion:  The smoldering of moxa (mugwort) over points or meridians.  The properties of the moxa (moving, heating) exert influence locally and systemically.

Cupping:  Clean glass or plastic “cups” are placed on intact skin then vacuum pressure is applied to draw the tissue up into the cup.  The result is to increase the healing response and circulation and to break up stagnation of blood and Qi.  Some discoloration or bruising may occur but usually resolves within a few days.

Qi gong:  Means “cosmic breath mastery” and is a set of gentle movements and breath work designed to incorporate the pure universal energy flowing all around us into our own energy pool.   Today it is utilized as an essential therapeutic tool in many Asian countries and worldwide to improve and maintain a healthy body.  Qi gong is related to Tai qi and other martial arts practices.

Acute condition:  Of fairly recent onset or normally limited in duration.  Some conditions are regarded as chronic after one to three months.  Taking action early into the disease process usually produces better results than waiting to treat long-standing or compounded dysfunctions.  Chronic imbalances require more time to treat.

If someone were to give you money to stop smoking, would you accept the offer?  And how much would it take – $500, $5,000, $15,000?  How about if someone offered you additional years of life, quality life, not tied to a bed in ill health, but years of activity, joy, sport, familial warmth? Or if someone offered you the same for a loved one – a spouse, child, grandchild – would you jump at the chance to give up tobacco?

THE DOWN AND DIRTY

If you answered “no” to the above, felt torn or unwilling to give up smoking, you may very well exemplify why cigarettes are considered now to be one of the most addictive products available.  In case you didn’t get the news, cigarette manufacturers for decades have been engineering and adulterating their product to ensure you were a return customer.  So what may have started out as a pleasurable pastime may now feel like feeding an uncaged tiger.

FACTS WORTH REPEATING

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and other lung health associations:

• The number of US citizens trying to quit tobacco at any one time is estimated to be about 17 million.

• The number of attempts before they succeed at becoming tobacco free can range from one to ten.  Don’t give up if you don’t succeed the first time!

• The pack-a-day smoker spends about $2,000 per year on cigarettes.  That same $2,000 put into a retirement fund over a person’s work life could provide over $250,000 in savings at retirement!

• The cost to the nation for tobacco related disease, excluding second-hand exposure, tops $7 per pack in medical care and lost productivity, or more than $3,400 per smoker per year.

• Cigarettes contain 4,000 known poisons, any of which can kill in high enough doses.

• Luckily, your body starts healing within a day of quitting smoking.  Within several months, many symptoms such as coughing, sinus problems, frequent colds, shortness of breath, abnormal blood pressure and fatigue, may disappear.

• Sadly, if you don’t quit, you could very well be the someone dying needlessly every eight seconds due to tobacco use.

BUT WHAT IF…

• You are of the folks who has tried and failed?

• You are uncomfortable with the feelings lurking underneath the “coping tool” of smoking?

• Your physiology is particularly susceptible to addictive substances?

• You have limited resources or a lack of social support?

THE GOOD NEWS

How do you get your body, mind and spirit all together on the same page?  Holistic medicine comes from the point of view that the whole being is engaged in the process of change.  Does it make sense to get out and push a stalled vehicle if the tires are flat?

Our Holistic Quit Smoking Program offers multiple tools and incentives, including acupuncture, massage, behavior modification, nutrition and herbal medicine to help individuals and families attain their goal of becoming tobacco free.  Whether or not you are using a patch or prescription, our objective is to give you the support you need to successfully become a non-smoker.

WHY ACUPUNCTURE FOR QUITTING SMOKING

An acupuncturist can use a combination of ear and body acupuncture points which are known to reset physiologic patterns.  This reduces cravings, irritability, anxiety, restlessness and other symptoms of withdrawal, while supporting detoxification.

Treatments are more frequent in the initial stages of overcoming addiction, tapering off as the cravings dissipate and new healthy habits are formed.  Most patients find these treatments to be very relaxing.

The good news is we can live mostly, if not entirely, pain-free.  We are all equipped with an innate healing mechanism.  The solution comes in unwinding the plethora of messages the body is sending and then acting on this important information with the support of well-trained professionals.  Our feeling is no one should have to rely indefinitely on pain medications!

WHAT IS THE PROTOCOL?

At our clinic, you will work with up to three practitioners who have special training in pain-resolving modalities.  The first step is an in-depth review of your medical history, lifestyle, goals and needs.  Then, based on this information, we will establish a multi-disciplinary treatment plan which may include a combination of any of the following:

Acupuncture activates Qi (energy) to rebalance organ, circulatory and nervous function and to repair tissue.  Most patients report an immediate sense of relaxation, relief and improved outlook.

Electro-stimulation is the application of a microcurrent to the needles to disrupt the pain cycle.  TENS and other non-invasive techniques are used for patients not comfortable with needling.

Chiropractic analyzes the form and function of body mechanics and uses manipulation of the spine and neuromuscular system to help achieve normal use.  Treatments are safe and gentle yet effective.

Massage therapy has become one of the most popular tools in alleviating pain.  Patients may be prescribed a series of massage therapy sessions using case-appropriate modalities, such as Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point, Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial Release, Tui Na, Deep Tissue or sports massage.  Therapists are fully trained and certified.

Nutritional support and proper diet are essential to the healing process.  Some of the everyday foods in the American diet can actually increase pain levels and prevent healing!  Knowing which foods reduce pain and improve health is a first step; the healing process can be accelerated and intensified by including appropriate whole foods, supplements, Chinese herbal medicine and other remedies.

Core strengthening involves reeducation of muscle groups which are under- or over-utilized, either due to imbalance in use or patterns of compensation.  Often weak abdominal muscles cause overwork to the back and neighboring muscles.  Once the core, or trunk, muscles are properly supporting the skeletal structure and burdens placed on it, then all muscles can perform their jobs appropriately.  Reduced muscle tension or torsion results in increased circulation, better nervous system performance and therefore, reduced pain.  Rebalancing exercises, stretches and other movement training are provided via classes and individualized (home) exercise programs.

Orthopedic supplies, such as braces, heel lifts, support tape or traction devices, may be available through your doctor to stabilize your injury during healing.

Hot and cold therapy may alter the perception of pain, as well as increase circulation or decrease inflammation.

Microcurrent sessions may be recommended for resetting pain patterns and improving circulation and healing.

Cupping and moxibustion are two non-invasive treatments which can also move Qi and alleviate pain.

Emotional support is important in the transition from identifying as a person in pain to a person living the fullest life he or she can imagine.  The body follows where the mind goes.  Sometimes necessary lifestyle changes are fraught with mental and emotion resistance or fear.  Guided imagery, education, humor and compassion are just a few of the vehicles our practitioners bring to their respective practices to help patients move forward with their healing.

We are able to work alongside your Western physician and/or physical therapist.  We shall refer you out for further testing or treatment if we determine that it is in your best interest.

Take a look at this short list of symptoms which might indicate the Liver System is out of balance.  Note any that you are experiencing now or have that plagued you in the recent past.

The body’s Wood Element – Liver and Gallbladder – just like Spring, begins its upward and outward yang activity as we move away from the darkness and into longer days, the greening of dormant plant life and the end of hibernation.  Our bodies are ready to cast off the heaviness of winter and winter foods and naturally choose cleansing foods and activities, if not overridden by contrary habits.  The sometimes unfortunate consequence of all this renewed movement (aka “stirring wind” and “qi rising”) is the fuller expression of Liver System imbalances, such as those in the above list.  But then Spring is also a season in which healing treatment can have a profound effect.

Luckily, with acupuncture, herbal medicine, season-appropriate food choices, a life-affirming “thought diet”, and/or a few lifestyle improvements, many people watch their symptoms melt away!  I find this particularly true for stress- and menstrual-related problems.  Chronic and severe conditions require longer treatment (and/or referral to an MD if life-threatening).

Few people realize that they don’t have to suffer endless bouts of emotional or physical pain and dis-ease.  Very few Western doctors understand the messages inherent in these physical and emotional imbalances and so will tend to focus on suppressing the symptoms alone without really addressing the underlying cause.  Prescription drugs may also exacerbate certain imbalances.  In the holistic medicine I find most effective, patient education and self-care are intrinsic to the treatment process.

Let’s say we are working to resolve a pattern called Liver Qi Stagnation (very common amongst Americans).  The patient might fair better if s/he follows dietary suggestions adapted from ancient Chinese medical texts to include modern foodstuffs, for example:

We would also take a look at the emotional picture.  Emotions themselves can cause detrimental changes to the body, especially when they go unresolved or originate from resentment, frustration, anger and greed.  Lingering or repetitive emotions (and thoughts) cause chaotic qi and overwhelm the Liver’s ability to regulate qi in a harmonious fashion, leading to illness.  Therefore, developing the ability to live in a peaceful, empowered and responsible way can be one of the most curative changes a person can realize.  Often, as the system imbalances are rectified physically, the emotional-mental shift seems to happen more easily, and vice versa!

Ready for a happy Liver and a healthier life?  Give me a call!

pain ♦ stress ♦ women’s health ♦ fertility
facial rejuvenation ♦ stop smoking & other habits ♦ chronic & complicated conditions

Click to view slideshow.wisdom of ancient healers ∞ nature’s resources
energetic & functional harmony