Acupuncture & Herb Medicine

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing art. It has been used in China for over 5,000 years. The based views the human body as a biological energy field. The flow of energy travels along 14 channels imbalanced or blocked flow indicates illness.

Very fine needles are inserted into various points of the body to restore and balance the normal flow of energy, thereby relieving pain regulating and improving body function.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT?
Some patients experience immediate relief and some experience gradual relief (in some cases the immediate relief may last, while in others the pain may return). In a few cases the pain may seem worse after an acupuncture treatment. This is called rebound effect and the pain can be expected to improve gradually or within one or two days.

IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY INSURANCE?
More and more insurance companies have started to cover acupuncture treatment. You may call your insurance agent to verify your coverage. According to Florida House Bill No. 461, 1987, any insurance plan that covers a licensed medical doctor performing acupuncture treatment also provides the same coverage to a licensed acupuncture physician.

BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENET
Acupuncture can be considered one of the safest of all medical practices, while still maintaining a high degree of favorable results while having very little if any debilitating effects. In fact, it is a natural therapy without introducing any chemicals or drugs into your system, but can still balance your body's hormones, change the circulation of your blood, release pain and stress and totally cure some diseases.

Many research studies have been done on both humans and animals - the main results indicate the following:

• Acupuncture can effect the activity and secretions of the stomach, small and large intestine, gal bladder, pancreas and appendix.
• Acupuncture can cause a change in the white and red blood cells and blood platelet count, and can effect the heart rate and heart wave. It also effects the dilation and constriction of blood vessels, the permeability of capillary and the blood pressure.
• Acupuncture can increase the ventilation capacity and respiratory activity.
• Acupuncture can effect the function of the kidney and contraction and relaxation of the bladder.
• Acupuncture can effect as an antiexudation, and can increase the phagocytolysis of the recitulo andothelial system. It can also increase the reproduction of the cells and tissues and the antibodies and immunity.
• Acupuncture can effect some internal secretions systems such as hypophysis - adrenal cortex, thyroid gland function, gonadotrophins, prolactin, oxytocin, adh, anglotonin, insulin and adrenaline.
• Acupuncture can be effective in helping the nerves to reorganize and recover their functions, and can also excite or inhibit the central nervous system.

Dr Sara Shiu is an MD and assistant Professor in China. She has practiced Acupuncture in Pinellas County for nearly 20 years.