What
Is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic
is a system of health care that focuses on the nervous system
as a key component of health. It is based on the scientific fact
that your nervous system controls every cell, tissue, and organ
system of your body. Many everyday activities, poor posture and
muscle imbalances can result in altered biomechanics and alter
the normal position or motion of spinal segments, resulting in
irritation of nerves and the areas that they affect. Practitioners
treat people by detecting these areas of dysfunction and adjusting
the vertebral column and extremities to restore normal nerve function
and proper biomechanics. Acuhealth
Centers Doctors always adjust gently and with
utmost care.
What
Conditions Can Chiropractic Treat?
· Ankle and foot pain
· Arm and shoulder pain
· Arthritis
· Back pain (including the back pain of pregnancy)
· Bursitis
· Carpal tunnel syndrome
· Disc problems
· Hip pain
· Injuries (such as auto, home, work or sports)
· Joint Pain
· Knee Pain
· Leg Pain
· Migraine headaches
· Neck pain or stiffness
· Repetitive stress injuries
· Sciatica
· Scoliosis
· Shoulder pain
· Tension headaches
· Tingling & Numbness
· Whiplash
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What
Is An Adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force
in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, "locked
up", or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint,
helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and
motion. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is improved
spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved
health. Not all patients are adjusted the same way. Acuhealth
Centers Doctors will evaluate each patient's unique
problem and develop an individual course of care.
What
Type Of Education Do Chiropractic Physicians Get?
The
Chiropractic Doctoral program is a four year postgraduate degree.
The study of Chiropractic requires a special emphasis on anatomy,
physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, X-ray, physical
medicine, spinal adjusting techniques and related subjects. To
graduate with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, each candidate
must satisfy all the required courses and pass the demanding National
Board Examination. Then, doctors apply to their individual State
Boards and must pass another extensive examination before being
granted a license to practice. A chiropractic education never
ends. Acuhealth Centers
Doctors are required to complete postgraduate continuing education
credits for license renewal and to stay current on the latest
scientific research.
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What
Can I Expect On My First Visit?
After
reviewing your medical history and discussing your specific problem,
a thorough orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic examination
will be performed. X-rays may be taken to uncover structural and
functional problems of the spinal column. The findings of these
examinations will be explained, and a determination is made whether
or not the condition will respond to chiropractic care. A treatment
plan will be initiated or the necessary referral will be made.
Will
My Insurance Cover It?
Chiropractic
care is covered by most insurance plans. Some plans require a
referral from your primary care physician. Most plans have a co-payment
which is due at the time of the visit. As a service to our patients,
all insurance forms are prepared and submitted directly to the
carrier and payment is made directly to our office. There are
many variations of insurance coverage and requirements.
If you have any questions regarding your particular plan, please
feel free to contact Imelda Rosales
our office manager and insurance expert (Mon-Fri: 9-1 3-6) at
310.514.3740.
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What
is Acupuncture?
Originating
in China over 3,000 years ago, Traditional Acupuncture is the
oldest continuously practiced medical system in the world. It
is used by one-third of the world as a primary health care system
and has been endorsed by the World Health Organization of the
United Nation. It is based on the natural laws, which describe
the flow of vital energy in nature and in the body.
This vital energy,
Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) is what helps to keep us alive
and functioning properly. It moves through the body in channels
in ways similar to streams, rivers and oceans. When the Qi in
the body is full and flowing smoothly, we experience well being
in body, mind and spirit; health is promoted. When the Qi becomes
depleted or blocked, imbalances occur which eventually may result
in illness. Symptoms are the body’s distress signals warning
us that there is a problem that needs attention.
If the real problem is not addressed, sooner or later something
more serious is likely to occur. Traditional Acupuncture treats
the deeper underlying cause in addition to alleviating the symptom.
What
Problems Can Acupuncture Help?
People come
to Acuhealth Centers
for acupuncture for many reasons, including stress, anxiety, depression,
insomnia, high blood pressure, migraines, aches and pains, sciatica
and back pain, personal growth, freedom from old patterns, or
just a feeling of being stuck in their lives.
While acupuncture
is widely known to relieve pain, the World Health Organization
recognizes the use of acupuncture in treating a wide range of
conditions, including:
·
Digestive Disorders
· Asthma
· Neurologic and muscular-skeletal disorders
· Addictions
· “PMS”
· Reproductive disorders
· Insomnia
· Allergies & immune disorders
· Chronic conditions
· Fatigue
· Stroke
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What
Can I Expect?
Traditional
Acupuncture rebalances the body’s Qi with a warming herb
called Moxa or very slender needles, about the width of a human
hair. Here at the Acuhealth Centers
we use only the highest quality sterile needles which are disposed
of after each patient. Most insertions are very shallow; sensations
vary from nothing at all to a momentary ache or tingling. Our
acupuncturist Rocky McGath,
L.Ac always uses the fewest number of needles necessary. Often
a feeling of deep relaxation and an elevation of spirit accompanies
treatment. Some people will notice a rapid improvement of their
symptoms. Others see no immediate improvement of their primary
concern, but may notice others changes or improvement in their
overall well-being. Generally, the more severe a condition is
and the longer its duration, the longer it will take to treat.
What
Are Treatments Like?
The initial
visit is designed to help me understand your reasons for seeking
treatment and to assess the underlying issues leading to your
symptoms. During the first session which takes about 1 hour, our
acupuncurist Rocky McGath
will discuss your health and life history, as well as a brief
physical examination. Subsequent visits last about 1/2 hour.
Acupuncture
treatment has a cumulative effect. Initially, treatments are weekly
for about 6 to 10 weeks until your body begins to maintain the
desired balance. After this, treatments may be every other week,
every 3 weeks, monthly, and eventually seasonally.
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Will
My Health Insurance Cover Acupuncture?
Many insurance
companies do reimburse for acupuncture. You will need to check
with your plan to determine if acupuncture is covered. Please
feel free to contact Imelda Rosales
our office manager and insurance expert (Mon-fri: 9-1 3-6) at
310.514.3740.
How
Does Acupuncture Work With Western Medicine?
Acuhealth
Centers
high Acupuncture practitioners cooperate with other providers
and consider all forms of health care when determining how to
best serve their clients.
Acupuncture
can be used with other care you are receiving, including medications.
Over time you may see that your medications or other therapies
can be educed or eliminated. This is only to be done through the
direction and consultation of your physician or other provider.
Herbal
Medicine:
For 5,000 years,
Chinese physicians have used herbs for treating most medical problems,
even life threat-ending ones. Herbal Medicine has been increasing
in popularity, many people worry about the side-effects of prescription
drugs. These herbal medicines, all of which have been proven safe
aid effective, act without the side-effects of processed pharmaceuticals.
Herbs work in a more subtle and natural manner than synthetic
drugs. Sometimes the effects are felt immediately, or the influence
can be subtle and noticed only after several days use. Herbal
Medicine has also been used as a preventative health care. The
long term use of herbal tonics and supplements have proved effective
in maintaining good health and boosting energy while calming nervousness
and anxiety, as well as improving the functions of all the body’s
organs.
Benefits
Of Massage:
Massage is an
accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs and has
proven beneficial to many chronic conditions such as low back
pain, arthritis, and bursitis. Massage helps relieve the stress
and tension of everyday living.
Massage can
have immense physical, mental and emotional benefits, including
reduced stress and a greater sense of ease and well-being. The
patient experiences improved circulation and drainage of blood
and lymph, relaxation of muscles, and improved movement of joints.
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