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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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