Wisdom Tree Healing Arts Center

What is Oriental Medicine?
    Oriental Medicine is a safe, cost-effective, and complete system of health
    care practices originating out of China and dating back to  pre-historical
    times. It includes acupuncture, acupressure, heat therapies, herbal remedies,
    massage, and gentle focused exercises. Practitioners are licensed by the state,
    after extensive education and testing.

What is Acupuncture?
    Acupuncture is the insertion of tiny "pins" at specific points in the body, in
    order to stimulate the activity of "Qi," the body's vital force. The term also
    includes a number of non-needling techniques used to stimulate these same
    points.

How Do Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Work?
    Acupuncture, herbs, or other techniques are used to unblock and nourish the
    subtle systems of the body, in order to activate your body's innate resources
    towards healing. By treating the whole person, we support the body to heal
    on the very deepest levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

What Happens During your Visit?
    Initial visits are up to two hours long, to allow plenty of time to describe
    your health concerns, and how they affect your quality of life. Follow-up
    visits last about an hour. I may gather information by feeling your pulse, or
    by examining painful areas. We will select a particular mode of treatment
    best suited for your condition.

    If acupuncture is chosen, I will insert a few tiny, hair-fine, needles into points
    on your skin. Clients are pleasantly surprised that it doesn't hurt, and report
    that acupuncture is quite relaxing. They often look forward to the slight
    warm sensation that lets them know the needle is "doing its work." If
    appropriate, we may discuss an herbal remedy or specific exercises to speed
    your healing.

    You are unique, so your treatment and healing will be unique as well. At the
    end of our session, we will create a treatment plan so you know what to
    expect as our work together progresses. Most people feel profound changes
    after just a few visits, and are able to rapidly increase the time between
    appointments as their condition stabilizes.   

    My goal is to assist you in attaining optimum health on all levels. I welcome
    your calls at any time, before or after treatment, to discuss any concerns or
    special needs you may have. I look forward to our partnership in healing.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?
    Generally, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are sterile, single-use
    disposables and about as thin as a hair. They are very different from the
    injection needles you see at your doctor’s office. As mentioned above, some
    people experience a slight sensation associated with the activation of the
    acupoint. It may feel warm or buzzy. The intensity of the sensation can be
    moderated to suit each individual. Most people find the entire process to be
    relaxing, and many fall asleep during the treatment.

Is Acupuncture Safe?
    When practiced by a skilled, licensed practitioner, acupuncture is quite safe.
    All needles are sterile, single-use, and disposable. In studies done of adverse
    effects or side effects, the rates of problems are exceedingly low.

Is Herbal Medicine Safe?
    Herbal medicine is quite safe, when practiced by a trained and licensed
    individual. However, when incorrectly used, herbs can cause serious
    problems. Still, they tend to cause far fewer and much less serious adverse
    reactions than medications. When correctly administered, the most common
    “side effects” are upset stomach or changes in bowel pattern, which are most
    often alleviated by reducing the herb dose. Because some substances are
    quite potent, it’s important to follow instructions about dosage and
    frequency, and to contact me if you notice anything unusual.

Is Oriental Medicine Proven Effective?
    There is a growing body of good research verifying the effectiveness of
    treatment with acupuncture and Oriental herbs, for a wide range of maladies.
    The National Institutes of Health is currently sponsoring studies on such
    varied applications as fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and osteoarthritis.

What About Insurance?
    Many insurance plans now cover all or part of the cost of acupuncture
    treatment. Ask your provider for coverage amounts, maximums, and out-of-
    pocket or co-pay costs. I am able to bill some providers directly, for others I
    will provide you a receipt you can send in for reimbursement.

    Most recent Motor Vehicle claims are paid at 100%, with no out-of-pocket
    costs to you.

How Will I Know if Oriental Medicine Is Right For Me?
    Just give me a call, I'll be glad to discuss your concerns. In addition, I offer
    free 15-minute consultations, during which we can sit down and discuss your
    concerns and how we may be able to address them.

Does Acupuncture Help with Stopping Smoking?
    Acupuncture has been proven to be very helpful to persons wanting to stop
    smoking. In fact, it is so effective at reducing cravings it has become a
    primary part of several addiction recovery programs in the Portland area. Of
    course, it must be used in combination with a complete stop-smoking plan
    and sufficient personal motivation.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?
    Most people start to see changes after the first few treatments. Depending on
    the condition and how long it has been going on, it may take longer for
    optimal, sustained results. An average course of treatment is 8-10 sessions
    over a 2-4 month period. After that, many people enjoy coming in for
    monthly or seasonal "tune-ups."

What Style of Acupuncture Do You Practice?
    There are many styles of acupuncture practice, originating from China, Japan,
    Korea, Vietnam, Europe, and the United States. My training is in Traditional
    Chinese Medicine (TCM), Five Elements Acupuncture, and musculo-skeletal
    styles. My herbal training is in the TCM style.

What Other Techniques Do You Use?
    I use a variety of non-needling techniques to work with acupoints on the
    body. I recommend herbal formulas in tablet or tincture form. I do energy
    work including Reiki and Cranial therapy. I teach specific therapeutic Yoga
    exercises to treat musculo-skeletal injuries and pain. I offer advice on diet,
    exercise, and lifestyle changes to support optimal health.