- Tahoe Neuro HealingVan Harding, LAc, Dipl.OM
Truckee, CA Life's A Journey. Make It A Healthy One.
Articles by Van Harding
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture has been studied for years in the west to scientifically understand how these little needles provoke healing. Here are a few of the conclusions:
1. Acupuncture increases the circulation of blood- reducing pain and swelling
2. It causes the release of certain neurotransmitters- benefitting mental health
3. Acupuncture stimulates the natural release of opioids- reducing pain
4. A reaction with the central nervous system occurs- benefitting overall health.See the Scientific Research section under FAQs.
Why Herbs & Nutraceuticals instead of pharmaceutical drugs?
Herbs and Nutraceuticals correct the underlying dysfunctional biological mechanism that causes the symptoms whereas drugs only seek to alleviate the symptom.
Herbs and nutraceuticals are safer than drugs. According to the CDC there are “0” deaths annually due to herbs and nutraceuticals whereas prescription drugs cause approxiamtely 250,000 deaths annually.
2010 Drug Overdose Deaths: 38,329 and of that 30% were Anti-anxiety meds and 18% were Anti-depressant.
2008 Pain Relief Medication deaths: 14,800
2007 NIH: Surveillance of prescription drug-related mortality using death certificates
Military Pokes Holes in Acupuncture Skeptic’s Theory
by Blake Farmer Feb. 16, 2012The US Army has begun to make Acupuncture more widely available to troops returning home for P.T.S.D, Traumatic Brain Injury and back pain.
Why feel and assess my pulse?
The pulse assists to make a diagnosis. There are three pulse positions on each wrist that your acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ. Variations of the qualities felt in a pulse that reflect different health conditions. If there are any problems, they may appear in the pulse. In addition, pulses are assessed on head, neck, torso, legs and feet
What will occur at a typical appointment?
During the initial exam a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle. Your pulses and your tongue will be assessed and variations of a physical exam will be conducted depending upon the chief complaint. This information is then organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked or imbalanced.
What is Acupuncture & what is Oriental or Chinese Medicine?
Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine and Chinese Medicine are effective forms of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture have used this noninvasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy. Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine and Chinese Medicine are the most widely used medical system treating most of the world’s population.
Acupuncture is the insertion of