Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Arin F. McNamare (LAc, Dipl.Ac.) is licensed as an Acupuncturist in the commonwealth of Virginia. He is certified by the National Commission for Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), and has been practicing in Northern Virginia, for seven years. He feels it is important to treat the whole of the patient (emotional, mental and physical) and not just the physical symptoms. It was acupuncture treatments for an injured knee that opened the door for him into the field of Chinese Medicine several years ago. He treats a wide range of conditions, including digestive and gynecological disorders. He is inspired by the efficacy of Chinese Medicine, his meditation practices (Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Yoga), and interest in Eastern philosophy and love of world cultures. Arin also has a BA in international Affairs and a Masters degree in Education.
What is Acupuncture?
Most people are aware that acupuncture is an excellent remedy for many types of pain. But acupuncture can also reduce stress, help with weight loss and smoking withdrawal, and alleviate cold and flu symptoms. Alone or as an adjective to Western Medicine, acupuncture provides highly effective treatment for many common complaints and may provide additional relief from problems that do not respond completely to Western medical treatments. Both the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of health endorse acupuncture as beneficial for many conditions and it acts as a primary health care modality for over one-third of the world's population.
The History of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine:
Acupuncture can be traced back through four thousand years to crude stone precursors of modern needles. Archaeological findings from the Shang Dynasty (c.1300 BC) reveal early medical notations, and by the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220AD) there was a highly developed medical system using acupuncture and herbal remedies. Much of classical Chinese Medicine is based on the ideas about the order and harmony of the universe and the relationship of complimentary forces (The Tao, Yin & Yang, and the Five Elements) within human beings. Each individual was viewed as a microcosm of the world of nature around them and maintaining balance within while also living in harmony with the world outside was the key to health. Today, acupuncture continues to evolve, and while rooted in the mainstream of Oriental medical systems, it has branched out to meet the growing demand for safe, clinically effective and affordable health care in the West.
How Acupuncture Works:
According to traditional Chinese Medical theory, acupuncture promotes the body's innate ability to heal itself by regulating and balancing the flow of vital energy called Qi ("chee")- often described as the body's electromagnetic energy- along subtle and invisible channels. These channels, sometimes called meridians, form a complex network transporting and directing Qi to every part of the body, including the head, arms, legs, torso, organs and body systems. Tiny disposable needles are inserted along these channels at areas of maximum energy-the acupuncture points that have been identified over centuries of meticulous clinical observation by Oriental practitioners. Good health, sages of old discovered, depends on a balanced circulation of the Qi throughout the channels.
The Treatment Procedure:
The initial visit takes about two hours an consists of a complete acupuncture consultation and treatment. Follow up treatments, lasting 45 minutes to an hour, may be scheduled once or twice a week and within five to ten sessions most patients will feel beneficial results. Chronic conditions, however, may require more extended treatment. Treatments might also include other modalities of Chinese Medicine, such as moxibustion (heating the acupuncture points), and patent herbal formulas for certain conditions.
Does it Hurt?
Often people are interested in acupuncture but are afraid of needles. However, the tiny hair-like filament needles used for acupuncture bear no resemblance to painful hypodermic needles, and insertion is virtually painless. Only the finest quality sterilized stainless-steel disposable needles are used. Brief needling sensations vary from a pinching sensation, fullness, numbness or tingling and are a sign that the treatment is having a positive effect. In fact, acupuncture can be extremely relaxing and help decrease stress as patients are working towards their health and wellness goals.
Conditions Commonly Treated with Acupuncture:
Allergies, Arthritis, Asthma, Back Pain, Bronchitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Chemotherapy Side Effects, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Sinusitis, Cold and Flu, Depression, Drug Detoxification, Eczema, Fibroids, Fibromyalgia, Headache and Migraine, Herpes Zoster, High Blood Pressure, Immune System weakness, Impotence, Indigestion, Infertility, Insomnia, Irregular Menstruation, Knee Pain, Menopausal Syndromes, Morning Sickness, Neck and Shoulder Pain, PMS and Menstrual Cramps, Obesity, Sciatic, Smoking Cessation, Strains and Sports Injuries, Stress and Anxiety and Tendinitis.
Introductory consultation and first treatment: approximately 2 hours: $110
Following treatments approximately 1 hour: $75
Mei Zen Acupuncture - The Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture system is series of 10 facial acupuncture treatments and an alternative to botox injections. It was developed to make you look younger and feel your best. The practitioner also addresses acupuncture points on the body to complete the balancing of energy. Reported benefits are reduced wrinkles, softer skin, improved muscle tone and a firmer jaw line. Ten treatment series: $1000
