Acupuncture Health Solutions
Pain management in Encino
What can I expect on my first Acupuncture visit?
Your first visit to our clinic will be slightly longer than follow up treatments, approximately one to one and a half hour. Dr. Merav will go over your health forms questionnaire and ask additional questions to ascertain your constitution. She will inquire about your digestion, sleep, urination, stool, emotions, energy, body temperature, perspiration, diet, nutrition, pain, medication you are currently taking and other relevant questions to learn your complete health history. Knowing these information will help her to successfully diagnose your condition, treat your entire body and improve your health as a whole person.
Dr. Merav will check your tongue and take your pulses. The tongue is a map of the body. It reflects the general health of the organs and meridians. Dr. Merav will look at the color, shape, cracks and coating on your tongue. She will make her diagnosis and preside with your customized treatment. After the acupuncture treatment she will discuss with you about nutrition and herbal remedies that are appropriate for specific needs. Please bring a list of any medications, lab results or recent studies for your conditions.
What Does Acupuncture Feel Like? Is It Painful?
Acupuncture needles are very small in size, usually no thicker than a strand of hair. The needles used for acupuncture are less than 1/10 the thickness of the hypodermic needle. Acupuncture needles are solid, not hollow. When inserted, you may experience a variety of sensations including: twinge, heaviness, warmth, or tingling near or along the meridians of the acupuncture points. These sensations are known as “de qi” or “arrival of qi.” In Oriental medicine, these feelings are indications that your body is responding to the treatment. Most people find it relaxing.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. It is safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles in 1996. At Acupuncture Health Solutions, we only use extremely fine, sterile, single use and disposable needles. In the hands of experienced practitioners, acupuncture treatment is a safe and effective procedure.
What should I avoid after my acupuncture session?
After an acupuncture treatment it is best to relax. Avoiding alcohol, intense physical activity, and heavy deep fried foods for at least six hours after the acupuncture treatment help the body adapt to the input of energy from the acupuncture session.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
According to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body stores two opposing and inseparable energy forces: yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, slow or passive energy, and yang represents the hot, fast or active force. The disruption or in-balance between the two states of energy leads to blockage of qi (vital energy) along the meridians (pathways) in the body. This blockage consequently causes various diseased states.
There are 12 main meridians (pathways) and 8 secondary meridians. There are more than 361 acupuncture points on the human body along these meridians. According to TCM, acupuncture works by stimulating the various points along the meridians, and opening the blockage along the meridians. This process restores the flow of energy and restore balance within the body.
Acupuncture regulates the nervous system and the immune system. Acupuncture also can alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters (e.g., endorphin) and hormones. The release of these chemicals can help to regulate downstream body functions, such as the boosting immune system and normalizing blood pressure and flow.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of sessions depends on the goal of treatment and will vary form person to person. For acute conditions, a few treatments will usually be sufficient. Chronic and more complex problems may need one or two treatments per week for several months. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Treatment frequency depends on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. Dr. Merav may suggest one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance and seasonal “tune ups”.
How should I prepare for treatment?
Wear comfortable and loose clothing. Have a light meal but do not consume any alcoholic beverages before treatments. Remember to tell your practitioner all of your medications and any physical or mental conditions. If possible, bring alist of all medications to your session.
Frequently Asked Quesitons
* Pain Control & Allergies
* Weight Loss & Detox
* Improve immune System
Additional Therapies
* We use disposable needles only.
* We've been in practice since 1999.
* Call our office for a free consultation.
* Free parking
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
– Lao-tzu
Acupuncture: The finest sterile and disposable needles only are used. Packed sterile, had sealed, and are immediately disposed of after each use.
Auricular therapy: Ear acupuncture or ear needleless therapy. A non-invasive form of electrical stimulation to the external ear for the relief of pain and addictive behaviors.
Chinese Herbal therapy: Herbal formulas are tailored to each individual patient to regulate and restore energy throughout the body. Over 250 raw herbs, formulas in pill, capsule, powder and tincture form, all for patient convenience.
Massage therapy: Tui-Na (Chinese massage), acupressure, reflexology, deep tissue, Swedish and Lomilomi (Hawaiian spiritual massage).
Nutritional assessment: Dietary suggestions are given for individual patients. Vitamins, minerals and other herbal supplements may be prescribed for patients.
.
Blood Work Analysis: Blood analysis detects imbalances that may lead to disease. One can then implement measures to help minimize the likelihood of serious conditions developing in the future.
* Some of the benefits of having your blood work analyzed are:
* Helps to confirm and better detect imbalances and health issues.
* Helps to determine the best course of treatment.
* Being able to monitor the results of any given treatment.
* Can indicate health issues not yet manifested with symptoms.
Exercise and classes: Thi Qi, Qi Gong and yoga classes are given by certified instructors. Qi Gong This form of “Qi Exercise” strengthens and circulates vital energy throughout the body.
If you have any questions about whether or not Chinese Medicine is right for you, please call and set up a FREE consultation with Dr. Yael Merav: 818-681-0404
List of Services
Moxibustion Moxa involves applying heat from a slow-burning herb over acupuncture points to stimulate the flow of Qi and warm the channels. Moxa is made from a species of mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris) and is applied to the end of a needle or used in a rolled form and held just over the skin.
Cupping Involves the increase of flow and circulation of Qi and blood. Glass globes are applied to the skin over acupuncture points. Slightly heated, these cups create a vacuum suction to draw the Qi and blood to the surface of the skin to help restore their smooth flow.
Electroacupuncture To strongly stimulate the flow of Qi, acupuncture needles can be connected to a specifically-designed electroacupuncture stimulator. The frequency and strength of the electric pulse can be varied to achieve the desired effect for each patient.
Massage & Tui NaTherapy Massage is widely used in Oriental Medicine to promote Qi and blood flow through the meridians. One form of this therapy is Tui Na which combines acupressure, massage and stretching to help restore balance in the body.
Nutrition Assessment Dietary recommendations are given for individual patients. Vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements may be prescribed according to patients needs.
(818) 681-0404
Ancient medicine modern application
Some of the conditions that are treated in our clinic:
(818) 681-0404
What is Herbology
What is Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the technique of inserting fine needles into the body at specific points shown as effective in the treatment of specific health problems.
These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years. Recently, electromagnetic research has confirmed their location.
Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (energy) and blood through distinct meridians or pathways that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels do.
According to ancient theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from where it is in excess.
In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body.
An integral part of Oriental Medicine is the use of herbs which can substantially aid in the restoration and maintenance of balance in the body.
Herbal formulas contain a range of herbs that not only possess different qualities and properties, but also target different aspects of the patient’s disharmony.
Made from organic substances such as plants, flowers, minerals and animal products, herbal remedies rarely elicit side effects and have been proven safe and effective during thousands of years of use.
Personalized formulas are made for specific health needs and for each individual constitution.
Formulas come in many forms, including herbal teas cooked from raw herbs, prepared pills, powders or tinctures.
Sciatica
Piriformis Syndrome
Rotator cuff injuries
Pain associated with bulged or injured spinal disks
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Migraines/Headaches
Constipation
Range of motion issues
Fibromyalgia
Back and Neck pain
Repetitive use injuries such as Tennis elbow, Golfer’s elbow
TMJ
Pain associated with postural imbalances
Muscle Cramps
Restless Legs Syndrome
Sports Injuries
Edema (swelling)
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (numbness/tingling in hands/arms)
Yael Merav © 2013