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Q. What can Acupuncture do for me?
A. The World Health Organization has compiled a list of diseases and conditions that acupuncture can treat successfully, after research and trials had been completed. The list consists of:
• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Sciatica
• Tennis elbow
• Knee pain
• Periarthritis of the shoulder
• Sprains
• Facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders)
• Headache
• Dental pain
• Temporomandibular (TMJ) dysfunction
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Induction of labor
• Correction of malposition of fetus (breech presentation)
• Morning sickness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Postoperative pain
• Stroke
• Essential hypertension
• Primary hypotension
• Renal colic
• Leucopenia
• Adverse reactions to radiation or
• chemotherapy
• Allergic rhinitis, including hay fever
• Biliary colic
• Depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke)
• Acute bacillary dysentery
• Primary dysmenorrhea
• Acute epigastralgia
• Peptic ulcer
• Acute and chronic gastritis
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years, and in modern times the safety and efficacy of its use is constantly being researched and proven to be helpful with these conditions. Do you know that the SARS pandemic was managed successfully with Traditional Chinese medicine? But overall, acupuncture and Chinese medicine is best for chronic conditions which you may have been told ‘there is nothing else we can do’ or to ‘just live with it.’ Even worse, if you’ve been told that all diagnostic testing has ruled out anything wrong but you still don’t feel well, it is time to try a natural approach with acupuncture.
Q. What can a patient expect during and after a treatment?
A. Most patients become very relaxed during the insertion of small, sterile, single use needles. In fact, many patients fall into a relaxed sleep during the 20-30 minutes that needles are retained. Everyone may have a different sensation during treatment, but overall it is a very pleasant experience. Afterwards, there may be a feeling of slight tiredness, so exercise is not recommended for a couple of hours. The effect of one treatment can last days, but initially most people need to return in a week or so for another treatment until symptoms subside.
Q. When can I expect to see results, and how long will they last?
A. Depending on the severity of the condition and how long you have had it, will usually determine the number of treatments needed. Compliance with lifestyle, dietary, herbal and/or supplement recommendations also play a role in the resolution of any problem. My goal is always to get you to a point where you are healthier and are able to manage your health with an occasional ‘maintenance’ treatment.
Q. Are herbs and supplements safe?
A. Yes. Of course, it is always important to have a qualified professional guide you in the use of herbs and supplements. Just because something is from nature, it does not mean that it may be good for you. In fact, when used improperly, or in combination with some pharmaceutical drugs, they can be dangerous. There always seems to be a new miracle cure-all that people may be persuaded to take, but do your research. Having experience in many different forms of medicine, Gwen Thomas has the knowledge, qualifications and respect for this type of therapy.
Q. Are herbs and supplements safe?
A. Yes. Of course, it is always important to have a qualified professional guide you in the use of herbs and supplements. Just because something is from nature, it does not mean that it may be good for you. In fact, when used improperly, or in combination with some pharmaceutical drugs, they can be dangerous. There always seems to be a new miracle cure-all that people may be persuaded to take, but do your research. Having experience in many different forms of medicine, Gwen Thomas has the knowledge, qualifications and respect for this type of therapy.
Q. What is the difference between an Acupuncture Physician (AP) and a certified acupuncturist?
A. Certification is less rigorous in terms of its requirements to insert needles. It is an easier way for medical doctors to call themselves acupuncturists. They become "certified acupuncturists" with 300 hours of training. This kind of certification is available to MD’s, podiatrists, chiropractors and other types of doctors. The basic requirement of this training is that they show up for 300 hours. They do not need to meet any academic board testing, nor do they have to prove clinical proficiency to become certified. This training is not adequate for the complexity of Chinese medicine. However, there are some medical doctors who have studied Chinese medicine more rigorously after they have fulfilled the minimal requirements for certification.
Becoming a licensed Acupuncture Physician in the state of Florida now requires 5 academic years of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) study, hundreds of clinical hours and then to successfully pass National Board exams (NCCAOM). Not all Acupuncture Physicians in the state of Florida have satisfied these requirements because they were licensed before the newer guidelines, and have been grandfathered into the system. Chinese medicine is an extremely complex medical modality that is thousands of years old and takes far more than 300 hours of attention before it is practiced effectively. With over 350 acupuncture points and thousands of herbs, learning how to use them correctly takes years of dedication and experience
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Testimonials
"My son, who is an MD, suggested I try acupuncture for back pain. Regular visits to Gwen have enabled me to enjoy my retirement and continue an active lifestyle without constantly using pain medication. She is a miracle worker. "
Frank L., St Pete Beach
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Call 727-823-1601 or email gwenstcm@gmail.com
