FAQ
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What is Oriental medicine, and how does it work?
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What most people refer to as acupuncture is really the practice of Oriental Medicine, which includes moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine, bodywork, dietary counseling, mind-body exercises, and more. This is one of the oldest continuous systems of medicine in history, with recorded instances dating as far back as two thousand years before the birth of Christ.
The human body is a verb, not a noun. It's important to understand that humans are not just highly-evolved masses of tissue -- stuff, basically. Instead, think of yourself as a collection of interrelated activities, functions, and processes. Preceding any symptom that you may have is a disruption in the complex interwoven network of movement, exchange, and transformation that is occurring within your mind and body. In other words, Oriental Medicine focuses on that which gives rise to, and comes before, both healthy physical form and symptoms. When our physiology becomes imbalanced, we become susceptible to both internal and external stressors, and eventually we get sick. Oriental Medicine can influence the body, helping it to function in the correct way at the correct time, stimulating where there is a lack of performance, and checking or reducing functional systems that are over applying themselves as a compensation for any weakness that may exist in other systems. This means that not only can Oriental Medicine help the body and mind to heal more quickly when there is an active disease process occurring, but receiving treatments at anytime can make one less susceptible to getting sick in the first place. |
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What is qi?
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Qi (pronounced "chee") is the all-pervading vital energy of the universe that flows throughout the body to nourish, warm, defend, and activate our organs, blood, skin, muscles and bones, and senses. When our qi is strong and moving correctly, we radiate health and vitality. We feel energetic, our eyes are clear, and our minds are sharp and peaceful. Qi is life itself, and it is also the specific functions of life -- interacting with our environment, speaking, digesting food, reproducing, walking, etc. Qi flows through pathways in the body called channels. These are likened to a river carrying life-giving water that nourishes the land, plants, and animals. Similarly, channels transport vital qi and blood throughout our bodies, rendering the body an integrated whole, protecting it, and helping it to heal.
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Does it hurt?
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Clint specializes in a system of Japanese Acupuncture that exclusively utilizes the teishin for all treatments. This needle has a rounded tip, which does not puncture the skin, providing the patient with a pain-free experience that achieves excellent results.
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Is it safe?
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Yes, it is very safe. Oriental Medicine is virtually side-effect free, and any side-effects that do occur are rare and mild. In the state of Ohio, all Licensed Acupuncturists have completed a three to four year program at a nationally accredited school, have passed all of the examinations required by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), and continually partake in additional educational courses to enhance their knowledge and skills. Our needles are solid, single use, disposable, and factory sterilized. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are relatively mild treatment modalities themselves, but they can have very profound effects on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical symptoms.
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How many treatments will I need?
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The answer to this question varies from person to person, and from condition to condition. Oriental Medicine is not a magic bullet. There are no secret formulas or acupuncture points for your illness. This is a functional medicine, designed to help your body and mind rediscover a more efficient and harmonious way of operating. Some dedication is required at first, but the effects of treatment are often long lasting. Stay positive and take encouragement from signs of improvement. True healing takes time and often happens incrementally.
Generally speaking, most chronic or recurring conditions will require a longer series of treatment than those that are acute in nature. It is very likely that only a handful of treatments could be needed, especially if we are dealing with conditions that are new and of a quick onset. For more severe or long-term illness, multiple sessions may be necessary, with patients coming in two to three times per week for several months. Then, treatments are typically given once a week, at minimum, for several weeks or months, while gradually increasing the interval between sessions. Consistency is key. For brand new patients, or those with newly developed health concerns, acupuncture and/or herbal medicine treatment should be given at least two to three times per week for four to six weeks. |
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What can I expect during my first visit?
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The first time you come in for treatment please bring your completed New Patient Packet with you, as this will help ensure that there is plenty of time for discussing your health history, and for answering any questions you may have. Your initial session will last anywhere from 1-1.5 hours. During this time you will get a feel for the flow of the intake and treatment process, which includes a comprehensive health history questioning, acupuncture treatment, herbal consultation, custom herbal prescription, and rescheduling. Subsequent treatments will last between 45-60 minutes.
It is necessary that I am able to access your skin in order to perform the acupuncture treatment, so please always wear loose-fitting clothing to your treatments. Also, since a majority of your treatment will consist of bodywork, you will want to be as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Please do not eat a large metal, use drugs or alcohol, shower, or overexert yourself in any way for several hours before and after your treatment. |
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Will insurance cover my treatments?
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At this time, Great Nature Oriental Medicine does not check benefits or bill insurance. Payment is due at the time that services are rendered. Payments can be made using cash, check, or credit card.
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