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SERVICES - WHAT WE TREAT | HOW WE TREAT
What we Treat: Bey Acupuncture offers a wide range of services. Please see more information below.
Internal Medicine
Daoist Medicine speaks about treating the branch of a disease, which means treating the symptoms of a disease and not the cause. It also speaks about treating the root, which means treating the cause of the disease. In every case, a determination is made whether to treat both the root and branch, one before the other and vice versa and/or both. The proper choice of treatment would be to treat the root cause of the disease, therefore eliminating the symptoms.
The root and the branch describe patterns of organ dysfunction, which can represent physiological and psychical aspects of the organs.
Mental Illness
PERCEPTION AND TREATMENT OF MENTAL ILLNESS IN CHINESE MEDICINE
Chinese medicine does not separate mind and body. Instead, the psyche and soma interact with each other. Psychological and emotional experiences can affect the body and vice versa. In this sense, spirit is linked both to the health of the body and to the health of the mind. Similarly, aspects of human experience, such as anger, that are considered psychological in a Western biomedical frame of reference are linked in Chinese medicine to specific organs. Anger is related to the liver, obsessive thought to the spleen, and joy to the heart.
No specific constellations of "psychotropic" herbs or medicinal agents are prescribed routinely for specific mental conditions. In addition, given the cultural predisposition to somatization, it may be unclear, in some instances, whether a mental disorder is being treated at all. In Chinese medicine, clinical presentations that are associated with neurosis (shenjing guan neng zhong) include a wide range of complaints that have distinct physical effects.
Even the term "depression" has a somatic linkage. Depression is understood as a disruption of normal emotional activity,3 related to the stagnation of qi (vital substance) caused by "affect damage" (the ability of emotional excesses to damage the internal organs). In Chinese medicine, depression requires differential diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Patterns associated with stagnation of liver qi, heat related to the insufficiency of yin, stomach heat, and the insufficiency of heart and spleen blood may all be variously implicated.
Clinical presentations associated with mental disorders in Chinese medicine2
• Bu mei sleeplessness
• Xin ji palpitation
• Yu zheng depression
• Yi jing seminal emission
• Yang wei yang wilting (impotence)
• Zang zao visceral agitation
• Xu sun "vacuity detriment" (severe chronic insufficiency of yin, yang, qi, or blood)
West J Med. 2002 September; 176(4): 275–279.
Copyright © Copyright 2002 BMJ publishing Group
Various forms of disorders which are diagnosed in the West as mental illness or psychological disorders have been recognized by physicians of ancient traditions such as Chinese medicine, Sufi medicine, African medicine, and Tibetan medicine. Chinese medicine tends to classify these as disorders of the "spirit essence", and applies a variety of balancing treatments to address the mechanisms of these disorders. Although in the West, psychiatry and neurology have been historically divided, modern trends are to put these disciplines back together where they belong. One result of our antiquated medical education system is to perpetuate these types of illogical divisions among physicians. And, because there are strong economic and political forces maintaining this system, it is unlikely that any substantial change will be made, and patients will continue to suffer as a result of the narrow training of their physicians. The ancient Chinese physicians have never had to contend with this artificial distinction between body and mind, which, like many of the arbitrary divisions between specialists in the West, is not based on any scientific or clinical foundation. Chinese doctors recognized that every imbalance will eventually affect both the emotional state and the body's function.
Patients are distressed and frustrated that they have to collect a stable of physicians to address the reality of multisystem disease. Most disorders of this modern era are not simple and are not easily cured with a single intervention. Symptoms vary and can cross the divisions that now characterize our specialty-based system. The result is fragmented and third-rate care.
For example, a patient who was depressed after heart surgery (a very common occurrence) finds that their surgeon is not interested or capable of treating this, and they are sent off to a psychiatrist. The drugs the psychiatrist uses may affect the heart rhythm, so the patient is sent to a cardiologist, who places the patient on a drug which causes a deterioration in kidney function. You guessed it ... they are sent off to the nephrologist to have this evaluated. It is common to see patients who are juggling drugs from several doctors, some of which interact and are causing new problems for the patient.
One of the most gratifying results of studying Chinese medicine is the ability to analyze the mechanisms of disease and understand how to address symptoms and signs which are ignored by specialists who focus narrowly on only a few aspects of the patient's complaint. Most patients are delighted to understand that these symptoms are truly interrelated in Chinese medicine and all must be treated together for the best results.
Psychological problems are commonly treated with drugs, which have severe side effects on the body. These side effects are often dose-related, so appropriate Oriental techniques can allow a reduction of dose with resulting reduction of these side effects. Many diseases affect both the body and mind, and so applying the inherently holistic treatments of Oriental medicine may eliminate the need for multiple specialists and address multiple organ system symptoms.
Problems classified by modern physicians as mental illness are usually complex and chronic, so complete remissions using either modern or ancient techniques are rare. Anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, learning disorders, seizure disorders, panic disorders, mood and spiritual problems require a long term commitment and a close relationship between physician and patient for a satisfactory outcome.
Gastrointestinal Disorders (diabetes, ulcerative colitis, IBS, Crohn's disease, etc.)
Traditional Chinese Medical Theory for Digestive Disorders
• In traditional Chinese medical theory, the Spleen is the key organ involved in gastro-intestinal disorders. The Spleen has primary responsibility for "transforming" and "transporting" food essence in the body, including the excretion of waste material. The Spleen and Stomach are Yin/Yang partners, and each one can develop characteristic problems. The Spleen needs to be somewhat moist in order to function well, but if it becomes deficient in Chi, it will become overwhelmed by moisture, and a pathological condition of Dampness (or Damp Heat) can settle into the body. The Stomach, on the other hand, needs to be on the dry side to function well, and when its balance is upset, it can easily overheat, and a painful condition of Stomach Fire can develop. Other organs, especially the Liver, can also contribute to gastro-intestinal distress. The four most common patterns seen when gastro-intestinal problems are differentiated are as follows: Spleen Chi Deficiency, which is caused by chronic fatigue or chronic illness; Damp Heat Retention, which is caused by improper diet, environmental factors, or infections; Disharmony of Liver and Spleen, which is caused by emotional disturbance; and Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency, which is caused by chronic illness or aging. To treat these imbalances, Chinese medicine commonly uses acupuncture, herbal medicine, and moxibustion. When applied properly, these modalities balance Yin and Yang, harmonize Chi and Blood, nourish the organs, and eliminate Damp Heat.
Conditions which respond well to acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine include:
• gastrointestinal infections such as virus infections from rotavirus
• bacterial infections from salmonella, shigella or escherichia coli
• inflammatory diseases such as chronic gastritis, atrophic gastritis, chronic enteritis, and gastroenteritis
• peptic ulcers such as duodenal ulcer and gastric ulcer
• circulation problems in the gastrointestinal system such as gastrointestinal tract bleeding and intestinal cramps
• gastrointestinal tumors such as stomach cancer, tumors of the small intestine, or colon cancer
• inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
• and other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and short bowel syndrome.
Male Reproductive Health (benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, infertility, impotence)
1) BPH: A Common Part of Aging
2) Prostate Health and TCM
1) Ejaculation, Premature
2) Ejaculation, Thin and Scanty
3) Erectile Dysfunction
4) Impotence
5) Inability to Ejaculate During Intercourse
6) Male Infertility
7) Nocturnal Emission
8) Nocturnal Emission
9) Priapism (Persistent Erection)
10) Seminal Fluid, Blood in
11) Seminal Fluid, in Urine
Women's Health
Women have a unique set of health concerns that require special attention. Your body and health change as you enter each life stage.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine can ease life transitions, and make you feel great at any stage: whether you experience concerns with your monthly cycle, are trying to conceive, maintain a healthy pregnancy, adjust to motherhood, or breeze through menopause.
Please visit the following sections for more information pertaining to women's health:
Fertility and pregnancy
What are the potential causes of infertility?
Infertility can arise when one or both partners have physiological or structural factors that affect reproduction. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine seek to address these concerns by restoring proper endocrine function and alleviating symptoms arising from structural abnormalities. Depending on your condition, åcupuncture and Oriental Medicine can be used alone or alongside western medical fertility treatments such as fertility drugs, surgery, artificial insemination, IVF, GIFT, ZIFT, and ICSI to reduce side effects and optimize the chances of conceiving.
Common conditions treated:
Females:
Endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, poor egg quality, difficulties with ovulation (anovulation), female tube blockages (due to pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, or previous sterilization procedures).
Males:
Poor sperm quality, low sperm count, altered sperm morphology, sperm allergies, male tube blockages (arising from varicoceles, and sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or gonorrhea).
Other factors:
Exposure to pesticides or other toxins, extreme stress, extreme weight gain or loss. Combination infertility may also arise if both partners have factors that may be affecting their fertility.
Course of Treatment:
After doing a proper consultation, we will evaluate the best treatment protocol, based upon your pattern of signs and symptoms. Please be advised that some conditions may take at least three months before the body is ready for a healthy conception and pregnancy.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time to nurture and prepare for your bouncing bundle of joy. To make your pregnancy a little easier, Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can provide a safe natural alternative to alleviating:
Nausea
Fatigue
Back pain
Constipation
Acne
Breech Presentation
Looking for a natural way to turn a breech baby? The use of moxa (mugwort), a Chinese medicinal herb used to warm particular acupuncture points, can safely turn the fetus in the weeks leading up to delivery.
The ideal time to begin treatment is between 32 and 34 weeks. Treatment can be conducted by the practitioner, or by the client with specific instructions by the practitioner.
By naturally turning a baby in breech, the use of moxa can prevent the need for a caesarian section and reduce the chances of complications arising during labor.
Gynecology
A woman's body is unique, requiring special care to ensure proper health and well-being.
Many factors can harm the body, including stress and environmental factors. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can provide the balance the body needs to ensure health.
Not only can this medicine help regulate endocrine function and heal the body from physical and emotional concerns, but it has little side effects associated with it. We pride ourselves in the care of the unique needs of women.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can help treat:
• Menstrual disorders
• Delayed menstruation
• Early menstruation
• Lack of menstruation
• Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Endometriosis
• Lower abdominal masses
• Vaginal Discharge
• Breast Disorders
• Menopause
Menopause
Menopause signifies the end of menstruation in a woman's life. It is a natural physiological transition that occurs in a woman's life when the ovaries cease to function to produce estrogen and progesterone.
Some women do not experience any discomfort during this phase, while other women experience various range of symptoms due to the changes in hormone level during menopause.
How can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help?
Traditional Chinese Medicine also views menopause as a natural phase in a woman's life in which our kidney essence becomes depleted. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help harmonize the imbalances our body goes through during this stage in our lives and alleviate menopausal symptoms such as:
· headaches
· fatigue
· lethargy
· irritability
· anxiety
· nervousness
· depression
· insomnia
· inability to concentrate
· hot flashes
· vaginal dryness
· lowered libido
· sweating
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