As a primary care health system, traditional Chinese medicine has a 3000 year history of treating disease and discomfort, with a focus on correcting energetic imbalances and promoting health. In its short history in the United States, acupuncture and herbal medicine has been promoted primarily for the treatment of pain, nausea, and fertility -- these conditions being mostly commonly accepted by Western medicine and insurance companies. But, it has a much broader application. The World Health Organization particularly recommends acupuncture for the treatment of the following conditions:

  • allergies/asthma heart problems/palpitations
  • anxiety/depression high blood pressure
  • arthritis/joint problems immune system deficiency
  • back pain knee pain
  • bladder/ kidney problems menopausal discomfort
  • childhood illnesses neck pain/stiffness
  • constipation/diarrhea pre-menstrual syndrome
  • colds/influenza paralysis/numbness
  • cough/bronchitis rhinitis
  • dizziness sciatica
  • drug/alcohol/smoking addiction sexual dysfunction
  • effects of chemotherapy sinusitis
  • fatigue skin problems
  • gastrointestinal disorders stress/tension
  • ecological disorders tendonitis
  • headache/migraine

Discussion of the traditional Chinese medicine approach to a few conditions is provided in detail, as well as information on modern laboratory testing and genetic testing.

ANTI-AGING

promoting health and vitality into a graceful old age is one of Chinesemedicine's strongest attributes. [Click for more on Anti-Aging]

MENS' HEALTH

From sports medicine to fertility, sexual function, and prostate conditions, Chinese medicine has a long history in enhancing men's health and strength. [Click for more on Mens' Health]

WOMENS' HEALTH

Women's health, fertility, and gynecological conditions have been areas of intense study in the contemporary use of Chinese medicine. Herbs and acupuncture can have a profound effect on the menstrual cycle, helping such conditions as PMS, early cervical dysplasia, fertility issues, endometriosis, etc. A very important recent study showed acupuncture treatments greatly increase the success rate in In Vitro Fertilization procedures. [LINK TO IVF ARTICLE]

Acupuncture is also helpful as an adjunct treatment for breast and ovarian cancers, helping maintain the immune system and reduce side-effects during chemo or radiation treatment. [Click for more on Womens' Health]

LAB TESTING

Many patients are not aware that acupuncturists are able to order laboratory tests under California law. A number of tests may be of interest to patients depending upon age and state of health. Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory provides premier testing at a level unavailable in most local labs, particularly for specialized or complicated health issues. All Great Smokies diagnostic tests are available through this office. Examples include Gastrointestinal Assessment (parasites, candidiasis, intestinal permeability), Immunology Assessment (allergy tests, antibody assessment), Nutritional Assessment (toxic element exposure, amino acids tests), Endocrinology Assessment (bone, glucose, and stress tests, male and female hormone assessments, menopause profiles), and Metabolic Assessment (detoxification, oxidative stress, cardiovascular tests). [Click to visit GSDL]

GENETIC TESTING

The cutting edge in modern medical testing is genetic profiling. Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory's genetic profile provides personalized advice on supplements, herbs, lifestyle and diet, as well as suggesting risks for particular common diseases of aging and ways to decrease long-term health risks. These tests can be recommended for all patients.