This article reprinted from Edmonton's Mosaic magazine, reflects the experience of just one of the many patients who have found relief for their conditions through treatment by Ms. Strong.  It answers many common questions about acupuncture,  and what you - as a patient - can expect when you visit our clinic.

(Part 2 of 5)

Before your treatment

It is important to eat before your treatment. During the treatment you may relax and lay still until the pins are removed. Be sure to inform your practitioner of any discomfort.

Following the treatment you may experience deep relaxation. If you are being treated for pain, you may find an immediate or partial relief of your symptoms. Some of the pain may return, or may even feel worse for a few hours, followed by great improvement.

Often the most dramatic results follow the first treatment, with gradual improvement following each treatment thereafter.

However, this is only a rule of thumb. For example, heel spurs usually require five treatments before improvement is felt, with the pain often resolving in eight to fourteen treatments.

Always contact your doctor of acupuncture should you have any questions about your treatment and your progress.  

Oriental medicine can complement Western therapies

As well, should a patient choose radiation, chemotherapy or surgery to treat cancer, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be used to diminish the side effects of these therapies.

In fact, this is one of the many ways in which the allopathic medicine which M.D.'s practice and traditional Chinese medicine work extremely well together. In China and in Japan, hospitals have two wings - one in which physicians practice allopathic medicine, and one in which traditional Chinese medicine is practiced. The doctors know enough about the strengths of each others' medicine to know when to cross-refer.

Cedars Sinai Hospital in California has already begun integrating the two medical practices by hiring doctors of acupuncture and Oriental medicine and having them work alongside M.D.'s in the best interests of the patients. The Vancouver General Hospital has opened an adjunct facility to research natural medicines.

Integrated medical facilities in which M.D.'s and doctors of traditional Chinese medicine work together may be the way medicine is practiced in the future in North America.

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