Wellspring Clinic
1919 Addison Street, Suite 101, Berkeley, CA 94704 Dr. Michael Nian Peng Shi, L.Ac.,PhD.
Before the introduction of western allopathic medicine into China, Traditional Chinese medicine was used exclusively and effectively to treat the gamut of human disease in China. The World Health Organization and National Institutes of Health both recognize that TCM Acupuncture can potentially treat many different ailments.
Yes! (See testimonials.) Acupuncture has been clinically proven to be effective for many ailments and is recognized by the World Health Organization and National Institutes of Health for its potential to treat different disorders.
Modern Scientists are still trying to find an answer to this question that will satisfy them based on the medical model of the human body. In the Traditional Chinese Medicine model, Acupuncture influences the flow of Qi in the body, helping to regulate the function of the related organ system. For example, poor appetite and weak digestion may be due to the Spleen system being functionally sluggish. Acupuncture points known to stimulate and strengthen Spleen are needled, which then increases Spleen function and results in improved appetite and digestion. Another example is stress or anxiety due to stagnated Liver system function. Acupuncture points which help untangle and smooth the flow of Liver Qi are then needled, which helps to relieve stress or anxiety.
Acupuncture is covered by many insurance carriers, however the benefits for each plan vary widely. Upon request, our clinic can check your coverage. All we need is a copy of your insurance card so we can determine whether you are covered for Acupuncture and what your benefits are. Our policy is for patients to pay for treatment at the time of service; claims to the insurance company is then submitted by the patient or, if the patient requests, by our office.
Yes. Under California law, employees are entitled to compensation for medical care resulting from accidental injury or disease that is related to employment regardless of whether the employee is at fault or not.
Employers are required to provide immediate medical or Acupuncture treatment for employment injuries. You must use the physician/acupuncturist selected by your employer for the first 30 days of treatment. After 30 days, you are free to choose the physician/acupuncturist of your choice. If your employer does not have an acupuncturist or physician on staff, ask your employer to approve Acupuncture immediately.
An injured employee is entitled to all necessary treatment of the employment-related injury sufficient to restore health to a level experienced before the injury.
Recently, worker’s compensation reform has brought about changes that require approval (HMO like process) by the insurer prior to treatment. These changes have created obstacles for those patients seeking acupuncture service for the work related injuries.
Yes, our clinic uses only disposable needles. New needles are used for each treatment and then promptly discarded after the session is over.
Contrary to common misconceptions, insertion of Acupuncture needles often produces little or no sensation. It is not comparable to receiving a hypodermic injection nor being stuck by a pin. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin, much thinner than a hypodermic needle, and are solid, not hollow, which actually contributes to a smoother less perceptible insertion. A capable acupuncturist is able to insert needles with little or no sensation felt by the patient. Once a needle is inserted, depending on the location and intended purpose, it may be carefully manipulated to create a Qi sensation, which is characterized by a mild sensation of warmth, electricity, numbness, soreness, or swelling. Any of these sensations indicate that the needle is doing its job. Overall, an acupuncture treatment creates a relaxing sensation of calm and well being.
Herbal medicines are extremely safe when prescribed by a knowledgeable herbalist. In fact, in contrast with modern pharmaceutical drugs, there are little or no side effects with herbal medicine when prescribed properly. However there are circumstances when some herbs should not be taken, and long term use or large dosages of some herbs can cause health problems. For this reason it is important to take herbs only under the direction of a qualified herbalist.
Along with Acupuncture, the art and science of Herbal Medicine boasts a history of thousands of years of refinement and perfection. Doctors over the ages have dedicated their lives to researching, classifying, and detailing thousands of herbs, which has enabled later practitioners to pick and choose herbs as appropriate to customize herbal formulas for each individual patient at each office visit for maximum benefit.
A custom herbal formula also rarely remains the same from visit to visit. As a patient's presentation changes (which can be subtle but will be observed by a capable doctor), the prescription must be modified accordingly. Very few prescriptions should be taken long term without modification, because you are constantly changing.
Unlike pre-packaged formulas that cannot be adjusted, herbal formulas made from loose herbs can be easily modified to suit the patient. Most pre-packaged formulas are intended to treat a specific symptom, but patients usually have a complex presentation with involvement from various systems, each requiring careful consideration. The addition or subtraction of just a single herb can have a significant impact on the effect of a formula. Customizing the formula is essential to obtain maximum therapeutic effect.
In raw herb form, herbs are decocted (boiled) in a nonmetal pot for about thirty minutes and then taken as a tea. The tea may have a rather earthy and complex taste at first, but most patients quickly adapt to the taste and in fact some patients begin to enjoy the taste. One cup of tea is taken per day.
In powder form, herbs are mixed with warm water to create a tea. When appropriate, herbal pills may also be prescribed."
This will depend on you and the nature of your problem. Generally speaking, acute problems (problems with a short history) may be resolved quicker, while chronic problems may require more treatments.
Generally, one to two treatments per week is recommended for optimal results.