Michael C. Moy, LAc
Acupuncture Health Center
Licensed Acupuncturist
Traditional Chinese Medical Doctor
Every month we select a physician to highlight for our newsletter. We strive to have an open line of communication with doctors and clinicians that our patients work with. Our open line of communication allows every aspect of your health-care to be taken care of in the most effective way. We choose to educate you on those that are in the top of their field, great team players, and exemplify the quality of standards that Achieve Orthopedic Rehab Institute possesses.
1. What is acupuncture?
“Acupuncture is defined as a technique of inserting thin needles through the skin at specific points on the body to control pain and other symptoms. It is a type of complementary and alternative medicine.
When acupoints are stimulated, they promote natural healing and improve the function of your body systems. Not only is acupuncture a natural medicine, it a safe, effective, non-addictive form of treatment for a wide range of medical conditions.
For thousands of years, acupuncture treatment has been an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is practiced worldwide for the treatment and prevention of many diseases. Acupuncture points are found on a system of pathways called meridians. These meridians allow Qi (energy) to flow throughout the body. If Qi becomes blocked, and the free flow Qi is disrupted, and consequently, disease and illness appear. Acupuncture is used to manipulate the flow of Qi to its natural state and balance the forces of yin and yang, thus restoring health.
In the United States, where practitioners incorporate healing traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries, acupuncture is considered part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
More than 40 states and the District of Columbia have laws regulating acupuncture practice. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine offers national certification examinations for practitioners of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (www.nccaom.org ); most, but not all, states require this certification.
(For detailed information: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/introduction.htm#acupuncture)”
2. How can acupuncture help a patient to be successful in physical therapy?
The effect of acupuncture in reducing inflammation (swelling), increasing range of motion and decreasing joint and muscle pain are proven in many clinical studies. When acupuncture is used together with physical therapy, it will reinforce the effect of physical therapy and improve the results of exercise recommended by physical therapists.
3. How is The Acupuncture Health Center different from other acupuncture practices?
The Acupuncture Health Center of Willowbrook specializes in the treatment of severe acute or chronic pain, neurological conditions, fertility and more. Dr. Michael Moy was trained in China Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, one of the best schools of Chinese medicine in the world. His approach is truly holistic in nature. We focus on treating each patient on a physical, mental and spiritual level to help achieve the necessary balance to help each individual to achieve long lasting overall health.
4. What do you tell a patient that is nervous about getting acupuncture for the first time?
Acupuncture is very safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free treatment with virtually no side effects. In some cases, bruising may occur at the site of needle insertion. The infection risk is very, very low because acupuncture needles are sterile, used once, and immediately discarded.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners, requiring that needles be manufactured and labeled according to certain standards. For example, the FDA requires that needles be sterile, nontoxic, and labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only.
Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported to the FDA, in light of the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used.
5. How is acupuncture used to help patients relieve pain?
Acupuncture improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sites--commonly referred to as acupuncture points.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Chinese philosophy that describes the universe, and the body, in terms of two opposing forces: yin and yang. When yin and yang are in balance, the body is healthy. Energy, called "qi" flows along specific pathways, called channels, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang balanced. When the flow of energy gets blocked, the obstruction can lead to pain, or illness. Acupuncture stimulation can release blocked qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve overall well-being of a patient
Michael Moy is the owner of The Acupuncture Health Center in Willowbrook, IL. For more information, feel free to contact him:
7320 S. Madison St.
Suite # 900
Willowbrook IL 60527
(630) 455- 1528
www.mikemoyacupuncture.com
If you are interested in learning more about a specific topic, doctor, or specialty please email questions to mparker@achieveortho.com or call 630-371-1623.