Acupuncture is the practice of inserting extremely thin needles into the skin on points defined by the practice as meridians.

In ancient times, there were 365 insertion points on the body, one for each day of the year, but since then the number of points has been expanded to include about 2,000. In addition to merely inserting the needles to stimulate a persons chi, other supplemental treatments include moxibustion (the burning of mugwort), electromagnetic impulses, friction, and pressure applied to individual needles to produce a specific healing effect.

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a medical procedure that was developed in China 3000 years ago. Since that time it has been used to encourage natural self-healing in humans and animals. Acupuncture treatment is usually carried out by insertion of very fine needles into precise acupuncture points to treat disease or injuries. The points are stimulated manually or with electrostimulation.

During the 3000 years, it has been practiced, acupuncture has successfully treated more people than any other medical procedure.

How does Acupuncture Work?
There are two main explanations:

MODERN EXPLANATION:

Over 20 years of scientific research experience has demonstrated that stimulation of acupuncture points results in a release of neurohormones (such as endorphins). This has an analgesic effect as well as an effect on other multiple systems of the body, which elevate mood and relieve pain in humans as well as in animals.

Acupuncture has been shown to have a strengthening effect on the immune system, endocrine glands, a sedative effect and detoxification of the body.

ANCIENT EXPLANATION:

Classical Chinese theory explains that energy flows through channels throughout the body connecting all the organs and systems that sustain life. These channels are accessed through acupuncture points. If the energy flow becomes disrupted or unbalanced due to stress, trauma, infection or poor diet, this causes pain and illness. By stimulating certain acupuncture points on specific channels, this can restore balance and harmony to the organs and channels.

An acupuncturist can also anticipate problems before pronounced by detecting a subtle change in the energy flow. This allows Chinese medicine to be used for preventative health care.

Both the ancient and modern system of science agree that acupuncture promotes physical and emotional health.

What to Expect:
Acupuncture needles are made of fine solid surgical steel with smooth points. Insertion is not painful and it does not cause bleeding because acupuncture needles are rounded at the tip so as not to cut the epidermis. There is no risk of infection as the needles are disposable. After needle insertion, there is often a tingling sensation followed by a feeling of deep relaxation. This sensation or tingling in Chinese is called “CHI”. Chi is “vital force” or “life force” which runs and heals the body. After the treatment, most patients feel mentally and physically revitalized. The number and frequency of treatments varies according to the condition and constitution.
Commonly Treated Conditions

  • Alcohol dependence
  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Anxiety/Depression
  • Arthritis/Joint problems
  • Back pain
  • Bladder and Kidney problems
  • Bronchitis
  • Candida
  • Childhood illnesses/Infections
  • Constipation/Diarrhea
  • Colds/Flu
  • Colitis & Parasites
  • Cough
  • Eczema & Hives
  • Gall Bladder Disorders
  • Gynecological disorders
  • Headaches & Migraines
  • High blood pressure
  • Hormonal Disorders
  • Immune system deficiency
  • Knee pain
  • Liver Disorders
  • Menstrual Disorders
  • Neck pain/Stiffness
  • Numbness/Poor circulation
  • Osteoarthritis
  • P.M.S. Yeast Infections
  • Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
  • Poor Digestion
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Sexual dysfunction/Impotence
  • Sciatica
  • Shingles
  • Shoulder pain
  • Skin Disorders
  • Spinal Disorders
  • Sports Injuries
  • Sprains
  • Stress/Tension
  • Stop Smoking
  • Tendentious& Bursitis
  • TMJ/Jaw pain
  • Ulcers & Gastritis
  • Weight Loss
  • Women’s Disorders

CHINESE MEDICINE

Functional Medicine Los Angeles is pleased to offer Chinese healing remedies as an integral component of a comprehensive natural healing program.

Chinese medicine teaches that a person who is not healthy mentally and emotionally cannot possibly be healthy physically and holds that any disease or disorder can be traced back to a disharmony in one’s personal energy or or “Chi”. Rather than simply treating bodily symptoms of the patient, as is so often seen in western medicine, Chinese Medicine treats the mental and spiritual afflictions as well.

Traditional Chinese medicine includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and bodywork massage. Recently, western culture has seen a resurgence in the popularity of ancient healing methods and some physicians, in an attempt to cash in on this trend, offer a version of Chinese medicine that does not provide the full treatment spectrum.

Christina Marino, however, is an experienced, trained and knowledgeable Chinese medicine practitioner with a deep belief in natural healing. Christina understands that you are unique. There is only one you! And she wants to help you take the best care of yourself so you can enjoy a pain-free life of peace. Christina’s popular and effective Chinese Medicine treatments are customized to suit your needs. At Functional Medicine Los Angeles, you won’t find solutions that simply come off the shelf….. Only the most caring, knowledgeable practitioner who wants to help you be your very best.