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 Acupuncture has been used for approximately 5000 years in China as a traditional treatment for medical problems. It is the art of inserting extremely fine needles into the body at specific points that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of certain diseases.
 

Acupuncture and Pain

Acupuncture is a time-tested, effective, safe, natural and drug free way to allieviate pain. There are no side effects unlike other methods for handling pain. Acupuncture practitioners recognize that there is a vital energy, called Qi (pronounced "chee"), circulating within the body. Qi flows through a series of pathways called meridians.

Many people suffering from pain try to cover it up, either by ignoring the pain or taking medication. When treated this way the pain will never completely go away. 

Unless the root of the problem is treated, your body will keep sounding the alarm and reminding you that something is wrong. Acupuncture treats the root cause of pain and imbalance and the symptoms will disappear.

Acupuncture and Stress

Regular acupuncture treatments can help strengthen your body so you're better able to deal with the day-to-day stresses of life. Acupuncture can also leave you feeling refreshed and energized. Regular acupuncture treatments can help heal stress related health conditions and improve the body's immunity to defend against potential illnesses.

In fact, in some cases, acupuncture that is being used to treat one condition can actually help detect another, more severe illness that had not been previously identified. In such cases, acupuncture aids in early diagnosis and treatment. In another capacity, acupuncture, by alleviating stress and strengthening the body, can serve as a form of preventive measure against illness.

Acupuncture and Menopause

Since the early seventies, studies around the globe have suggested that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are effective treatments for hot flashes, anxiety, insomnia, vaginal dryness and many other symptoms associated with menopause. Recent studies show extremely positive results: From 1997 to 1999, one of the first studies in the United States to explore the effectiveness of acupuncture in alleviating hot flashes, insomnia and nervousness, conducted by Dr. Susan Cohen, D.S.N., APRN, associate professor of the University of Pittsburgh, it was found that during the course of acupuncture treatments, hot flashes decreased by 35% and insomnia decreased by 50%.

A follow-up study revealed hot flashes significantly decreased in those receiving acupuncture, compared to those receiving routine care. A 2002 pilot study in England found that acupuncture reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes in women being treated with tamoxifen for breast cancer. While these results are promising and the United Nations World Health Organization has approved acupuncture as a treatment for symptoms associated with menopause, further clinical trials with larger samples are currently underway. A 2003 study, funded by the National Cancer Institute, involves a larger number of participants than previous studies. Participants will be divided into three groups; one will receive menopause-specific acupuncture, one will receive non-menopause-specific acupuncture, and one will receive usual care.

Stanford Medical Center researchers are now studying whether acupuncture can help alleviate hot flashes. During the one-year, placebo-controlled study at Stanford, volunteers may receive 10 treatments over an eight-week period. Lifestyle and Dietary Instructions Menopause patients are encouraged lose that extra weight and to follow a diet with a high content of raw foods, fruits and vegetables to stabilize blood sugar. Some foods may exacerbate hot flashes or increase mood swings. Steer clear of dairy products, red meats, alcohol, sugar, spicy foods, caffeine, and don't smoke. Lastly, try to eliminate stress, tension and anxiety or learn techniques to cope with stress so that you can diminish the effects that it has on your body and mind.
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 Helen is a true healer.  I began seeing her for acupuncture over a year ago to help minimize sides of chemotherapy and cannot imagine having gone through the process without her. Acupuncture and living well are now a huge part of my life, thanks to Helen. Her endless knowledge and compassionate demeanor have made me a believer. 
     - G.G., Florham Park

I've been seeing Helen for a little over two months now and the results are nothing short of miraculous. I must admit that I went in with plenty of skepticism of Eastern Medicine but she has accomplished things that no medical doctors or psychologists have been able to. Since seeing her, I've significantly cut back on my smoking (down from five to one pack a week) and, most impressively, I've been falling asleep more easily and getting more productive sleep; that's something, even as an infant, I've never been able to do. Because of the work Helen has done, I now enjoy a much better and more productive quality of living and highly recommend the services she provides.
   - S.A., Essex Fells

By the time I first met with Helen Diab, I'd experienced more than a year of steadily increasing stiffness and pain from arthritis in my hands. Now, after just 3 acupuncture sessions, I already have far less pain and much more flexibility. I never would have imagined that I'd feel so much relief so soon. In addition to her expertise, Helen is a very caring, warm person who puts at ease even those, such as myself, who are most squeamish about needles. I feel very fortunate to have met her. 
     - L.M., Summit

Working with Helen has been a joy. She is passionate about her work and genuine in her caring for others. Combine this with her amazing knowledge of acupuncture and you have a practitioner who can help resolve difficult and complex issues. I am so glad I found Helen and her work.
     - C.A., Essex Fells

Helen Diab is a wonderful acupuncturist who really knows how to get down to the root of the problem while treating her patients.  Not only is she personable, she really cares about her patients  and treating their issues with different techniques.  From my experience, she has really helped me with gynecological, anxiety, digestive and back pain issues that I have been suffering from in the past year.  She was able to treat and correct many of these issues with acupuncture that medical doctors could only treat with pharmaceutical drugs.  I enjoy my bi-weekly visits with Helen and I would highly recommend her to anyone who would like to take a more natural route to treating their conditions.
     - G.M., Springfield 

Patients have questions, I have answers. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is based on the flow of Qi and Blood through the meridians and pathways of the body. Qi is the Chinese name for the vital life force and energy that powers the universe and the human body.

According to ancient Chinese therapy, acupuncture allows Qi to move freely to make a new balance of the body’s homeostatic state. This creates a being that is free from “dis – ease.”

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are designed to be relatively painless. If the acupuncturist has obtained the correct stimulus of the needle, the patient should feel some heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling along the affected energy pathway. Some cultures may categorize these sensations as pain. In any case, if one experiences any discomfort, it is usually mild.

How deep do the needles go?

Usually that depends on the nature of the problem, the locations of the points, the patient’s age and size, and the practitioner’s style.

Are the needles clean?

All the needles in this practice are completely sterile, individually packaged and disposable. Needles are never saved or reused for future treatments. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle.

What the patient can expect before, during and after an acupuncture treatment?

A first time visit typically begins by taking a complete health history, which is accomplished by the patient completing forms and then the practitioner conducting a comprehensive intake and exam. Numerous questions are asked about the primary complaint as well as more general health issues. The physical exam may include vital signs like blood pressure, temperature and weight. It is also likely to include a more detailed examination and analysis of the pulse and tongue as well as facial diagnosis.

Once a working diagnosis is established, the patient is prepared for the acupuncture treatment. A position is chosen for maximum comfort and approximately 6-10 needles are inserted. The patient will relax in the treatment room for 15-20 minutes.After the treatment is over, Chinese herbal medicines may be prescribed to help facilitate the relief or cure of the chief complaint.

Most health problems take more than one visit to resolve. Depending on the nature and duration of the health concern, the patient may need only a single treatment for an acute condition or a number of treatments may be required before significant changes occur. Along the way, one can expect to see an overall improvement in health as the main complaint improves and the body returns to its homeostatic state.