The Science

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine use two scientifically grounded principles to solve and/or treat chronic health conditions:

1. Add what's lacking in the body to nudge its physiology back  to a state of optimal functioning.

2. Remove anything that impedes the body from moving  toward this optimal state of physiology.

Plainly put, your body naturally wants to be healthy. However very often the things needed by the body to function at its best may be missing, or obstacles may be standing in the way of its best functioning. Chinese Medicine first looks to identify the factors responsible for the malfunctioning. Then it deals with those factors in a natural way appropriate to your particular situation WITHOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS OF LONG TERM PHARMECEUTICALS.

Medical Acupuncture and Science in the 21ST Century

Leading edge research and state of the art imaging tools such as MRI’s and PET Scans have provided new insights and theories of how and why acupuncture works.

Consequently, a new form of acupuncture has emerged.

At McDermott Wellness Center we are both trained in and practice this contemporary model of Acupuncture medicine. It captures the best of both worlds. It integrates thousands of years of clinical results and wisdom with western biomedicine science, concepts, tools and tests to help us identify your critical imbalances at the root of your illness.

Carol McDermott, A.P. , Acupuncture Physician  Chronic Pain Relief Specialist

PATIENT CENTERED MEDICINE IS NOT A NEW CONCEPT

Sir William Osler, one of the first professors at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and later its Physician-in-Chief: perhaps said it best "The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease."

Another important saying by Osler is "If you listen carefully to the patient, they will tell you the diagnosis." This encapsulates the importance placed in Acupuncture Medicine on taking a thorough history from the patient.

Acupuncture Around the World

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for more than 35 common illnesses. Acupuncture is also known to normalize physiological functions, stimulate the immune system, relieve drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and aid in behavior modifications such as weight loss, and smoking cessation.  Acupuncture may also effective in reducing tension, stress, and depression.

Acute and chronic pain, including repetitive motion injuries (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and tendonitis), TMJ and teeth grinding, traumatic and post-surgical pain.

Autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, Sjogren’s syndrome, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, Raynaud’s phenomenon, scleroderma, Crohn’s disease, Systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune hepatitis, and multiple sclerosis.

• Cognitive issues, such as lack of concentration, poor memory, ADD, and inability to focus
• Dermatological conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and cystic acne
• Energy problems, such as fatigue, lack of motivation, and chronic fatigue syndrome
• Gastrointestinal conditions, including heartburn; abdominal pain; irritable colon; diarrhea; constipation
• Gynecological and obstetric issues, including PMS; painful periods; morning sickness, fetal breech presentation, support for delivery in late pregnancy, support for lactation difficulties
• Infertility and reproductive problems of women and men
• Insomnia and sleep disorders
• Musculoskeletal issues, such as low back pain; muscle, tendon, or joint pain; sports injuries
• Neurological conditions including chronic headaches; sciatica; nerve injuries
• Respiratory problems, such as asthma; sinusitis; allergic rhinitis

This list is not exhaustive. If you have a health concern not listed above, give us a call and we will be happy to discuss your case.