List of Treatment Conditions with Special Expertise

Alopecia Areata (a special type of hair loss)
Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss characterized by focal, small to large, round patches of hair loss. The average size of these hair loss areas is about the size of quarter. In most cases, the disease is fairly localized, and patients only have few patches of such hair loss areas on the scalp. However, the disease can advance to involve the entire head, face and body. This is considered as an autoimmune disease, in which the body’s immune cells actively attack the hair follicles. Stress and viral infection can worsen the disease. There are different types of allopathic treatments, mostly involving corticosteroid injection, oral or topical steroids treatments.
Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have shown to be effective in the treatment of this condition in a subset of patients. The combination of both acupuncture and TCM reduces stress level and restores the balance of immune system, thereby giving the damaged hair follicles the needed time to recover and grow. Because average human hair grows very slowly (0.3 inches/mo), complete re-growth of hair in the involved area may take a few months.

Anxiety:
All of us have experienced some degree of anxiety at one point in our life. A small dose of fear actually helps us to focus and concentrate. However, frequent, constant, and exaggerated level of fear and worry are taxing to our health. The increased level of adrenaline and epinephrine are harmful to our heart and other organs. Some patients suffer from constant anxiety or episodic panic attacks.
Unlike pharmaceutical drugs (e.g., Paxil, Zoloft etc), acupuncture and TCM are natural remedies that aim to adjust the qi and the patterns of nerve firing in our brains. It works much slower than drugs, but it attempts to address the root of anxiety. It helps to balance the nervous system.

Arthritis:
Arthritis is a generic term describes the inflammation of joints. There are numerous different causes including autoimmune diseases (e.g., Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), old sports injury, gout, trauma, and old age. By far, the most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. For relief, patients can take anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Alleve.
The efficacy of acupuncture in treating osteoarthritis of the knee was demonstrated in a landmark study sponsored by NCCAM and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Treated patients demonstrated both improvement in mobility function and pain relief. So acupuncture really works.

Asthma:
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the airway. Patients with this disease often have symptoms such as wheezing, cough, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are attributed to the obstruction of flow in the airway. The causes of airway inflammation are multiple. Some of allopathic treatments include steroids, Beta-2 adrenergic agonist, leukotriene modifiers, and mast cells stabilizers.
The addition of acupuncture and TCM has demonstrated significant benefits for patients in our center. The current thinking is that acupuncture restores the overall balance of the immune system and decreases the frequency of inflammatory reactions in the airway. Also, it may help to expand the airway. In addition, some of the TCM have shown to be also effective for alleviating mild symptoms associated with asthma.

Boost Immune System
Our body is under constant assault from environmental pollution, weather, and bateria and virus exposure. Our ability to resist these harmful exposures is largely dependent on our immune system. If harmful exposure exceeds immune system, we become sick. If immune system exceeds harmful exposure, we stay healthy. Immune system is the key to our health. Our center provides comprehensive program involving acupuncture, herbs, exercise, and diet that can improve immune system.

Cancer:
Cancer is characterized by the proliferation of malignant cells that grow and expand in an uncontrolled and unchecked fashion. Eventually, these cells destroy the normal tissue and organs, and finally impair the body’s normal biological functions. Recent molecular and DNA work have shown that mutations in specific genes, along with harmful environmental exposure, play a major role in the development and progression of cancers of all types.
How can acupuncture and TCM help patients who have cancers, undergoing treatment for cancers or even recovering from cancers? Although acupuncture and TCM are not curative, a number of studies have shown that they have enormous benefits for cancer patients. These treatments can reduce the pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss commonly associated with surgery and chemotherapy. In our center, we have participated in the care of a large number of cancer patients.

Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can result from injury, trauma, post-surgery, and neurological diseases. This can be a very debilitating and difficult disease to treat. Unfortunately, many patients who suffer from this condition require narcotics and other forms of pain killers for relief. Prolonged use of these medications can produce other undesired side effects.
Acupuncture works exceedingly well to control and relief pain. Acupuncture treatment can stimulate body’s own endorphin releases and cut back the pain levels. We have a number of patients who responded exceedingly well after a series of treatment. Most were able to decrease their dosage of narcotics, and some even stopped the pain killer medications all together.

Common cold
Common cold is an acute viral or bacterial infection causing inflammation of the upper respiratory trace. Clinically, patients can have running nose, sneezing, sore throat, and hoarse voice. In some cases, patients can also have low fever, headache, pain in the joints.
Acupuncture and herbs can help boost immune system and combat the viral and bacteria infection. In addition, the treatment can reduce the discomfort associated with headache, joint stiffness and running nose. In our center, we have treated many patients, especially in the winter months. Most have benefited greatly from the treatment and shortened the time course of their cold.

Constipation:
Constipation is a common digestive complaint affecting millions of Americans. Irregular or difficult bowel movements are caused by a number of factors and diseases. For a large number patients, dehydration and lack of fiber in the diet play a major role. It affects older people. Common symptoms include feeling bloated. Abdomen may become distended. Frequent strains to pass stool may lead to hemorrhoids.
Acupuncture, and especially, combined with natural herbs can help patients to attain normal and soft bowel movement. In our Center, many patients found immediate and consistent relief after a few weeks of treatments.

Diabetes:
Diabetes is a systemic disease that affects multiple different organs. The disease is caused by 1) no or low production of insulin or 2) unresponsiveness of the end tissue to insulin stimuli. Diabetic patients have an elevated glucose (sugar) level in their blood stream. When the disease is not treated or controlled, patients will have a large number of complications ranging from nerve pain, deterioration of eye sights, poor wound healing, strokes, heart attacks and erectile dysfunction.
Acupuncture treatment helps diabetic patients in a number of different fashions. Most importantly, acupuncture relieves the painful sensation associated with diabetic neuropathy. Herbal treatment can also reduce the glucose (sugar) level in the blood.

Facial Paralysis
This disease is characterized by numbness of the face, and paralysis of the affected side. The angle of the mouth will deviate to the healthy or non-effected side. Some patients may also suffer from inability to close the eyes. There are multiple different causes for this condition, such as viral infection, tumor, and stroke.
Acupuncture and herbs can reduce inflammation and improve circulation to the area. These treatments can stimulate and promote the healing of the affected nerve. More importantly, acupuncture can prevent atrophy of the facial muscles. Most of our patients also find global benefits, such as reduction of stress and anxiety due this condition.

Facial rejuvenation
Furrowed brows, bunny lines, and sagging jawline are all common signs of aging.
Prolonged and chronic sun exposure also produces blotches and uneven tones on the face and neck. Facial rejuvenation procedures ranging from non-invasive to aggressive surgical treatments have warmly embraced by the public. Treatments such as Botox, fillers, lasers or plastic surgery are very effective to reverse the aging look on a temporary basis. These treatments only affect the superficial aspect of aging but not the whole body.
In the recent years, acupunctures and TCM have also been incorporated in the armamentarium of procedures to attain facial rejuvenation. Acupuncture has demonstrated its positive role to correct mild wrinkles. Small and fine needles are inserted into the face, and often a series of treatments is needed before seeing the improvement. In addition, acupuncture and TCM also improve the overall energy level of the body, thereby creating a glowing and energetic outward appearance.

Fibromyalgia:
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain and stiffness. Patients also complained of fatigue, insomnia, and discrete tendon pain. It is estimated that 3.7 million Americans are affected by this disease, and most are women.
A number of scientific studies have demonstrated that acupuncture works to relieve pain for these patients. In a study involving 70 patients treated with acupuncture compared to placebo (sham) treatment, there was a statistically significant improvement in pain relief in the acupuncture treated group. When combined with TCM, a subset of fibromyalgia patients found improvement in pain reduction, fatigue and insomnia. Overall, they feel better on daily basis.

Headache (Migraine)
Migraine headache is a common illness. Millions of Americans suffered from this condition. It can range from a mere annoyance to a debilitating agony. Patients may have visual, auricular or olfactory aura before the onset of the headache.
Acupuncture can reduce the intensity of headache, and also decrease the frequency of the migraine attacks. In our center, we have treated a large number of these patients who have subsequently benefited.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypertension is a chronic and systemic disease characterized by rising arterial pressure. Symptoms associated with high blood pressure include headache, insomnia, dizziness, and pounding of the heart. However, most patients with high blood pressure have no symptoms at all. The dangerous results of hypertension are the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Acupuncture adjusts the autonomic nervous system and regulates the blood pressure to the normal state. Some herbs have the function to reduce the cholesterol level and help to reduce blood pressures.

Menopause:
Menopause is a normal part of aging process for women. It is a time period when her ability to have babies comes to an end. Usually, menopause starts at the age of 45 and ends around age of 51. Symptoms associated with menopause include hot flashes, night sweat, excessive sweating, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and sleep difficulties. In addition, there may also be changes in moods, such as depression, anxiety or irritability. Conventional treatment involves hormone replacement.
Menopause is one of the health conditions where Director Wang has an extensive research and clinical interests. He has treated a large number of women who were troubled by the discomfort symptoms associated with menopause. Based on the last 10 years of clinical experience, Director Wang has developed an effective regimen for this condition. In addition to acupuncture, most patients need herbs to reduce and eliminate the discomfort of hot flashes, excessive sweating and irritable mood. In our center, our treatment philosophy is to use natural and holistic approaches to help women to transition through the menopause period.

Insomnia:
Insomnia and other sleep disorders are serious problems in this country, especially in New York City where many of us have a fast-paced and high stress life. In our center, we see many patients who have difficulty in sleeping at one time or another. To obtain the needed amount of sleep, we have seen patients turning to over-the-counter or prescription drugs.
Acupuncture and TCM are natural remedies that can help you to sleep better. Acupuncture reduces the stress hormones, and tune down the heightened nerve stimulation. Most of our patients often report a sense of calm and relaxation after each treatment. Some even fall asleep during the treatment. The addition of specific herbs also expedites your return to normal and healthy sleep each night.

PMS
PMS refers to pain in the lower abdomen and lower back that occur before, during or after period.
Acupuncture can attune the nervous and hormones balance in the body. In addition, acupuncture helps to release body’s own endorphin to reduce the pain. Herbs can improve circulation, thereby reduce pain.

Sciatic Pain
Sciatic is pain that radiates to the hip and leg due to pinch or irritation of the sciatic nerve. It is not a disease but rather a discomforting symptom. Causes include herniated disc or tightening of muscles. It can be worsened by poor sitting postures and lack of exercise.
Acupuncture really works well for this condition. In our center, we had many patients who responded dramatically after a series of treatment. Before the treatments, they are hunched over, and walking with caution because of the periodic shooting pain in their hips and legs. After successful treatments, they are able to straighten their back, and walk with normal gait without any signs of discomfort.

Skin Conditions:
Although it is not commonly know, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are also effective for various skin conditions.
Psoriasis is a common skin condition characterized by the presence of focal to widespread, reddish and white scaly rash. The rash can be found almost anywhere on the body ranging from scalp, trunk, arms, legs, buttock and even the genital area. It can be itchy. Stress or trauma can worsen this disease. Currently, the disease is thought to be an inflammatory condition where the immune cells causes an excessive and rapid turn over of skin cells. Conventional treatments include topical steroids, Vitamin D cream, anti-metabolite drugs. Acupuncture and especially Chinese Herbs are used extensively in China to treat this skin condition. Both work by reduce anxiety and stress levels, thereby prevent any psoriatic flares. In addition, acupuncture may restore the normal balance of immune systems over the long run.
Eczema is another common skin condition characterized by intense itchy rash commonly located in the arm folds, back of the knees, and around the neck. The condition is commonly seen in kids. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and diet can work together to alleviate the symptoms, and reduce the frequency of flares.

Smoking cessation
Smoking is a very difficult addiction to quit. It has been suggested that smoking is more addictive than cocaine, narcotics, and heroines. At the same time, there is an insurmountable scientific evidence showing the harmful effects of smoking. Aside from oral and lung cancers, smokers have more risks in developing heart attack, strokes, and peripheral vascular diseases.
Acupuncture has been used extensively in China to help motivated patients to stop this harmful habit. Acupuncture calms the increased anxiety level during the quitting period. In addition, it is thought that acupuncture also adjusts the balance of various neurotransmitters that can suppress the insatiable urge of wanting to light up. In our center, we use both traditional and auricular (ear) acupuncture to help smokers to quit.

Stress Reduction
Stress is a part of everyday life. Living in the fast paced city, we New Yorkers know too well what stress is. Too much of stress is not health for the body and the mind. It reduces our immune systems, making us to be more susceptible for infections. The “flight or fight” response elicited by stressful situations can also be taxing. Routine acupuncture and daily use of herbal medicine can calm the mind and reduce the stress level.