Acupuncture

Ava Med Spa's owner, Dr. Audrey Stanley, is one of only a handful of physicians in Southern California who practices acupuncture. Hence, the word "integrative" in the practice's name... integrative medicine is the practice of eastern medicine by a western trained medical doctor.

Dr. Stanley is commited to bringing you the best of east and west. She became a licensed acupuncturist in the state of Louisiana several years ago when she was frustrated with the limitations of conventional medicine in treating stress, pain and addiction. Her commitment to excellence in the healing arts has driven her to offer hope and relief to people who are often disheartened and disillusioned by their current western medical treatments.

Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of health problems including Headaches, Infertility Fibromyalgia, Stress Management, Pain relief, Allergies, Asthma, Smoking Cessation, and Cosmetic Acupuncture with great results. She is a member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (www.medicalacupuncture.org).

COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE

Cosmetic Acupuncture uses small hair-thin needles just below the skin surface to bring circulation and vitality to the underlying structures of the face, neck, abdomen, and scalp, as well as to promote collagen production in the skin. This provides a renewed elasticity and “plumpness”, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and helps scars to deteriorate from the skin surface.

Abdominal cosmetic acupuncture targets the middle of the body to move stagnation and promote weight loss, in addition to tightening the skin of the abdomen. Cosmetic Acupuncture encourages the body to heal from the inside out. The health of the entire body can be targeted in the face, as well as the abdomen, encouraging lasting results and renewed energy.

EAR SEEDING

Ear seeds are an alternative to needles. Not every patient is comfortable with needles, so seeds are used instead. Seeds also may be retained in the patients' ears for three to five days following acupuncture, which allows for a stronger and longer lasting treatment. Seeds are very valuable in the treatment of emotional imbalances, chemical dependency, eating disorders, and weight control.

ACUPUNCTURE: WHAT IS IT?

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points. It is virtually painless as sterile, disposable needles used for treatment are hair thin unlike hollow injection needles. You don't have to 'believe in it' for it to work as veterinarians even use it on animals.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.

The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

WHAT IS MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE? IS IT DIFFERENT FROM ORDINARY ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is a very old medical art, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as the need arises, to treat an illness.

WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE?

Medical acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health care: promotion of health and well-being, prevention of illness, treatment of various medical conditions. While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other medial treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders.The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:

Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea. Respiratory isorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections. Neurological and muscular isorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis. Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems. Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one treatment a week for several weeks may be recommended. For health maintenance and acute problems, usually fewer visits are required.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO THE TREATMENT?

WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE? DO THEY HURT?

Most patients find the treatment relaxing and restorative. Some fall asleep during the session. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. Because your doctor uses disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from the treatments.

If you are afraid of needles then seeds can be used which do NOT break the skin at all.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE REALLY WORK?

Yes. In the past 3,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. It is important that your physician-acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.

DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK?

No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this.") will not block the treatment results.

ARE THERE ANY "DO'S AND DONT'S" FOR ME ON THE DAY OF A TREATMENT?

Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:

Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment. Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment. Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits. Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor.

IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE?

Generally no, though we will provide you with a receipt and you may contact your health insurance carrier directly as some of them may fully reimburse you. You may however file it as a health care expense with your HSA (health savings account), or FLEX account when you do your taxes.

Are you ready for a healthier you? Then call us at 760-757-7864 today to schedule your acupuncture treatment. Or, fill out a simple form, and we'll contact you!