Before committing to a session of acupuncture, you probably have quite a few questions about it. In this informative Q&A, Abbey sheds some light on this mysterious and beneficial healing art as well as about her varied background.

Q: When did you first become interested in Eastern medicine?

A: In 1995 I was working at Fox Chase Research Center, doing research on cervical cancer in low income underserved inner city populations, and it was clear that I wanted to do something in the health care profession and help people live healthier lives. I was also volunteering as an emergency medical technician but I knew I needed more involvement in helping people find a healthy lifestyle. After searching the Internet I found a woman who was a holistic nurse and she introduced me to the art of acupressure (a Chinese medicine technique where physical pressure is placed on the surface of the body’s different acupuncture points.) Immediately I wanted to study this art form of massage and decided to enroll in a two-year certification program at the International School of Shiatsu in Pennsylvania in 1995.

Q: Why do you think holistic health is sometimes more efficient than going to a doctor?

A: We look at the whole person. In today’s medical field everything is divided into specialties. If you have a problem with your ear you go to an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor. If you have pain in your stomach you go to a gastroenterologist. In my practice I look at the whole person, all the systems of the body to find a common thread. I search for connections between the systems instead of isolating symptoms. I am looking for the interconnectedness of the pattern, so I can offer a solution that will help the whole body function better, to achieve overall health, and in the process, help bring the symptom back to a place of balance.

Q: In acupuncture, you often hear the term meridian. Can you explain what our meridians are?

A: Imagine your body is like a road map. Each meridian, or channel, or pathway has a beginning and an end point. These roadways help circulate energy and communications from the inside of the body to the surface. By choosing points on the surface of the skin we can bring balance to the internal systems of the body. For example, if you have a headache on the side of your head we would treat the meridian channel that circulates to that area. In contrast, if the headache was on your forehead we would use a different meridian.

Q: In your practice you combine massage with acupuncture. How do you think the two complement each other?

A: Whenever there is pain in the body that means something is not flowing freely. When there is a blockage it is similar to a dam in a stream of water. By using acupuncture the blockage is lifted, allowing freedom of movement and normal circulation to resume. By increasing the body’s natural circulation the end result is a reduction in pain and inflammation. Massage furthers this process by relaxing the surface of the body, the skin and the muscles. Together, the results are mutually enhancing, relieving pain and increasing mobility and flexibility.

Q: Many people might be frightened to try acupuncture because they don’t like the idea of needles sticking into them. Why shouldn’t we be scared of the needles you’re using?

A: The acupuncture needles are much thinner than the typical hypodermic needle used to withdraw blood or inject an immunization, similar to a blade of grass or a strand of hair. The depth of insertion is also much different than what people are commonly used to when visiting their medical doctors. We insert the acupuncture needle about 1/8 of an inch into the muscle. Most patients report feeling a little prick and then a rush of warmth release into the area. Some patients feel the sensation run through the meridian channel and can trace the pathway. And others have reported feeling a water-like sensation drip down their skin. It’s a very individualized response.

Q: Describe what’s going on in our bodies once the needles have been inserted.

A: By selecting points in combination, a circuit is created that has been used historically to bring a particular disharmony back to balance. Once the points have been activated you will relax with music for about 10-20 minutes. During this time the body is realigning itself. The points on the surface are communicating with the internal organs and as a result disharmony is rebalanced and you leave feeling rejuvenated and more in balance.

Q: What kinds of ailments do most of your patients seek relief from?

A: Pain is the most common ailment patients seek treatment for and that will range from tension headaches to debilitating neck pain. In addition to muscular skeletal pain, patients seek care for digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, insomnia, depression, and the common cold. I have treated many diseases that Western medicine has offered little relief and then I have also treated diseases in conjunction with the benefits of Western medicine.

Q: So let’s say one person battles migraines and another has an injured knee that keeps flaring up. How would you vary their treatments?

A: First, I would do a full initial evaluation to determine what the cause of the knee pain or migraine could be. Once I have a working diagnosis I would select points that have been shown over time to be effective for treating these two different situations. For example, the knee pain I would treat with a few local points around the knee to increase the circulation and reduce the inflammation. Then I would do tuina massage on the whole leg to check for the alignment of the leg from hip to knee to ankle. Often, when there is knee pain there is a misalignment in the hip, so the hip needs to be treated also. As for the migraine I may not use points local to the head at all. I may just use points on the other end of the meridian channel pathway to try and pull the energy away from the head if I think the migraine is due to too much excess flow to the head. In contrast, if the migraine is due to deficiency, I would direct the energy to the head to nourish its deficiencies and to move toward a more balanced state. I would also look at diet and sleep patterns and if the patient is a woman, her menstrual cycle. For the knee pain patient I would offer a few rehabilitative exercises, Qi Gong or Tai Chi.

Q: Are there side effects to acupuncture?

A: Positive ones, yes, like increased ability to properly digest and assimilate food and better sleep. It seems regardless of the main health concern we are addressing the patient seems to experience a better night’s sleep and ease in digestion. This probably occurs because we are harmonizing the systems of the body and they begin to work more optimally. That is first observed in a general elevation in health, present in eating and sleeping.

Q: Does acupuncture help stop addictions like smoking?

A: Acupuncture very effectively helps deal with the withdrawal symptoms from substance abuse. Whenever a person decides to stop smoking, drinking, ingesting caffeine or sugar, the withdrawal can be very disruptive to their daily routine. Often, withdrawal includes symptoms like irritability, inability to concentrate, headache, fatigue, digestive upset, constipation, shortness of breath and insomnia. Acupuncture can help ease these symptoms. In addition I use behavior tools like introducing breathing techniques, different relaxation activities, new food choices and healthier alternatives to the original substance. In the end, the protocols help reduce the side effects of withdrawal, help the person stay committed to their goal of stopping and begin the establishment of healthier choices.

Q: Sure it’s easy to walk into your office and come out feeling good, but can you help those feelings last?

A: I enjoy showing my patients techniques and exercises that will continue to improve their levels of health and elevated emotional state even after they leave the office. The number one resource I use is Qi Gong. This is a type of exercise that helps the individual circulate energy through their own meridian channel system. Often I will combine Qi Gong cultivation exercises with visualization and meditation. I find this combination works well to balance the emotions and energy levels of those suffering from the cumulative effects of stress and overwork.

Q: You like incorporating Chinese herbs into your treatments. Can different herbs really help with certain ailments?

A: Chinese herbal medicine comes from a long history and tradition. We use specially blended herb combinations that have been shown to help with specific health patterns. A full health history and comprehensive initial intake must be completed to begin to see the individual’s pattern of imbalance. Once this is determined a formula is selected and given for one week’s time. Then a re-evaluation occurs. It is very clear within a few weeks if the herbs are helping the specific ailment.

Q: Is there one herb you recommend that everyone should take for general well-being, like an everyday vitamin?

A: There are herbs that are used as general tonics. But since each individual is different, the herbs to achieve well-being for each person are also different. It is a very individualized approach. As far as a general recommendation, I could advise people to eat warm, cooked, balanced meals. Within each meal there should be protein, carbohydrates, and a little fat. If you eat balanced meals and exercise in moderation these two activities will increase your general well-being.

Q: How important is it I make sure I have time for physical activities like working out or going to yoga to keep my life in balance?

A: It is important to have time each day to either exercise or focus your mind by doing meditative actives like yoga or Qi Gong. Some people require more exercise than others. You can keep track of how you feel and how much you exercise or do mind centering activities and you will be able to see what is the right amount for you.

Q: What about diet? Can you help me take stock of what I eat?

A: Each meal should be warm, cooked and balanced. It should comprise protein, like chicken, fish or beef, some carbohydrates, whether grains or breads, and fresh vegetables. It’s also important to add a little fat in the form of butter or oil. Keep refined sugars, alcohol and caffeine to a minimum. For sweet treats, look for healthier options like fruit and nuts.