Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the oldest, continually practiced, literate medicine in the world.

Its written literature dates back 2,500 years, but the actual practice of this ancient holistic medicine is undoubtedly much older. Some estimate TCM to be at least 5,000 years old. TCM is not "folk medicine." It is an intricate and precise system of health care, born from the efforts of China's brightest minds to understand the secrets of the body. These scholars recorded their theories, experiences, observations, and results from generation to generation. Indeed, at the start of the 20th Century, there were 30-40,000 books already in existence. Since that time, thousands of additional texts and articles have been written and published throughout Asia and the United States.

As we enter the next century, even more extensive research and clinical experiences are being catalogued and written about by today's practitioners. Acupuncture is probably the most commonly recognized aspect of TCM. Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points along the Meridians. These points have been studied and mapped by the Chinese over the long history of TCM.  Most recently, electromagnetic research is proving and confirming their locations.  Sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles made of surgical spring steel are used in every treatment.  No needles are saved and reused for later treatments.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is based on the principle that Qi (pronounced chee), also known as Energy or Life Force and  Blood, flow through the body along specific pathways.  We start to have health problems when there is a blockage in the flow of this energy, in much the same way that a kink in a garden hose will restrict the flow of water coming from the end of the hose.  Unlike western medicine, which tends to treat solely on the basis of physical symptoms, Traditional Chinese Medicine considers the whole picture. Your emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, are all equally important pieces of your health puzzle. Your mental outlook, sleep patterns, physical activities, digestion, particular cravings, and even a "sluggishness" of spirit, among other factors, are integral to an overall diagnosis of your condition. TCM recognizes your body as an entire organism, with all its functions, interconnected and interrelated. TCM is truly a holistic approach to health.

What health problems can be treated by Acupuncture and TCM?

TCM treats the full range of diseases, making it a wise choice for treating acute or chronic conditions, trauma, infections and internal disorders. TCM is an especially excellent choice at the beginning of any illness or disease. It is also a viable alternative for many conditions western medicine fails to understand, such as autoimmune disorders and menopause. Indeed, this ancient holistic medicine is even effective in treating today's epidemic of anxiety and stress.  If you don't have to call 911, you can call us.  If we cannot help you we will send you to someone who will be able to help you. 

TCM used in conjunction with chemotherapy, counteracts hair loss and nausea. In a recent study, The National Institute of Health found acupuncture effective in treating "adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and in post operative dental pain. There are other situations such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low pack pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, in which acupuncture may be useful..."  What's more, The World Health Organization has found that acupuncture is effective in treating eye, ear, nose, and throat disorders, ranging from sinus problems, earaches, bronchial asthma, and uncomplicated cataracts.  TCM is quite effective in treating acute conditions, such as the flu and common cold, as well as chronic disorders, such as gynecological problems, allergies, and degenerative diseases due to aging.  Gastrointestinal diseases are also handled by TCM.  Problems with digestion, stomach inflammation, duodenal ulcers, colon problems, constipation, diarrhea, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel are all capably handled by Chinese Medicine.  TCM helps nervous system and muscular disorders.  Headaches, migraines, nerve pain, weakness after a stroke, sports or occupational injuries, and sciatica are are helped through TCM. 

Pregnant women can receive acupuncture when treated by a professional TCM practitioner.  When properly administered, this holistic system treats complaints and disorders occurring during pregnancy without risk of harm to either mother or child.  Pediatrics is a specialty within TCM and there are many techniques utilized by Dr. Quaranto in which the use of traditional acupuncture needles is not necessary.  (For more details on this form of treatment, please see our page on Acupuncture Without Needles .)  There are specific treatments that are very helpful in the treatment of common discomfort, such as colic or fussiness from teething.  TCM is also very effective in treating earaches, diarrhea, coughs, colds, and fevers in babies and children.

What to expect

An initial examination follows a somewhat different format than conventional medicine. As a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Dr. Quaranto is interested in your complete medical history, family health history, and, of course, any acute condition from which you are currently suffering.  This aspect of the exam does not differ too much from that performed by a conventional western doctor. Then, the TCM examination starts to vary from the western model. Attention is paid to your face, body, and your tongue, particularly its color and coating.  Dr. Quaranto also listens to the sound of your voice and breath, and not so much what you are saying, but how you are saying it. The next aspect of the examination is based on pulse. Dr. Quaranto listens to more than your pulse rate. Palpating the pulse on both wrists, he assesses the condition of all the organs' vitality.  He will then palpate various areas of your body in an effort to gather the information regarding the nature of the imbalance that brought you to the office. The entire TCM examination is based on discovering what imbalances exist and how to reestablish your personal harmony.  From the first examination TCM approaches your health with an attitude of strengthening and supporting the circulation.  When circulation is strong, your entire system strikes a harmonious chord.  That harmony translates into a vigorous immune system, capable of resisting illness.