Phoenix Natural Medicine & Detox Center

Pain Management

Acupuncture provides excellent treatment for acute or chronic pain. Acupuncture releases endorphins (our body's own natural pain-killers) from the anterior pituitary gland and stimulates immune response. Acupuncture and herbs reduce inflammation and increase circulation.

Much research has demonstrated that patients with acute pain respond extremely well to acupuncture treatment (approximately 6-10 treatments) and those with chronic conditions require more treatment with significant improvement in symptoms. Patients who had taken analgesics before acupuncture therapy were able to either discontinue them completely or reduce their doses dramatically.

If you have experienced trauma or pain from an accident, please note that research also supports the use of acupuncture for after-treatment of accident patients. Acupuncture presents a valuable therapeutic option resulting in reduced pain, decreased edema, and increased range of motion and reduction of long standing complaints following accidents.

Sports Injuries: Shoulder, Elbow, and Back Pain

East meets West for the best treatment of tendon, muscular pain, low back pain, and sports injuries. Acupuncture is a time-tested, safe, natural, and drug-free alternative that can provide immediate relief and long lasting benefits. It can help you return to peak performance and optimal health by restoring the proper flow of Qi and Blood. This speeds recovery time, addresses the root cause of the problem, enhances performance and can help prevent future injury.

Through the insertion of very fine, sterile needles at specific points, acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own natural pain killers (endorphins), natural anti-inflammatory hormones. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture promotes physical and emotional well being.

Dramatically Cuts Healing Time by Improving Blood Supply to the Affected Area

Dr. Liu's approach involves first identifying where the pain is coming from. He will then couple this with deep massage, acupuncture needling, and Tuina, a body work therapy, which is a complete system of body alignment based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It utilizes acupressure, stretching, and gentle manipulation to restore balance and harmony in the human body. As an additional therapy to acupuncture treatment, cupping (negative pressure from a jar), and moxibustion (burning herbs to create heat) can also be used to treat certain types of pain such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. Chinese nutrition and exercise, such as Tai-qi and Qi-gong are also recommended in pain management.  

Treating Fertility Using Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

The treatment of infertility with acupuncture and Chinese medicine dates back 2,000 years.  These ancient, time-tested techniques improve fertility rates and support a woman’s whole body, unlocking unlimited potential for health, healing, and childbearing.

A landmark study published in the medical journal Fertility & Sterility, (vol. 77, April 2002, 721-724) found that acupuncture dramatically improves the chances of becoming pregnant when used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive techniques.  Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York reviewed studies and concluded that acupuncture helps to:

• Increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves the chances of an ovum implanting on the uterine wall
• Reduce anxiety, stress, and the hormones that are secreted during stressful situations that can significantly decrease fertility
• Normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, especially in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in fertility
• Regulate menstrual cycle

In a study published in Human Reproduction Journal, (vol. 11, num 6, 1996), an ultrasound was used to evaluate blood flow to the uterus during acupuncture treatments.  The study found blood flow increases during treatment.  According to Dr. Nancy Snyderman, “When acupuncture needles are placed correctly, it can affect the nervous system.  The idea is that if you stimulate the nervous system, you can make the uterus quiet and allow blood to flow.“  Relaxing the uterus and increasing blood flow allows for the successful implant of an embryo within the uterine lining.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can raise the fertility potential for women by affecting the quality, quantity, balance and flow of Qi and blood. When Qi (also called Life Energy) and blood are circulating freely throughout the body, every cell, tissue, and organ is properly nourished and functioning well.  When this occurs, a woman’s health and fertility are increased.

According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, infertility is caused by an imbalance of Qi and blood affecting one or more of the Organ Systems. (Please keep in mind that the Organs described below reflect Eastern medical theories and philosophies)