Oriental Medicine & Acupuncture
Most people think Oriental Medicine means acupuncture. This is true, and this medicine
is so much more. Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM, is a system of health care based
on the notion that our bodies are an intricate, interrelated system of energy patterns.
Disruptions in these energy patterns produce disharmony that over time manifest
in symptoms of discomfort or disease. Through the appropriate use of acupuncture,
Chinese herbal therapy, dietary and lifestyle recommendations, Oriental Medicine
works to correct and harmonize the disruptions in energy patterns, allowing the
patient to find their own state of balance and optimum health.
How does it work & does it hurt?
Your first treatment will last approximately one and half hours and includes a comprehensive
health history, initial assessment and treatment strategy, and recommendations for
an individualized health program. Follow up visits last about 45 minutes. Acupuncture
needles are sterile, individually packaged for single use, disposable, and extremely
thin and flexible. Insertion of needles by a qualified practitioner is relatively
painless with minimal, if any discomfort. Most patients find treatments to be very
relaxing. The average length of treatment varies per individual diagnosis and is
usually a minimum of 4-6 office visits.
What can Oriental Medicine treat?
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Therapy have been used for over 5,000 years to treat
illness and disease. The World Health Organization and the National Institute of
Health recognize the efficacy of Oriental Medicine to treat disease, including the
following conditions: musculoskeletal problems and physical rehabilitation, gastrointestinal
disorders, menstrual conditions, respiratory diseases, circulatory disorders, addictions,
emotional and psychological conditions and for general medical care such as for
colds and flu. Oriental Medicine can be especially helpful in the treatment of chronic
conditions, painful conditions and as an adjunct to western medical treatment, such
as treating the side effects of chemotherapy and providing supportive treatment
around surgical conditions. Oriental Medicine is excellent for the maintenance of
good health, to prevent conditions of disharmony. All efforts will be made to work
with your primary physician in a supportive capacity.
Payment Options
Some insurance companies will cover treatment for painful conditions, usually upon
recommendation from your primary care physician. However, in most cases, oriental
medical treatment is not covered by insurance and payment is due at the time of
service. Methods of payment will be discussed at your first office visit. Consultation
regarding special circumstances may be arranged by appointment.
Initial Consultation: $115
Follow-Up Appointments: $85
Corrine Gutierrez
We would like to introduce Corrine Gutierrez, an oriental medicine practitioner
who will be joining us here at Bikram Yoga Richmond in December 2005. Corrine will
be offering acupuncture, herbal medicine, tuina, and dietary therapy to our students
and interested members of our community.
A Florida native, Corrine received her bachelors in science from the University
of Florida in 99. She majored in psychology with a focus on nutrition and health
education. After graduation she spent two years as a nutrition consultant and peer
educator working with a wide range of the population: in hospitals, clinics, and
schools across Florida. During this time period she was successfully treated for
her life-long allergies by an acupuncturist and began her journey into the study
of Oriental Medicine. I witnessed the power of this energetic medicine, at the
same time realizing that I had played a major role in improving my own health. I
felt a strong calling to pursue an education in Oriental Medicine, encouraging others
to take an active role in their health-care.
She attended Dragon Rises School of Oriental Medicine in Gainesville, FL where she
had the good fortune to study under a pulse master by the name of Leon Hammer and
have in-depth training on five element theory and practice. She finished her education
at SW Acupuncture College in Santa Fe, NM studying traditional Chinese medicine
(TCM), which includes Chinese herbology, and received her masters in oriental medicine
in July 04. Her specialties include Chinese dietary therapy, obstetrics and gynecology,
pain management, and emotional balancing. She intends on working closely with other
practitioners in the area to bring holistic medicine to the Richmond community.
My goal is to bring everyone into balance mind, body and spirit.