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Living Well With Acupuncture

Jun 02, 2018

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    Is there anything we take for granted more thanour health? There are times when our health is

    taken from us in an instant through some kind of

    traumatic accident. Most of the time, our health

    slips away slowly, gradually. Its time to take

    control of our health. Health cant be restored in an

    instant, but rather it must be day by day.

    Around the year 2000, I walked into an

    acupuncturists office for the first time. I was

    facing an unwanted surgery to fix a nerve problem

    in my arm- a problem that my doctors had no

    answer for- except surgery.

    Little did I know that acupuncture was going todramatically change the course of my life.

    After a month of acupuncture, my problem was

    gone. I was so stunned, so impressed, that I

    continued going for treatment for about a year for

    other health issues.

    I enrolled in acupuncture school in 2002. Here I

    am eleven years later trying to explain to you how

    great this medicine is.

    While I dont expect patients to change careers

    after getting acupuncture, most of my classmates

    started out as patients. There is something

    alluring about acupuncture theory- the holistic

    nature, the idea of living in balance and being well

    rounded. Without a doubt, most of us never would

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    have started acupuncture school if we didnt get

    results as patients. Thats the most important

    point. Results.

    I hope this brief e-book inspires you to take action

    and take control of your health. Even if you dont

    decide to try acupuncture, I hope you find some

    helpful advice to steer you on your way towards a

    healthier living.

    The picture on the next page is a scroll I recently

    hung up in my office.

    Its time to start living the life youve imagined

    -Henry James

    Dont let your health hold you back.

    Sincerely,

    Mark Whalen

    Five Points Acupuncture & Wellness

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    Copyright 2013 by Mark Whalen, Five

    Points Acupuncture & Wellness. All rights

    reserved. This book or any portion

    thereof may not be reproduced or used in

    any manner whatsoever without theexpress written permission of the

    publisher except for the use of brief

    quotations in a book review.

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    Why are you looking into acupuncture?

    If youre considering acupuncture, then its likely

    you have a health condition that has been

    bothering you. Maybe its recent (acute), or chronic.

    How has your current condition has impacted you

    up to this moment? Have you missed out on

    anything? Work? Exercise? Daily activities? Family

    time? Is there anything you wanted to do but

    couldnt because of this condition?

    Now envision yourself without this condition.What would your life look like?

    What happens to your health if you dont take

    action to correct this problem? What will your

    condition be like in 3 months, 6 months, 3 years?

    Will your condition just go away on its own, or will

    it get worse? What other events and activities willyou miss out on?

    I hope youve taken a moment to honestly answer

    these questions. Realizing that your health may be

    holding you back is a huge first step. You cant put

    a price on good health.

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    Thats the question I hope to answer for you

    throughout this book. I have four major goals for

    this e-book:

    Introduce you to basic concepts of Chinese

    medicine

    Explain how acupuncture works in a way

    that you can talk about it with others

    Explain some of the science behind

    acupuncture to demystify how it works and

    the language we use

    Conditions that acupuncture can treat

    My hope is that when you are done reading, youwill understand what acupuncture has to offer you

    in terms of your health and well-being.

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    As amazing as the human body is at its function of

    self-preservation, we can still have an enormous

    impact on our own health based on how we choose

    to live.

    Health is not something that can be affected by a

    two-week crash diet or quitting smoking for a

    month before starting again. Healthy living is a

    lifestyle. Say it with me: Healthy living is alifestyle.

    Many of the major diseases affecting us today can

    be considered lifestyle diseases. Diabetes, heart

    disease, high cholesterol (non genetic type), even

    some cancers can be linked to lifestyle choices we

    make. There is no guarantee that you wontget oneof these diseases no matter what you do, but why

    not stack the deck in your favor?

    Every day we make decisions that affect our health.

    We may not realize it at the time, but these

    decisions today can and will affect our health years

    down the road.

    Whats your lifestyle currently? Do you exercise?

    Frequently eat processed foods? How much sleep do

    you get? Do you smoke? Do you drink too much?

    My goal is not for you to get obsessive over every

    decision you make but we should all be aware ofthe potential long-term impact that our lifestyles

    have on our health.

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    your doctors office you typically have a referral or a

    prescription. I hear it a lot from patients who are

    frustrated with their treatment options.

    In western medicine, doctors use your symptoms to

    identify a specific disease or cause and treat based

    on that diagnosis. In Chinese medicine, we see

    things a little differently.

    In Chinese medicine we wouldnt diagnose you withmigraines and treat you for migraines. We look at

    you as one entity, both physical and emotional, and

    try to identify a pattern of disharmony using the

    concepts of Chinese medicine. Instead of a direct A

    causes B relationship, we look at the relationship

    between A and B and what is causing this

    relationship.

    This approach allows us tremendous flexibility.

    One patient with migraines may get an entirely

    different treatment from another patient with

    migraines. By the same token, a patient with

    Migraines could get the same treatment as a

    patient with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Thedisease doesnt matter, but the pattern of

    disharmony is what we need to correct.

    The saying in Chinese Medicine is:

    Same Disease-Different Treatment

    Same Treatment-Different Disease

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    Alright, I admit it, the subtitle is a little dramatic.

    Ive known acupuncturists who would rail against

    western medicine any chance they could. There are

    certainly doctors out there who think all

    acupuncturists are charlatans.

    Me? Im in the middle. I am not anti-westernmedicine. I dont encourage patients to ignore their

    doctors advice or to forgo seeing their doctors. In

    fact, I encourage patients to visit their doctors to

    get the kind of diagnostic testing that we cant do in

    our clinic.

    In my experience, acupuncture fills in the gaps forconditions that western medicine doesnt treat so

    well, and western medicine fills in the gaps of

    Chinese medicine. The ideal scenario: use both

    systems! Everyone is familiar with how the

    western model works, but what about acupuncture?

    For major illnesses (cancer, diabetes, MS, heartdisease etc.) and traumas, western medicine is

    superior to acupuncture (and Chinese medicine).

    In regards to day-to-day illnesses digestive

    troubles, headaches/migraines, pms, pain

    conditions, sleep disorders - I believe acupuncture

    is better than western medicine.

    The way to get the best treatment for yourself is to

    combine the two approaches.

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    The biggest problem with acupuncture is that most

    patients find their way to acupuncture only after

    trying every other method to get well. They have

    tried visits to the doctors office, specialists,

    physical therapists, and chiropractors by the time

    they call us. By the time many patients reach us,

    they are frustrated, tired, and fed up with not

    feeling their best.

    I dont blame you. When I went through

    acupuncture, it was my last option as well.

    Acupuncture is the great unknown. People have

    heard about it, are curious about it and maybe are

    a little afraid of it (because of the use of needles).

    We are getting better as a community of getting theword out, but one of my motivations for writing this

    book is to help people understand what

    acupuncture can do for you.

    I firmly believe that acupuncture has the ability to

    transform lives. Acupuncture can help you live

    your life with more energy, less pain, and lessstress. The more you do now for your body, the less

    you will suffer later.

    You still awake? Good. Now lets dive into the

    strange world and language of Chinese medicine.

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    Chinese medicine is a comprehensive system of

    medicine designed to keep the body and mind

    healthy and functioning at a high level. The

    medicine originally developed as a preventative

    medicine. Doctors used to be considered failures if

    their patientsgot sick. Now thats health care.

    As mentioned earlier, acupuncture today is mostly

    used to treat injury and illness after other methods

    of treatment have been tried. Its still effective but

    underutilized.

    The language of Chinese medicine developed inanother era and a different culture. Observations

    of natural phenomena were used to explain

    physiological processes in the body. It was a way to

    conceptualize what they couldnt see.

    This medicine came about before X-rays, MRIs and

    many other screening tests we take for grantedtoday.

    What was left was learning the old fashioned way-

    through observation and examination. Through

    autopsy and dissection, the organization of internal

    organs- including their size, weight, and functions

    were identified and classified into a unified systemof health.

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    The differences between arteries and veins were

    mapped out, as were most vessel routes. A

    standard of body measurement was developed that

    is proportional to each individual. This system of

    proportional body measurements allowed a uniform

    system to locate the acupuncture points of people of

    varying sizes.

    What developed was a highly organized system of

    medicine.

    Dont worry-we are not going deep into the rabbit

    hole to explain the full theory of Chinese medicine

    here, but there are several key concepts you should

    understand: Yin, Yang, Qi (pronounced chee),

    Meridians and acupuncture points.

    These four concepts will give you a good basic

    understanding of what the bleep I am talking about

    when we discuss your health.

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    A key concept of Chinese medicine is balance. InChinese medicine, this is represented by the Yin-

    Yang symbol.

    While not actual entities, yin and yang represent

    the balance and cyclical nature of life. In this

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    famous symbol, the white areas represent Yang

    and the black areas Yin. Yin and Yang exist in

    opposition to each other, but are also dependent

    upon one another. Within the Yang area (white),

    there is a seed of Yin (black dot) and vice versa.

    Yin and Yang also transform into one another1.

    In a nutshell, the Yin-Yang symbol is a great

    representation of the functions of the body working

    to maintain homeostasis (balance). In a holisticview of the body, nothing exists in isolation. The

    Yin-Yang dynamic helps explain the relationships

    of various systems in the body.

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    Qi is commonly understood in the West as a life

    force or energy that flows through all living things.

    Meridians are described as the pathways in the

    body that the qi flows on. Acupuncture points are

    located along the meridians and are the areas

    where qi is accessed by the needle.

    Meridian Pathways with Acupuncture Points

    Got it? Good. Now forget it. We need to talk. Its

    not you. Its me.

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    You see, I have a problem with some of the

    language of Chinese medicine. In my opinion, one

    of the issues holding back this medicine in the west

    is the focus on some of these terms and how they

    are currently understood. Based on the above

    definitions, I understand why people are skeptical.

    I agree that qi and meridians as understood arentreal. Similar to Yin-Yang, they are terms used to

    describe a philosophy of health.

    The original Chinese character for qi is a symbol for

    vapor, air and breath-referred to as vital air. It is

    representative of air from the atmosphere (inhaled

    oxygen) and breath. The character for qi can alsorefer to function or functional activity. So when

    someone is said to have deficient qi, it refers to a

    lack of proper function, and not a lack of life force.2

    Understood in this way, qi, as oxygen is responsible

    for life in all living things. Qi as function can be

    used to refer to various functional activities of thebody.

    The original term for meridian in Chinese medicine

    is Mai, or vessel. The original description used the

    term distribution vessels3.

    Meridians are not invisible pathways, they arethe vessels your arteries and veins-which make

    up the vascular system and distribute blood and

    oxygen throughout the body.

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    Taken in this context, the actualmeaning of qi and

    meridians takes this medicine out of the realm of

    science fiction and into a healing system based on

    concepts easily understood today.

    The majority of Acupuncture points are located

    near nerves or major blood vessels, which are

    surrounded by nerve bundles. Well get more into

    this later, but acupuncture needles dont stimulateinvisible qi. The reality is much cooler than that4.

    34*1 )*0 678980718:- $:-*1;

    When people find out Im an acupuncturist, one of

    the first questions I get is can acupuncture treat_______ (insert a health condition)?

    Most of the time, the answer is yes. It is rare that I

    dont think acupuncture could help someone.

    As youll soon learn, as an individual system of

    medicine, acupuncture is able to treat a wide rangeof conditions, both acute and chronic.

    Even the NIH (National Institute of Health) and

    the World Health Organization have acknowledged

    the benefits of acupuncture.

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    Heres a brief video from our home page explaining

    what acupuncture can treat:

    Conditions Treated

    A partial list of conditions treated:

    !Allergies

    !Anxiety

    !Arthritis

    !Asthma

    ! Back Pain

    ! Bells Palsy

    !

    Carpal Tunnel

    ! Common Cold

    ! Constipation

    ! Cough

    ! Diarrhea

    !

    Depression! Digestive Problems

    ! Fertility

    ! Fibromyalgia

    ! Gynecology

    ! Headaches

    ! Migraines

    ! Infertility

    !

    Menopause

    ! Pain (anywhere)

    ! Sciatica

    ! Sinusitis

    ! Sleep disorders

    !

    Stress! TMJ

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    The first thing to consider is acupuncture points.

    Most acupuncture points are located near nerves or

    next to major blood vessels. Small nerve bundles

    surround these major blood vessels.

    Insertion of an acupuncture needle provokes both a

    local reaction at the needle site and a centralized

    reaction in the brain. As we mentioned above, if

    the stimulus is strong enough, the needling

    sensation will conduct signals along nervepathways, that reach the brain to activate the four

    key survival systems: the nervous, endocrine,

    cardiovascular and immune systems5.

    The local reaction, known as a micro-trauma,

    stimulates a physiological reaction and recruits

    elements from the four systems to aid indesensitizing and repairing damaged tissue.

    The central reaction involves stimulation of brain

    centers such as the release of endorphins from the

    hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The endorphins

    are neurotransmitters that transmit electrical

    signals throughout the nervous system6.

    When the needles are in place, patients often report

    sensations of aching, tenderness, heaviness,

    pressure, and itching. Guess what this means? Its

    a sign that the nerve bundle is activated! Its

    exactly whats needed for a treatment to be

    effective.

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    What did I just say? Acupuncture is a holistic

    system of medicine that stimulates the bodys self-

    healing ability. Acupuncture helps to restore and

    maintain optimal function in the body.

    %-29.02- 1. $:-*1E-01

    Each acupuncture treatment will elicit a reaction in

    the body that stimulates the self-healing process.The impact of one treatment will wear away within

    24-48 hours. Typically this is not enough to fix

    problems that patients have had for weeks,

    months, or years.

    With repeated treatments, this threshold stimulus

    gets stronger and stronger, meaning the relief youfeel from treatment will begin to last longer and

    longer.

    Acupuncture is cumulative and the effects of

    treatments build upon each other.

    Its similar to exercise. One workout will make youfeel good but it wont have a long-term effect on

    your health or physique. Continue to exercise on a

    regular basis and your results will build upon each

    other and youll begin to see changes.

    Onto the next big question. Do you have to do

    acupuncture forever?

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    acupuncture. Any advice we give you is aimed at

    helping you get better quicker.

    Were almost there. Lets put a bow on this and

    talk about what your first visit is like.

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    During your first visit, we will spend time listeningto you and learning about your current health

    conditions and why you are seeking treatment.

    This process can take anywhere from thirty

    minutes to an hour, depending on how much

    information we have to gather.

    Once this is done, you get to relax on thecomfortable treatment table. Based on your

    condition, well know where to place the needles.

    Acupuncture points are located all over the body

    and there are several hundred to choose from.

    Good news- we dont use them all in one treatment!

    The majority of the areas we needle are on thearms (below the elbows) and legs (below the knees),

    and on the abdomen.

    Typically, the acupuncture treatment is a very

    relaxing experience. Once the needles are in place,

    you are left to relax with some for 35-40 minutes.

    You can listen to our relaxing music or bring yourown in to listen to.

    Check out this video for more info:

    Your First Visit- animated!

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    Does it hurt? Lets get the fear of needles out of

    the way right away. Acupuncture needles are thin,

    pre-sterilized, single use only. As soon as they are

    used and removed from your body, the needles are

    placed in a biohazard container. The needles are

    nothing like the big hollow needles used to draw

    blood or give shots.

    As you can see, the medical syringe is 100x thicker

    than the acupuncture needle. Unlike hypodermic

    needles, an acupuncture needle is solid- there isnothing in or on the needle. The experience is quite

    different from getting blood drawn or getting a

    shot.

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    Acupuncture needles are about the width of a

    human hair. There are many different sizes of

    needles and which one is used depends upon the

    patients size, sensitivity, and area of the body

    being needled.

    When the needle first goes in, you may feel a quick

    pinch. Some areas you feel more sensation than

    others. Once the needles are in, you may

    experience: itching, warmth, tingling, pressure or adull ache at the needles. There should be no pain-

    if something is painful, speak up and your

    acupuncturist will adjust or remove the needle.

    When a needle is removed, there may be a small

    drop of blood. There is no hole left and no visible

    indication will be left that you were needled. Theworst side effect is an occasional bruise at a needle

    site.

    The treatments are usually quite relaxing and

    many patients will fall asleep on the table.

    Follow up visits will focus on changes since yourfirst treatment. The intake time is typically much

    shorter - ten to fifteen minutes. We will monitor

    your progress throughout your treatments and

    work together to get you in and out of treatment as

    quickly as possible.

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    Its very important that you get treatment from aLicensed Acupuncturist. Licensed Acupuncturists

    have the most training and experience in the use of

    acupuncture.

    The Board of Medicine licenses Acupuncturists in

    Massachusetts. In order to obtain a license, we

    must complete over 1900 hours of clinical andclassroom education. In addition to classes about

    Chinese Medicine (theory, location of points,

    function of points), part of our curriculum involves

    courses in western medicine, Anatomy &

    Physiology, and Biology.

    Clinical training involves working as interns, undersupervision, in clinics located throughout

    Massachusetts. Once school is completed we must

    complete Board Exams in Acupuncture, Point

    Location, Biomedicine, and Chinese Herbs (for

    those wishing to practice Chinese Herbal

    Medicine.)

    The board exams are proctored by the National

    Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture &

    Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

    Once we pass the board exams, we are not done. In

    order to maintain our licenses, we must complete

    30 continuing education hours every 2 years for the

    state of Massachusetts and 60 hours every 4 years

    for the NCCAOM.

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    What does all this mean? It means a licensed

    Acupuncturist is well trained in the field of

    acupuncture, must maintain minimum hours of

    continuing education and is watched by the same

    Board of Medicine that oversees physicians.

    We are well versed not only in the use of

    acupuncture needles, but in the theory of Chinese

    medicine, which has a deep and rich history.

    Without a thorough understanding of the theory of

    Chinese medicine and how to apply the theory to

    clinical practice, we would just be sticking needles

    in people and hoping it worked.

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    The Five Points of Wellness

    When I started Five Points Acupuncture &

    Wellness I wanted to be more than just an

    acupuncture clinic. I wanted to help people get

    healthy and stay healthy. To do this, I realized I

    needed to impact many areas of their lives.

    Helping you achieve wellness is the core focus of

    our clinic. Using a multidisciplinary approach

    incorporatingAcupuncture, Chinese Herbs,

    Nutrition Counselingand Exercise Counseling, we

    will work together to help you achieve your goals.

    As we pursue wellness, there are five main areas ofyour health we look at, which we refer to as the

    five points of wellness:

    ! Digestive Function

    ! Sleep

    ! Mental/Emotional Health

    !

    Pain Management! Healthy Weight Management

    Each of the Five Points plays a key role in our

    ability to live a healthy life. All five are related to

    each other in a dynamic way they all can

    influence each other, positively or negatively

    (remember yin-yang?). By restoring healthyfunction in these five areas, we believe we can help

    you achieve and maintain wellness.

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    which will help keep you from falling as you

    get older.

    Stress Management - Find something that

    helps you manage stress. Yoga, meditation,

    qi gong, tai chi, sewing, gardening, reading.

    Acupuncture- obviously! It doesnt matter

    what it is, as long as you find a healthy way

    to cope with the day-to-day stress of life.

    Sleep- Research has shown that sleeping

    only 5-6 hours a night will have an adverse

    affect on your health. By the same token,

    sleeping 9-10 hours a night isnt healthy

    either. Aim for 7-8 hours a night if possible.

    I know, parents of newborns are cursing me

    right now.

    Based on your individual conditions we can address

    more specific areas of concern for you. While

    nothing is guaranteed to keep you healthy and

    vibrant, these are some key areas we can focus on

    to increase our odds of living a healthy, vibrant,

    pain free life.

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    Hopefully by now, you have more of anunderstanding of how acupuncture works and how

    it can contribute to your health. Whether you are

    currently suffering from a health issue or just want

    to improve some area of your health, acupuncture

    can benefit you.

    My hope is that this has been informative, easy toread, and maybe you even laughed once or twice.

    If you have any questions, do not hesitate to

    contact us at 781-944-3000 or via email at:

    [email protected].

    Visit our website for more information or articles

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    this is now about 5 months. Those issues seem to

    now be in control.

    Mark now reached further to see about my LPR (aform of reflux). I was taking medication daily

    and became concerned when the medical office told

    me I would have to purchase OTC. I was upset

    that this would be costly because I was taking on a

    daily basis. Mark started to work on my problem,

    and I went to see my primary care. She was able to

    get approval for another medication for me but

    going thru the health care system and getting

    prior authorization, was a 3-4 week wait. In the

    meantime I seemed to be feeling pretty good and

    didnt have that nasty feeling that I needed the

    medication. I think it has been 8-10 weeks

    without any medication. The longer I can go

    without medication the better. I would suggest

    people give Five Points Acupuncture a try, it has

    been a rewarding experience for me.

    -Michele, Reading, MA June 2012

    Migraines

    I had been experiencing HAs for over 2+years. My

    pain level was approximately 5-6/10 and sometimes

    as high as 7/10 with an almost daily frequency. I

    was frustrated taking Fiorecet all the time and

    sometimes, if the Fiorecet didnt do the trick, Id get

    a Diet Coke with Caffeine hoping that would open

    the blood vessels to let blood flow.. I had also

    thought my HAs were from barometric pressure

    changes in our New England weather but was tired

    of saying my HAs were from the

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    weather.Frustration, Aggravation,

    Irritation Like I said, I was ready to walk

    on hot coals.

    So, I was at my office one day where the HAs

    (sometimes as many as 3/day) had just got to the

    point where I had decided to do something about

    it. I made appts. w/Mark with an OPEN

    MIND. Hence, my visit to Mark. As I said, I was

    very open to this new medicine (which is over2500 years young) and thought what do I have to

    lose. His office is very inviting, quite/relaxing and

    he is very accommodating. He is very concerned

    about patient comfort, confidentiality and listens

    with open mind.

    And today I am happy to say my frequency hasdeclined by 85-90% and I only seem to have hints

    of HAs which leave almost as quickly as they

    come. So, in the long run would I recommend

    Mark.. Thats an easy one. . . . . a most

    definite YES!!

    -CGS, Reading, MA May 2012

    Infertility/IVF Support

    After successfully having a child in 2009, I was

    shocked to find out in the spring of 2011 that I was

    diagnosed with secondary infertility. Immediately

    I began seeing a fertility specialist and experienced

    two failed IUI treatments. Knowing that wasnt

    working, I jumped right into the whole IVF process.

    Upon starting, my fertility specialist recommended

    that I see Mark Whalen for acupuncture

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    treatments to help prepare and strengthen my

    body. At this point I knew what I wanted out of

    IVF, to get pregnant so I did not hesitate and called

    Marks office when I got home. Needless to say I

    was hesitant and a bit skeptical, but I put those

    thoughts aside and went for it.

    As soon as I met Mark, I knew I was in the right

    place and I felt an instant sense of relief. Someone

    other than my doctors knew what I was going

    through. He offered ways to treat my problem, as

    well as get me to relax (not an easy task) as I am

    always on the go. Once I started going for my visits

    two times a week I noticed a change in how I

    processed things, I was calmer and definitely more

    relaxed. My body seemed to positively respond to

    all that was going on and I ended up getting

    pregnant.

    I cannot say enough good things about Mark, and

    how professional he is. There is a gentleness about

    him that compliments his knowledge of

    acupuncture and truly makes his techniques

    effective. Knowing that there is one more thing,

    and one more person that can help you achieve

    your goal of becoming pregnant makes it all worth

    it. If you are going through IVF, I highly

    recommend that you see Mark Whalen at Five

    Points Acupuncture & Wellness.

    -P.S., Reading, MA

    Infertility

    Mark is magical!!!!! Prior to using Mark, my

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    husband and I had being trying to have baby for a

    long time and was not successful. We finally

    decided to go with the fertility treatment (twice)

    and was still unsuccessful. We saw in the internet

    that acuputure would help. Therefore, before we

    start our 3rd fertility treatment, we seek help from

    Mark. Using his treatment program (before,

    during and after ivf) we finally got a positive result

    in our 3rd if cycle. I am now in my 17th

    weeks..baby and I are both doing great!!! Mark isprofessional, patient, and definitely knows

    acupuncture. I would recommend Mark to anyone

    at any time!

    -KL, Woburn, MA

    Digestive Disorders

    In the summer of 2006 after years of

    gastrointestinal distress, medications and

    surgeries, I made a last ditch effort to take control

    of my health and get well with acupuncture. I was

    skeptical and terrified! Mark was so patient and

    kind, and really took his time to help me through

    the process and all my trepidation, particularly

    about the needles. He has such a wonderful

    bedside manner and quickly put me at ease with

    his charm and wit. After only a few treatments I

    was off all my medications and have now been

    surgery-free for almost five years! Marks expertise

    and diligence in treating me, combined with my

    commitment to the process, has literally saved my

    life! Not only have I been surgery-free, but I am

    virtually symptom-free as well! It has been a long,

    intricate road to wellness, but Mark is such a

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    dedicated and knowledgable practitioner that he

    has made my treatments something to which I look

    forward and truly enjoy! Further, he is always

    willing to go the extra mile to answer my many

    questions. I sincerely and confidently endorse Mark

    as a practitioner, and I wholeheartedly recommend

    acupuncture as part of anyones path to wellness! I

    am living proof that it WORKS!

    -LD, Brockton, MA

    Digestive Issues

    After many years of suffering with digestive issues,

    I found permanent relief via the acupuncture

    treatment Mark provides. Through treatment

    sessions and Chinese herbs, I am regular and do

    not suffer from gas and bloating. I also have moreenergy.

    In addition to helping me with my digestive issues,

    Marks treatment has also focused on making my

    periods regular and minimizing the PMS

    symptoms. Now I hardly have PMS at all. Recently,

    Mark began treating me again because I wassuffering from stress and anxiety, which made it

    difficult for me to sleep and relax. Through

    acupuncture and a Chinese herb regimen, I started

    feeling more relaxed and am sleeping better. Ive

    been sleeping through the night and feel much

    happier.

    I firmly believe that acupuncture is an integral

    part of my healing process. At times in my life

    when traditional medicine did not provide any

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    relief or solution, acupuncture has worked wonders.

    I highly recommend Marks clinic, it is a

    comfortable and welcomingenvironment.

    -JU, Melrose, MA

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    D.8:7-2O

    1. Giovanni Macoccia. The Foundations of Chinese

    Medicine. (Churchill Livingstone, 1989). 5-14

    2. Donald Kendall. Dao of Chinese Medicine.

    Understanding an Ancient Healing Art. (New York,

    Oxford University Press, 2002) 2

    3. Kendall. Dao of Chinese Medicine. 2

    4. Yun-Tao Ma, Mila Ma, Zang Hee Cho.

    Biomedical Acupuncture for Pain Management.

    (Elsevier, 2005). 8;26-28; 31-32

    5. Ma, Ma. Biomedical Acupucnture for PainManagement. 24

    6. Ma, Ma. Biomedical Acupucnture for Pain

    Management. 25

    General Information Sources-not cited

    Ted Kaptchuk. The Web That Has No Weaver.

    (Contemporary Books, Chicago, 2000)

    E lotus (elotus.com) lectures of Bob Doane, Matt

    Bauer, Brad Whisnant