Acupuncture | Herbal Medicine

" I find Theresa Rizzo-Ovia has that rare combination a healing practitioner of having skills that are both grounded in extensive experience and study and at the same time highly intuitive, gentle, caring, and energetically based. She is humble, human, generous, and will always refer out if she feels I can be helped further with another practitioner or modality.
There have been numerous times that Theresa’s astute acupuncture and herbal treatments have zeroed in on the imbalances at the root of both acute and chronic health problems I have experienced to bring about healing and elimination of symptoms. She helped bring me back from a debilitating viral illness when allopathic physicians claimed nothing could be done, for which I am forever grateful. I consider Theresa my primary health practitioner and trust her wisdom and care implicitly."— Mary S.
"I have been a patient of Theresa Rizzo-Ovia’s for over two years. She has treated me for problems related to a stroke, for pain suffered during and after two hip replacement surgeries. She has successfully relieved me of the discomforts of restless leg syndrome, which had troubled me all of my adult life. Most recently she banished a toothache, the cause of which had baffled two dentists. Through all of this, she exhibited an admirable professionalism, competence and unflagging patience, compassion and understanding. It is a pleasure to offer these observations and to highly recommend her to you.
Thank you, Theresa."
— Ellen Lau
What is Acupuncture?

The ancient Chinese recognized a vital energy present in all life forms and life processes. They called this energy ‘Qi’ (pronounced CHEE). This vital energy provides us with the ability to talk, walk, think, dream and love. It protects us against illness and disease and provides overall regulation of the entire body. In developing an understanding of the prevention and cure of disease, these healing practitioners discovered that this energy flows along channels in the body called ‘meridians’. Disease occurs when there is a deficiency, blockage or imbalance of energy in the meridians and their associated physiological systems. Acupuncture produces results by re-establishing balance and ensuring the continuous
flow of Qi.

Acupuncture points are specific locations along the meridians. Stimulation of these points affects the Qi passing through them. This brings the body to balance and helps to control and regulate the circulation of blood and vital substances, influencing the central and peripheral nervous system. Modern science has been able to measure the electrical charge at these points, thus confirming the locations of the meridians mapped by the ancient scholars.

How effective is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is highly effective not only for treatment of symptoms but as a preventive medicine. Evidence shows that it releases endorphins from the brain, which makes Acupuncture particularly effective in pain control. It improves sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the blood; the functioning of the gastrointestinal system; and the activity of the endocrine system. It increases blood circulation, lymph circulation, immune system response, and neuro-peptide release. Acupuncture strengthens and improves overall body function, enhances recuperative power and immunity, and enables one to regain and enjoy physical and emotional health.
Complementary to western medicine, Acupuncture may also be an alternative to dangerous medication. It can often provide relief when western medicine may not.

What to expect?

Oriental Medicine uses an intricate system of pulse and tongue diagnoses, palpation of points and meridians, complete medical history and other signs and symptoms to create an Oriental Medical diagnosis. A treatment plan is formulated to induce the body to a balanced state of health.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine may alleviate many conditions very rapidly. However, some long-term conditions will be relieved with slow, steady progress. It may be recommended that you receive treatment 1-3 times a week depending your condition. The needles remain in place anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. As in any form of healing, your attitude, diet, determination and lifestyle will also affect the outcome of a course of treatment. You are encouraged to actively participate in your healing process.

Acupuncture uses sterile, disposable needles that are very fine and flexible. Unlike hypodermic needles used for injections, an Acupuncture needle is as thin as a human hair. If you have anxiety or fear of Acupuncture needles from your experience with hypodermic needles, you will generally find Acupuncture needles to be very gentle with little or no discomfort. You may experience a mild sense of heaviness, a warm tingling sensation or an electrical sensation traveling up the affected meridian. These sensations are usually mild and subside very quickly. Most patients find treatments very relaxing and many fall asleep during them.