Acupuncture needles are inserted in order to access the flow of “qi” (energy) and blood, insuring their smooth flow throughout the body. According to Chinese medical theory, qi and blood are said to flow through meridians, or pathways that cover the body. Qi and blood can be in excess in certain parts of the body, in which case they may get ‘stuck’ and cause pain. In other parts of the body, qi and blood may be deficient, causing weakness and fatigue. Acupuncture helps the qi and blood to flow freely throughout the body, thereby bringing the body into balance.

The first question many people ask is, “Does acupuncture hurt?” The Chinese answer to this would be that acupuncture is “bu tong” or painless. That having been said, many Western patients are sensitive to the insertion of needles. Oftentimes there may be a sensation of cramping, heaviness or tingling. These sensations can be felt at the location of the needle, but may also occur up and down the affected meridian, or energy pathway. Any discomfort which does occur from the insertion of the needle is usually mild and will go away shortly after insertion. If not, please let me know so that adjustments can be made.

In my practice I choose to use very fine Japanese needles that are made of surgical stainless steel. These needles are known to have a smooth insertion and are sterile, individually-wrapped and disposable. My treatments tend to be both gentle and subtle, enabling most patients to fall asleep or at least fall into deep relaxation. Acupuncture is a safe method of treatment for nearly everyone, including pregnant women and lactating mothers. Although it can be used safely in the treatment of children, I primarily use ‘acupressure’ rather than acupuncture for kids, meaning that points are stimulated using gentle massage instead of needles.

Like treatment with Chinese herbs, acupuncture treatments are also individually customized for each patient depending on their unique constitution and symptoms. The number of treatments needed differs from patient to patient. An acute condition may be resolved with one treatment. For a complex or long-standing condition, 2 to 3 treatments per week may be recommended. For health maintenance, four sessions a year may be all that is necessary.

In order to get the most out of acupuncture, it is important to try and relax during treatment. If weather permits, wear loose clothing when you come for treatment and see if you can plan a time of day when you’re feeling neither too hungry nor too full. Avoid alcoholic beverages and sex for the six hours prior to treatment, and try to avoid coming in at a time when you feel excessively fatigued or emotionally upset. Do not change position or move suddenly when the needles are in, and please tell me if you experience any discomfort during treatment.

There are no side-effects associated with acupuncture treatment, although at times a small spot of blood can be found at the needle site. Less commonly, mild bruising may occur.

Antonia Balfour is the clinic director at Oasis Palisades, located in Pacific Palisades, California (on the west side of Los Angeles between Santa Monica, Brentwood and Malibu).

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Acupuncture needles are inserted in order to access the flow of “qi” (energy) and blood, insuring their smooth flow throughout the body. According to Chinese medical theory, qi and blood are said to flow through meridians, or pathways that cover the body. Qi and blood can be in excess in certain parts of the body, in which case they may get ‘stuck’ and cause pain. In other parts of the body, qi and blood may be deficient, causing weakness and fatigue. Acupuncture helps the qi and blood to flow freely throughout the body, thereby bringing the body into balance.

The first question many people ask is, “Does acupuncture hurt?” The Chinese answer to this would be that acupuncture is “bu tong” or painless. That having been said, many Western patients are sensitive to the insertion of needles. Oftentimes there may be a sensation of cramping, heaviness or tingling. These sensations can be felt at the location of the needle, but may also occur up and down the affected meridian, or energy pathway. Any discomfort which does occur from the insertion of the needle is usually mild and will go away shortly after insertion. If not, please let me know so that adjustments can be made.

In my practice I choose to use very fine Japanese needles that are made of surgical stainless steel. These needles are known to have a smooth insertion and are sterile, individually-wrapped and disposable. My treatments tend to be both gentle and subtle, enabling most patients to fall asleep or at least fall into deep relaxation. Acupuncture is a safe method of treatment for nearly everyone, including pregnant women and lactating mothers. Although it can be used safely in the treatment of children, I primarily use ‘acupressure’ rather than acupuncture for kids, meaning that points are stimulated using gentle massage instead of needles.

Like treatment with Chinese herbs, acupuncture treatments are also individually customized for each patient depending on their unique constitution and symptoms. The number of treatments needed differs from patient to patient. An acute condition may be resolved with one treatment. For a complex or long-standing condition, 2 to 3 treatments per week may be recommended. For health maintenance, four sessions a year may be all that is necessary.

In order to get the most out of acupuncture, it is important to try and relax during treatment. If weather permits, wear loose clothing when you come for treatment and see if you can plan a time of day when you’re feeling neither too hungry nor too full. Avoid alcoholic beverages and sex for the six hours prior to treatment, and try to avoid coming in at a time when you feel excessively fatigued or emotionally upset. Do not change position or move suddenly when the needles are in, and please tell me if you experience any discomfort during treatment.

There are no side-effects associated with acupuncture treatment, although at times a small spot of blood can be found at the needle site. Less commonly, mild bruising may occur.

Antonia Balfour is the clinic director at Oasis Palisades, located in Pacific Palisades, California (on the west side of Los Angeles between Santa Monica, Brentwood and Malibu).

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The first job of an herbalist is to establish the patient’s “pattern of disharmony” based on their signs and symptoms. This diagnosis takes into account not only the physical symptoms, but also emotional factors as well as the individual bodily constitution. A “pattern of disharmony” is a much more detailed and descriptive diagnosis than a simple disease label. For example, two patients seeking out herbal treatment for an asthmatic condition may be given two completely different herbal formulas. One patient may have asthma attacks which are triggered by stress and emotional upset, the other may have attacks triggered strictly by environmental or physical factors. One of these patients may be frail and petite with weak and deficient wheezing whereas the other may be strong and energetic with harsh, intense fits of wheezing. Both these patients will be prescribed different Chinese herbal formulas which are custom written to treat their individual pattern.

Chinese herbal formulas are typically made up of anywhere between six and eighteen herbs. In complicated case, the number of herbs in a formula may be much higher. The majority of these herbs are from plant sources including leaves, flowers, stems and roots, although some animal and mineral products are also considered to be herbs in Chinese medicine. These herbs can be used to treat both acute and chronic conditions, ranging from lung infections to gynecological disorders and degenerative diseases. Many herbs are shown to have anti-bacterial or anti-viral properties while others work to promote the body’s innate ability to heal and recuperate.

Herbal formulas can be administered in the form of raw herbs which are cooked into a decoction or in granules which dissolve easily in hot water. Good quality herbs are tested for pesticides, chemicals, bacteria, fungus, mold, and heavy metals as well as for potency.

Since most formulas are made up primarily of roots and barks (where the strongest medicinals are found), they tend to have a rather bitter flavor. Some patients begin to enjoy the taste after taking their formula for a couple of days, others choose to have the granules made up into capsules. The most effective method of taking a formula is to drink a tea made from raw herbs. When granules or capsules are prescribed, it is important that they are taken in their correct dosage. Herbal dosages may seem very high when compared to dosages of Western drugs.

Although the herbs are pharmaceutical grade (and powerful), they will rarely cause side effects. If loose stools or mild discomfort do occur as a side-effect of taking the herbs, please let me know so that I can modify your formula accordingly.

Due to the extremely low toxicity of Chinese herbs and because formulas are custom-written for each individual patient, these herbs can be safely taken by just about anyone. Pregnant women and lactating mothers can safely take Chinese herbs as long as they are prescribed by a Chinese medicine practitioner. Children can also benefit from Chinese herbs for a wide variety of conditions.

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Whereas Western medicine looks closely at a symptom and tries to find an underlying cause, Chinese Medicine looks at the body as a whole. Each symptom is looked at in relationship to all other presenting symptoms. The goal of the Chinese Medicine practitioner is to assess the entire constitution of the patient — considering both physiological and psychological aspects.
The practitioner first observes the general characteristics of the patient, then tries to discern a relationship between symptoms in order to establish what is called a “pattern of disharmony”. Treatment is aimed at restoring harmony and bringing the body into balance.

There are several theories which can be used to determine the “pattern of disharmony”. The whole person is always taken into account and relationships are not seen as linear. Following is a brief discussion of the basics of Chinese medicine.

Yin & Yang

One of the fundamental Chinese medicine theories used to determine the pattern of disharmony is the theory of “Yin and Yang”. Yin and Yang are terms used to describe two polar opposites. Each body part, each organ, and even each symptom in the body can be described in terms of Yin and Yang. Levels of Yin and Yang are constantly changing in the body and there are four possible states of imbalance:

•    Excess of Yin
•    Excess of Yang
•    Deficiency of Yin
•    Deficiency of Yang

It is rare for one of these states of imbalance to exist by itself. Excesses and deficiencies of Yin and Yang almost always appear in combination. For example, if a patient has loose stools associated with a stomach flu this shows an excess of Yin. This excess Yin is a build-up of dampness which can be seen in the symptom of loose stools. If this patient also has a fever associated with the stomach flu, this shows an additional excess of Yang. The heat associated with this fever is an excess Yang symptom. In this example, a Yin excess and Yang excess are occurring simultaneously.

In treating the overall pattern of disharmony, the TCM practitioner uses acupuncture and Chinese herbs to address all imbalances of Yin and Yang.

Internal Organs

To look at the body as an integrated whole, one also looks at the theory of the ‘Internal Organs’. The Chinese medicine definition of an Internal Organ is very different from the Western concept. In Western medicine, an organ is a material-anatomical structure. In Chinese medicine each Internal Organ encompasses much more. There can be an anatomical structure, but there is also a corresponding emotion, tissue, sensory organ, color and element.

In addition, 12 of the Internal Organs correspond to the 12 main acupuncture meridians (or channels) that run through the body. There is qi (or energy) flowing through each meridian. If an Internal Organ is out of balance, the qi of that organ will be damaged.
Therefore, the Chinese Lung (which is capitalized to distinguish it as the Chinese organ) shouldn’t be equated with the Western Organ – although there are definite similarities.

Qi, Blood & Body Fluids

The simplest translation of qi (as given above) is “energy”, yet there is no one English phrase that can truly capture its meaning. Everything in the universe (both organic and inorganic) is made up of qi, but qi is neither purely material nor purely energetic. One translation given is “energy at the point of materializing”.

The qi of the body comes from three main sources — the qi which we are born with, the qi we derive from food, and the qi which comes from the air we breathe. In addition there is qi associated with each organ and qi protecting the body from invasion by pathogens (which prevents us from getting sick).

Disharmonies of qi can occur if there is not enough qi in an individual (known as qi deficiency), if one’s qi get stuck (known as qi stagnation), or if qi flows in the wrong direction (known as rebellious qi).

The Chinese medicine concept of blood includes not only blood flowing through the arteries and veins as we know it, but also a substance flowing through the meridians. The pathway of blood is considered less important than its functions of continuously circulating, nourishing, maintaining, and moistening various body parts. Blood and qi are considered to have a mutually dependent relationship.

Like qi, blood can also be deficient when there is not enough of it, or stagnant when it gets stuck.
Body fluids are the liquids in the body other than blood, which moisten and nourish the hair, skin, flesh, organs, bones, joints, and brain. These fluids are derived from food and regulated by qi. In order for there to be balance in the body, the qi, blood and body fluids must flow smoothly.

Five Phases


The theory of the 5 phases looks at 5 interrelated forces that have specific relationships to one another. The five images used to describe these forces are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each of these elements has corresponding organs, emotions, colors, tastes, tissues, human sounds, and endless other correspondences.

An individual’s signs and symptoms will often fit neatly into the framework of these five elements. The elements are described as “phases” because they have relationships to one another which are defined by movement and motion. These phases interact according to patterns of “generating” and “controlling”. As an example, Fire is said to “generate” Earth and “control” Metal. Therefore, disharmonies in both the Earth and Metal phases can be addressed by treating Fire. This kind of 5 phase diagnosis can be very useful clinically in determining an acupuncture treatment.

Traditional Chinese medicine is unique in its ability to view signs and symptoms from more than just one perspective. The theories of Yin and Yang, Internal Organs, Qi, Blood & Body Fluids, and the Five Phases allow a practitioner to treat disease as a unique occurrence in each individual rather than a static condition which is the same for everyone. This broad and open approach gives Chinese medicine the depth and complexity necessary to be a truly holistic medicine.

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Cupping is most commonly used to treat coughs, asthma, and symptoms of the common cold. It can also be used for muscle aches and pain, especially back pain. Sliding cupping, in particular, leaves the muscles of the back relaxed and opens up movement and motility. Most people find cupping to be a wonderfully relaxing, comfortable, and effective treatment. Like massage, cupping can also be used to relieve stress, tension, and lower blood pressure.

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The first part of your treatment will consist of establishing your diagnosis or “pattern of disharmony”. There are four basic examinations used to determine this diagnosis: questioning, visual inspection, listening, and palpating.

Questioning is one of the most important methods used to find out how your signs and symptoms relate to each other. Each symptom must be looked at in relationship to the whole mind, body and spirit. A lot of time is spent in the questioning phase of your treatment — no one can know your body as well as you do. Questions will address your sensations of heat and cold, patterns of sweating, pain, bowel and bladder function, emotions, and other relevant information to your condition.

Visual inspection includes looking at facial color, skin, areas of pain, and most importantly – the tongue. In Chinese medicine the tongue is the mirror of the body. Harmony and disharmony can be seen in the color of the tongue body, its size and shape, the color and thickness of the tongue coating, moistness or dryness of the tongue, and any abnormalities on the tongue. The tongue reflects not only your overall state of health, but also the functioning of specific organ systems. The tongue should not be looked at as an absolute indicator when diagnosing (many of us have genetic abnormalities in our tongues), but when taken as part of an overall pattern, the tongue offers strong clues to the location of disharmony.

Listening includes hearing the sound and quality of a person’s speech, breathing, and cough. For example, a loud voice or cough can indicate an “excess” condition, whereas as soft or weak voice or cough indicates deficiency. In Chinese, the same character is used for “listening” and “smelling”. The practitioner may also ask about odors — a strong stench indicates excess and heat, whereas a weaker odor indicates deficiency and cold.

Palpating includes gently touching the abdomen, acupuncture points, or areas of the body where there is pain, but primarily refers to the Chinese medicine practice of feeling the pulse. Pulses are evaluated in three positions on the wrist at a superficial, middle, and deep level. The pulse is felt for speed and for qualities which include: floating, slippery, choppy, wiry, tight, thin, and many others. These pulse qualities can indicate the condition of qi, blood, and body fluids as well as imbalances in the internal organs.

Once these four examinations are complete, your “pattern of disharmony” will be determined and treatment will begin. The primary treatment modalities used are acupuncture and Chinese herbalism, but treatment also may include dietary therapy, massage, movement exercises (known as Tai Chi or Qi Gong), moxibustion, or cupping. Cupping is a method where glass or bamboo cups are suctioned at points along the back in order to enhance to flow of qi or to release a pathogen which is still in the exterior of the body (such as in the early stage of a cold or flu).

Treatment is aimed at bringing the body into balance and restoring harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.

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Many of us think of Chinese medicine as being synonymous with acupuncture, but even the Chinese term for acupuncture, “Zhen Jiu”, literally translates into “Acupuncture & Moxibustion”.

Rarely in the medicine practiced in ancient China were acupuncture needles inserted without also treating patients with moxibustion, a therapy which involves the burning of specific herbs at acupuncture points.

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Seven-Star Needling (also known as Plum Blossom Needling) is one of the healing techniques offered at Oasis Palisades, a Health & Wellness Center located in Pacific Palisades.

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