Balance Your Qi with Acupuncture

Live Well Clinic’s Essential to Optimum Health

Written By: Angela Hatcher Qi with Acupuncture
Photographed By: Bianca Bayardo

The Expert: Zaynah Shabo Qi with Acupuncture
Credentials: Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc), Live Well Clinic Qi with Acupuncture

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”—Thomas Edison cautious about saying give no medicine only bc some think our clinic (given it is natural) does not support medicine in general including drugs which is not the case. Is there a similar quote or a modification of this?) Qi with Acupuncture 

Ancient Chinese believed that the unhindered circulation of Qi (pronounced “chee”) and a balance of its negative and positive forms in the body were essential to optimum health, and acupuncture is known to bring balance to our life force energy. Acupuncture is one of the most sought-after alternative medical treatments in modern society; and yet, it is believed the Chinese developed this holistic approach more than 2, 000 years ago. We asked Live Well Clinic’s naturopathic family expert, Acupuncturist Zaynah Shabo, LAc why acupuncture continues to be a major force in the medical community and what benefits it has over conventional medicine. Qi with Acupuncture

Question: What is acupuncture?

Zaynah Shabo LAc: Acupuncture is part of a comprehensive medical system known as Chinese Medicine, and works by activating the the patient’s own healing mechanism. It treats a wide range of ailments, from skin to bone, to internal organs. It treats a very wide range of conditions from skin to pain to chronic diseases and addictions. Acupuncture is so versatile This is because it restores homeostasis- the body’s innate system of balance. Homeostasis occurs through an intricate neurological and immune response.

Q: What are the most common misconceptions about acupuncture?

ZS: People often think that they need to believe in it for it to work and this is not true. Acupuncture is highly successful on animals and infants, who have no faith system. The effects are purely physiological, and all you have to do is relax. Another frequent question is in regards to medical training of an acupunturist. My education My degree included four years of postgraduate training, with in depth anatomy and physiology, herb-drug interactions, and hundreds of supervised practice hours. When performed by a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.), it is an extremely safe technique.

Q: Why would a client choose acupuncture over other medical treatments?

ZS: People who want a high quality of life choose acupuncture. The Chinese are famous for longevity, due in part to the effects of acupuncture. Hundreds of years of practice and wisdom make acupunture a tried and true treatment modality.

Q: What makes it better than conventional healthcare? What sets it apart?

ZS: Chinese Medicine promotes a high quality of life, while conventional care is best for emergency medicine. I spend an hour with each patient, which enables very comprehensive care, and have detected and referred quite a few impending health emergencies. Many patients are also frustrated when their problems are not addressed by conventional care, as they are not within range for a disease diagnosis. This is the perfect time for acupuncture, to prevent the progression of illness, rather than wait until it is time for repair, similar to how we provide our cars with ongoing maintenance.

Q: What kind of conditions does an acupuncturist treat?

ZS: The World Health Organization’s list of conditions proven by controlled clinical trials is quite extensive, and can be viewed here: http://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/who-official-position. In my practice, I specialize in orthopedic acupuncture for both chronic and acute pain, digestive health, immunity, and stress reduction.

Q: What are the benefits?

ZS: There are many benefits, but the shorthand version is increased vitality. Pain relief is the best known benefit, but acupuncture also improves circulation, sleep, digestion, energy, and immunity.  

Q: What are some of the challenges?  

ZS: People often come to acupuncture after all other treatment options have failed, and expect a cure in one visit. When patients commit to a series of treatments, the results can be amazing. I have had patients report a cure in one visit, however, like most healing there isn’t a magic treatment to heal a problem that has been a long time in the making. The speed of recovery really depends on one’s overall state of health, and commitment to optimal health.

Q: What would you like people to know most about acupuncture?

ZS: That every symptom conveys an overall pattern in one’s body. Those who are overwhelmed with seemingly-unrelated problems find great relief in acupuncture. I connect the different symptoms to address the root cause of the imbalance. I welcome those with specific questions to schedule a complimentary consult.  

Q: Acupuncture was practiced more than 2000 years ago; have there been any advancements or modifications since then?  

ZS: Modern acupuncture uses extremely thin, sterile, disposable needles. I am certified in Clean Needle Technique, which ensures patient safety. Another advancement is E-stim (electro-stimulation), which provides added circulation to areas of chronic pain and weakness. Structural problems of the spine and knee see great results from this technique.

I also review my patient’s lab work and imaging reports. This provides perspective, not only on current health status, but on progress throughout the course of treatment. Other modern components of care such as Kinesiotape and postural analysis are used, in addition to traditional modalities such as cupping, gua sha (for fascia release), herbal formulas, and nutritional remedies.  

Q: Most people don’t like needles. So, tell us, is it painful?

ZS: I completely understand this concern. However, unlike hypodermic needles used in injection, acupuncture needles are hair-thin, and most people do not feel them, or feel only a tiny pinch that lasts only a few seconds. The relief is well worth overcoming any anxiety; in fact, acupuncture treats pain and anxiety quite effectively.

Live Well Clinic
78900 Avenue 47 Ste 102
La Quinta, CA 92253
760.771.5970
The Perks of Acupuncture

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Angela is a writer who fell in love with live theatre at an early age. She majored in English in college, and it was then that she began corresponding with the late contemporary humorist, Erma Bombeck. After purchasing one of Bombeck’s books, Angela discovered that the binding was askew, and Bombeck convinced her that life did not end after page 190! Angela has written theatre reviews for about a decade, and an editor once told her that her “ebullience comes through her writing and is like watching a child whoop and holler on her first trip to an amusement park.” This is one ride she’s never getting off! Angela lives in Huntington Beach, is happily married to a drummer/percussionist and has recently purchased a great pair of ear plugs! She loves all the “girly” stuff - fashion, jewelry, and makeup, but her undying passion is theatre and travel. When not in a theatre, you will find her anywhere there is surf and sand.

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