Getting to the Point of Acupuncture

I was suffering from a variety of aches and pains when I opened my daily Groupon update in my AOL inbox. Acupuncture for just $30? After months of cortisone shots, pharmaceutical drugs, ointments and other treatments to help ease my medical conditions of arthritis, plantar facititis, lupus symptoms, a nasty rash and stress, I thought I would give the needles a try.

To be honest, I have always been afraid of the idea of someone sticking dozens of needles in me. After trying a variety of other traditional Western medical treatments without getting much relief, I was willing to try just about anything.

Acupuncture originated in China and Asian countries thousands of years ago.  Stemming from a belief that all illnesses are caused from interference with the flow of energy, also called chi, and the imbalance of two opposing yet complimentary forces - yin, the cold and passive aspect, and yang the hot and active aspect.

To restore balance between yin and yang and unblock chi, acupuncture stimulates specific points of the body by the insertion of hair-thin metal needles in the skin.

My Groupon certificate led me to Christina Marino at Alternative Health Care Concepts in Toluca Lake. She is an expert in a variety of holistic medical treatments including spiritual healing, homeopathy, energy healing, Chinese medicine, Shamanism and acupuncture. Her extensive experience in so many alternative fields of medicine put me at ease.

Marino had me fill out several forms to get information on my health background and then assessed my condition. In addition to the symptoms I noticed, after a quick look at my tongue, she diagnosed very low body energy and very high brain energy. Basically, I am thinking too much and not resting and taking care of my body. Sounded accurate to me.

I then lay down on a heated table while she gently inserted about 15 needles all over my body. To my surprise, I didn’t feel any pain. The needles were left in for 15 minutes then I turned over and the same process was used on my back.

Once the needles were removed, I felt much more relaxed. Moreno gave me two mega vitamin juices to help with my lack of energy and plenty of information to take home and read. Most patients need more than one treatment, so I’ll be back for more appointments in the next few months.

Since my treatment and consumption of the energy drinks, I’ve slept better and my pain resulting from arthritis has dramatically lowered.

is located at 10645 Riverside Drive.  Appointments can be made by calling 818/505-9511.

In Toluca Lake, there is also and service all your acupuncture needs.