An Oriental medicine practice perfected over the centuries that can restore balanced health through the painless insertion of hair-thin, disposable acupuncture needles at specific body points. Acupuncture is used to relieve pain and heal a variety of conditions, including arthritis, asthma, PMS, stress, digestive problems, muscular injuries, and more.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
In general, TCM is a holistic medical system consisting of acupuncture, herbal medicine, meditation and diet. The first TCM book was published more than 2,000 years ago. Through the generations, the wisdom of thousands of volumes of medical literature and countless clinical experiences have been passed down for our use. TCM has developed greatly within the last 30 years by integrating its practices with modern medicine in China .

TCM at The Marino Centers offers therapy conducted by several of the foremost practitioners in the New England area. The Marino Center provides the best of Traditional Chinese Medicine in a convenient, comfortable and safe setting. Our goal is to make this holistic, physical, and spiritual healing practice available to anyone who could benefit from it.

What Is Acupuncture?
In the holistic philosophy of TCM, all parts of our bodies are seen as inter-connected. Energy and signal transactions (Qi flow) are carried through pathways called meridians, which are distributed on the surface of the body. It is believed that blockages of the Qi flow through meridians cause imbalances which, in turn, result in illness. Acupuncture attempts to heal by restoring the flow of Qi through the meridians--allowing the body to heal itself. Modern techniques like finger pressure, laser, heat, maxa, and electro-magnetic therapies have also been developed based on the theory of acupuncture.

What Conditions can Acupuncture Help?
The World Health Organization has publicly announced that the following conditions are suitable for acupuncture treatment:

1. Neurological and muscular disorders

2. Respiratory Disorders:
Bronchial asthma (in children and adult when uncomplicated)

3 Gastrointestinal Disorders:
Esophageal and cardio spasm, hiccup, gastroptosis, acute or chronic gastritis, sour stomach, duodenal ulcers, colonitis, acute bacillary dysentery, constipation, diarrhea, and paralytic ileus.

4. Eye Disorders:
Acute conjunctivitis, central retinitis, nearsightedness (in children), and cataracts without complications.

5. Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders:
Toothaches, gingivitis, otitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, nasal catarrh, and acute tonsilliti. In general, acupuncture can be used for treating almost all kinds of pain, paralysis or neural dysfunction, allergies, immune imbalance and most gynecological problems.

Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. Only sterile, disposable needles are used. Every licensed acupuncturist has passed the National Clean Needle Techniques Examination. From 1975-1995, only 35 accidents were reported out of tens of millions of worldwide acupuncture visits - a rate much lower than that of conventional medicine.

Does it Hurt?
Discomfort from acupuncture is mild or even nonexistent. Acupuncture needles are quite fine, usually 0.16-0.20 mm in diameter-much thinner than a regular syringe. Special techniques are used to promptly pinch the needles through the layer of sensory nerves beneath the skin. In some cases, sensations from the needles are needed to break down the energy flow blockage in the meridians. In Chinese, this is called "de Qi." In this case you may feel some temporary heaviness, soreness, or tingling.

What are Chinese Herbs?
While nature may produce disease, it also produces healing. Chinese herbs have a long history of successfully treating many types of diseases. Countless reports show that Chinese Herbs may aid in healing where traditional medicines are less effective.

Are Chinese Herbs Safe?
Yes. Over 30 years of toxicology studies have shown that Chinese Herbs are safe and have fewer side effects than chemical medications. A trained TCM practitioner has completed a formal training program and is knowledgeable in all aspects of the herbs he/she prescribes.