Dr. Katharine S. Kim, DACM, Dipl. O.M., L.Ac.
KSK Integrative Medicine
Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy, Facial Rejuvenation, Gua Sha & More
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture and East Asian medicine have been in use for approximately 3,000 years. One of the foundations of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the belief that each person, each living thing, has "qi" (pronounced CHEE) -- a life force or energy.
Qi flows through the body in energy streams known as meridians, which are related to hundreds of points on the skin, known as acupoints. Pain or illness can result when blockages occur in the meridians and the flow of qi is inhibited.
Acupuncture is the strategic placement of ultra-thin needles (the width of a strand of hair!) in the acupoints that correspond to the patient's condition. The goal of an acupuncture appointment is to renew the healthy flow of qi and to restore balance in the body.
What conditions are effectively treated with acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an evidence-based medicine that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), has been shown to be an effective treatment with beneficial outcomes for a wide variety of conditions and disorders, including (but, not limited to):
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Anxiety and depression
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Stress/PTSD
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Headache and migraine
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Common cold
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Sinus issues
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Trigeminal neuralgia
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Low back pain
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Arthritis
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Fibromyalgia
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Muscle pain, swelling, localized traumatic injuries, sprains, strains, tendonitis and contractures
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Work and sports-related injuries
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Sciatica
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Irritable bowel syndrome
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Constipation or diarrhea
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Nausea/vomiting
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Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) or other menstrual disorders
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Menopause
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Morning sickness
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Neuropathy
How is KSK Integrative Medicine different from other health providers?
Typically, when patients go to visit a Western health practitioner, the doctor spends on average about 8-10 minutes per patient -- if even that. This is usually after a long wait in the waiting room.
At KSK Integrative Medicine, patients can expect quality time with Dr. Kim -- NO LESS than 30 minutes; but more often than not, about 60 minutes (or more) -- to fully review specific health concerns, create a personalized treatment plan, and have any questions answered. If Dr. Kim doesn't have an answer for your question at that time, she will take time to research and follow-up with you directly.
Dr. Kim prides herself on being present and attentive for each and every one of her patients; ensuring that each visit is a relaxing and restorative experience.
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What are the benefits of a personalized treatment plan?
This medicine takes a holistic approach to treating an individual, and gets to the root of the problem, not just the branch (or symptoms).
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With a treatment plan of consistent sessions of traditional Chinese medicine, you can experience improved health -- physically, mentally, and emotionally.
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You get guidance that's just for you -- treatments are tailored to each individual. There is no cookie-cutter approach to treating your condition; meaning, you and a friend could both have the same condition. However, the treatments would be completely different as you and your friend have completely different constitutions and may have different symptom presentations.
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Acupuncture is a safe, natural and cost-effective method of encouraging the body's natural healing process.
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East Asian medicine is powerful and preventative with long-standing benefits.