Patient Education

Golden Bamboo Acupuncture HQ would like to be your partner in health care. Feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us. We will work with you to develop a wellness program for the care and treatment you need.

We welcome you to our practice and look forward to caring for you.

Golden Bamboo Acupuncture HQ provides a full range of medical services including the following:

Acupuncture

Dr. Roberto Irawan, OMD at Golden Bamboo Acupuncture provides acupuncture and other modalities.
  Practiced by Chinese healers for more than 5,000 years, acupuncture is a type of holistic medicine designed to facilitate the proper flow of Qi (ch'i), the life-giving energy that travels through the body's pathways (meridians). By helping Qi to move unimpeded through the meridians, acupuncture provides nourishment to all of the body's cells, muscles, organs, glands and tissues. During an acupuncture session, fine needles are inserted into the body at specific points along the meridians to break up blockages and restore a full, healthy flow of Qi. ...

Arthritis and Joint Pain

Dr. Roberto Irawan, OMD at Golden Bamboo Acupuncture can treat Arthritis.
Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis caused by the wearing down of the cartilage that protects the bones of a joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition caused by inflammation in the lining of the joints. Both forms of arthritis cause pain, tenderness, and swelling, and may result in loss of movement in the affected joints. Over time, joints affected by arthritis may become severely damaged. Arthritis occurs more frequently in older individuals, however, it sometimes develops in athletes from overuse of a joint or after an injury. ...

Back Pain

Dr. Roberto Irawan, OMD at Golden Bamboo Acupuncture can treat Back Pain
Acupuncture is a treatment option that is commonly used to relieve back pain. Acupuncture can provide pain relief for lower and upper back pain caused by lumber discs, back injuries, joint inflammation, sciatica pain and disc herniation. Many adults suffer significant back pain at some time in their lives due to an injury at work, at home or at play. Back pain and spine problems can be caused by: mechanical difficulties when moving the spine in a specific manner; injuries such as a sprain or fracture; constant, repetitive movement; conditions such as arthritis or scoliosis; and infections or tumors. Traditional treatments for back pain include medication physical therapy and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Acupuncture is a safer alternative to medication, or risky surgical procedures, as there are no side effects and no negative interactions with other treatments. ...

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel is a narrow, fibrous passage in the wrist that protects the median nerve, which runs down the length of arm and through the wrist into the hand. The median nerve controls some hand movement, and sensation in the thumb, index and middle fingers, and half of the ring finger. Irritation or compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel can cause tingling and numbness in the fingers, a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Traditional treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome usually involves anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, and in some cases, wearing a splint. In severe cases, surgery may be suggested as a form of treatment. ...

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes fatigue, as well as widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. People with fibromyalgia have specific tender points on their bodies that are particularly sensitive when pressure is applied. Fibromyalgia is also associated with sleep problems, headaches and trouble concentrating. While there is no definitive treatment for fibromyalgia, traditional treatment usually involves a combination of medications to reduce pain and improve sleep. Acupuncture is also considered an effective treatment option for fibromyalgia. Without the side-effects of medication, acupuncture treatments may help to block pain impulses from reaching the brain, and increase the level of endorphins in the body, thereby minimizing the painful symptoms of fibromyalgia. ...

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Acupuncture is a treatment option that can be helpful in providing relief from the symptoms of many gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Digestive health is critical for every bodily function and acupuncture works to provide energetic balance to the entire body, with an emphasis on specific areas, including those related to the gastrointestinal tract. Acupuncture is a natural treatment for gastrointestinal disorders since it helps to relieve stress and anxiety; reduce inflammation; and stimulate the immune system. ...

Headaches and Migraines

A headache is defined as pain in any region of the head. Headache symptoms can be mild or severe, ranging from pulsating pain in one area of the head to pain behind the eyes or in the neck. Pain can be throbbing, sharp, or dull. While getting a headache is a universal human experience, and most headaches are short-lived and relatively benign; for many people, headaches are a serious problem because of their frequency or severity. A very small percentage of headaches are due to traumatic brain injury or tumor, and some are the result of anatomical abnormalities or polyps. The vast majority are due to more benign causes. This does not, however, make these headaches any less painful. While conventional medicine treats headaches primarily with medication, acupuncture treatment for headaches involves activating the parasympathetic nervous system and decreasing muscle tension. ...

Infertility

Fertility issues are relatively common. These issues are distressing to both men and women and may result from dysfunction in the reproductive tract of either partner. In some cases, no cause of infertility can be isolated. Although some percentage of reproductive problems are related to anatomical abnormalities, diseases, or exposure to toxins or radiation, in many cases fertility issues may be associated with improper functioning of the nervous system and other systems within the body, conditions that acupuncture may be able to address. ...

Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that involves difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, sometimes both. Although most people suffer an occasional sleepless night, patients with insomnia have difficulty sleeping on a regular basis. Certain lifestyle factors such as stress, emotional or physical pain, depression, jet lag or medications can trigger insomnia. Insomnia affects many people and can lead to other troubling symptoms, such as fatigue, low energy level, and a weakened immune system. ...

Menstrual Disorders

Menstrual disorders can turn a monthly period from a minor inconvenience into a major, debilitating condition. These disorders can cause physical and emotional symptoms and can disrupt daily life for days or weeks at a time. Menstrual disorders can cause symptoms such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding, abdominal pain, mood swings, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue. Types of menstrual disorders vary but may include: premenstrual syndrome (PMS), amenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, fibroids, and dysmenorrhea. While these disorders are not usually serious, they are often painful and draining. Conventional treatment may include hormones or pain medication, however, acupuncture is a natural alternative treatment option for the uncomfortable and distressing symptoms of many menstrual disorders. ...

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are uncomfortable symptoms that may or may not be indicative of a serious disorder. Nausea is a feeling of uneasiness in the stomach, usually accompanied by the sensation that one needs to, or is about to, vomit. Vomiting is the emptying, most often involuntarily, but occasionally voluntarily, of the stomach contents through the mouth. Nausea and vomiting may result from a great variety of conditions, including both temporary distress or infirmity and serious disease. ...

Neck Pain

The neck, or cervical section of the spine, is a crucial area of the body since it supports the skull and brain. While mild stiff necks are a common complaint, more serious neck pain, particularly pain that is radicular, or travels down the arm, may be cause for concern. There are two types of neck pain: mechanical, which is caused by injury and subsequent inflammation of the soft tissues of the region, and cervical radiculopathy. While mechanical neck pain is typically the result of a pulled muscle, ligament or facet joint, cervical radiculopathy usually results from degeneration or herniation of a disc that results in a compressed ("pinched") nerve. Radicular pain is often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or muscular weakness along the arm and fingers. ...

Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders include conditions that affect the nasal passages, bronchial tubes and lungs, making breathing difficult. Symptoms may include sinus inflammation, frequent coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness or pain. Acupuncture is an effective treatment option to reduce respiratory symptoms and strengthen the body's immune system and overall function. Acupuncture and certain acupressure techniques can help to relieve sinus pressure and inflammation, allowing the sinuses to properly fight bacteria and other germs, and restore breathing. Acupuncture is also effective in reducing inflammation within the bronchial airways, opening up the breathing passages. ...

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement occurs when the front of the shoulder blade rubs against the rotator cuff causing irritation and pain. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilizes the shoulder and permits lifting and rotating movements. If the rotator cuff weakens or is injured, the bone of the upper arm (humerus) can lift up, pinching the rotator cuff against the shoulder blade. The muscles can then swell further, creating a cycle of pain and weakness that worsens over time. Shoulder impingement is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain and occurs more frequently in athletes who lift their arms overhead, such as swimmers, baseball players and tennis players. ...

Weight Loss

People who are overweight or obese face an increased risk of weight-related health problems. Diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease are just a few of the conditions that have been linked to excessive weight. While the health benefits of losing weight are numerous, it can also help to increase energy levels and mobility, improve breathing and sleep patterns and improve the overall quality of life for most people. Losing weight can often be achieved through a combination of exercise and diet. Some people however, may find it difficult to lose weight, and turn to acupuncture to help with the weight loss process. Acupuncture treatment may help to decrease appetite and improve metabolism to assist in weight loss. Acupuncture can help people focus on their weight loss goals and stick to their diet and exercise regimen, by reducing stress and balancing the energy in the body. ...

Acupuncture Techniques

Acupuncture involves the stimulation of different locations on or in the skin by a variety of techniques. There are a variety of acupuncture treatments that incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The most well-known type of acupuncture stimulation employs penetration of the skin by thin, solid, metallic needles, which are manipulated manually or by electrical stimulation. It is believed that acupuncture points stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue, helping to boost the body's natural ability to prevent pain and increase blood flow. As an important part of traditional Asian medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat chronic pain. ...

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. Also known as an EKG or ECG, the electrocardiogram translates the information it receives into a pattern of waves for analysis. An EKG produces a record of waves that correspond to the electrical impulses that occur during each beat of a patient's heart. This non-invasive test is usually performed as part of a routine physical examination, however, it may be performed to investigate the cause of heart-related symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. ...

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

Over time, the skin changes as a result of aging, sun damage and several other factors, causing wrinkles. There are many treatment options available to address the signs of aging, but often they are expensive and contain harsh chemicals. Acupuncture is an option that is often used as a natural alternative to chemical anti-wrinkle treatments, such as BOTOX®. Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is a painless, non-surgical method of reducing the signs of the aging process. Facial acupuncture works in the same way that other acupuncture treatments do; it focuses on balancing a person's qi (life force or energy) and clearing blockages. Facial rejuvenation acupuncture also enhances cell growth, gives the skin a healthy glow, and promotes the production of collagen in the skin. ...

Non-Needle Acupuncture Therapy

Acupuncture involves the stimulation of anatomical locations on or in the skin by a variety of techniques. There are a variety of approaches to diagnosis and treatment through acupuncture that incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The most well-known type of acupuncture stimulation employs penetration of the skin by thin, solid, metallic needles, which are manipulated manually or by electrical stimulation. However, there are variations of acupuncture that do not rely on the use of needles. ...

Bell's Palsy

Dr. Roberto Irawan at Golden Bamboo Acupuncture can treat Bell's Palsy.
Bell's palsy is a disorder of the facial nerves that can cause temporary or permanent facial paralysis. It usually affects one side of the face, and may be caused by a viral infection that causes the facial nerves to swell or become inflamed. In most cases, Bell's palsy is a temporary condition, with symptoms improving within a few weeks. However, in rare cases, some people may experience permanent muscle weakness or other muscle related problems on the affected side of the face. ...

Addiction

An addiction is an uncontrollable dependence on a certain substance or activity. People become addicted to different things for different reasons, but can be affected both physically and psychologically. With addiction, the activity or substance often becomes the major focus of a person's life, leading to the exclusion of other activities, impairing work, social, and family responsibilities, and affecting the individual's health, mood, and self-respect. Addicted individuals may suffer from anxiety, low self-esteem or depression and often feel as if they have no control over their lives or behavior. ...

Migraine Headache

Migraines are chronic headaches that cause intense pain, and throbbing or pulsing sensations in the head. Along with severe head pain, some people also experience nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The pain and symptoms of a migraine may last from hours to days at a time. Most people experience recurring migraine headaches that may be triggered by stress, anxiety, hormonal changes, certain foods or changes in sleep patterns. Migraines are more common in women than men and they may develop as a result of genetic or environmental factors. Migraines can begin at any age, though most people experience their first migraine during adolescence. ...

Personal and Auto Accident Injuries

Many individuals turn to physical therapy and chiropractic care when they have been injured in an auto, job-related, or other type of accident. Such injuries can be overwhelming emotionally as well as physically. Working on an individual therapeutic basis with a skilled professional can be both reassuring and healing. For the majority of injuries, there are several types of care available as alternatives or adjuncts to surgical treatments Such hands-on physical therapies have several advantages: they are non-invasive, less expensive, and less painful than other types of treatment, and produce no scarring. ...

Sciatica

Sciatica is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve stretches from the spinal cord to the end of each leg and may become inflamed for a number of reasons, including age-related changes in the spine, obesity, or a sedentary lifestyle. Sciatica usually develops gradually as the nerve is compressed over time. This results in pain along the nerve pathway, as well as numbness, tingling and muscle weakness in the affected area. ...

Detoxification

Detoxification is a process designed to eliminate harmful substances from the body, including those contained in certain foods, medications, and a polluted environment. A build-up of harmful toxins in the body can lead to muscle pain, gastrointestinal distress, or other forms of illness. Detoxification focuses on the removal of toxins and impurities from the body to restore health. ...

Diabetes

Diabetes is the inability of the body to create or use insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas that enables sugar or glucose to enter cells. Diabetes is a serious, chronic metabolic disorder in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not respond to the insulin being produced. ...

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition triggered by a traumatic event during which great physical harm occurs or is threatened. While almost everyone experiences trauma at one time or another, for most people the feelings of terror and helplessness subside over time. For patients with PTSD, symptoms may appear later, last longer and be much more severe than for the average person. There are many reasons an individual may develop PTSD, none of them under the individual's control. ...

Stroke

A stroke occurs when there is a reduction in the flow of blood to the brain. The lack of blood supply may be the result of a blockage in an artery or a burst blood vessel in the brain. A stroke deprives brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, causing brain cells to die. A stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention by a medical professional. Prompt treatment can minimize damage to the brain and prevent further complications. ...

Essential Tremor

Essential tremor is a type of movement disorder. This is a category of neurological conditions that involve abnormalities in the quality and quantity of spontaneous movement. Essential tremor causes involuntary shaking, particularly in the hands. The tremor tends to appear more pronounced the harder the muscles are working, such as during movement or by extending an arm. When the muscles are at rest, the tremor is typically not noticeable. The tremor may not be consistent initially, but it will frequently worsen as time goes on. In some cases, both sides of the body are not equally affected. Essential tremor is more common as people age and usually develops in people older than 40. ...

Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis involves a loss of voluntary muscle movement within the face. The facial nerve stretches down each side of the face and allows a person to laugh, cry, smile or frown when functioning properly. Facial paralysis occurs when a person is unable to move all or some of the muscles on one or both sides of the face. Facial paralysis may be the result of damage to the facial nerve or to the area of the brain that sends signals to the muscle of the face. This may be the result of a stroke or caused by a brain tumor, infection, trauma, Lyme disease or Bell's palsy. ...

Paresthesia

Paresthesia is described as a burning or tingling sensation that is often felt in the arms, legs or feet. This condition is commonly referred to as "pins and needles" and this temporary tingling usually disappears quickly. It may occur after sitting with the legs crossed for a long period of time or sleeping with the arm in a bent position. Paresthesia is the result of continual pressure on a particular nerve, but generally resolves quickly after the positioning of the affected area is changed. Paresthesia most often occurs in the extremities, such as the hands, feet, fingers and toes, but it can occur in other parts of the body as well. ...