Yi-Po Anthony Wu, MD, M.P.H.
Medical Director and founder of PCMC

• Western medical training at National Taiwan University, Worcester City Hospital, University of Massachusetts Medical Center
• Masters degree in Public Health, University of Hawaii
• Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
• Acupuncture training in Taiwan and at New York University
• Director of Pacific Pain Clinic 1988-93
• Director of Pacific Complementary Medicine Center since 1999
  

Complementary medicine is in vogue. Under various billings, including integrative medicine and alternative medicine, it has been prominently featured in Life, Time, Psychology Today and PBS television programs with Dr. Andrew Weil. In Stockton, Pacific Complementary Medicine Center is privileged to say that we were the first to introduce a medical practice that combines the best of eastern and western medicine and integrates the concepts of prevention and health maintenance into allopathic medicine, which traditionally places more emphasis on the identification of organic disorders or disease. We work conscientiously on providing the best patient care possible to the San Joaquin community.

This newsletter is initiated as part of our on-going educational program to inform the public about current trends and developments in the field of medicine. We will also report to you the innovations and changes taking place at our clinic. It is our desire to create a dialogue between us and our patients and friends in the community. Together we’ll seek and find knowledge and a true understanding of health and healing, the key to our well-being. We welcome any and all opinions, input, or comments from our readers.

 In Peace & Health,

          Yi-Po Anthony Wu, MD

MODALITY OF THE DAY ACUPUNCTURE
What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a device developed 5,000 years ago in China for the treatment of diseases. Throughout its long history, both equipment and technique have been perfected as data of its effectiveness were accumulated. The use of acupuncture has spread to Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and, during the past century, to Europe and the United States. Its use has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations.

Acupuncture is done by inserting very fine needles into various points of the body. The points of insertion are selected according to diagnosis based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Needles used to be made of copper, gold, and silver, but today the most commonly used ones are made of stainless steel and are disposable.

During the last thirty years, acupuncture has been subjected to modern medical research and has been proven to be effective for the treatment of many diseases. Like any other form of treatment in medicine, acupuncture is best known for its positive results in treating conditions related to the muscles, nerves, immunological and hormonal systems. It has received wide acceptance in this country for the treatment of pain, stress, and depression. But remember, acupuncture is not a cure-all!

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The Benefits of Acupuncture:

In the United States, acupuncture is recommended as an alternative way of treatment to traditional Western medicine. Where medication is not satisfactory to the patient or when side effects are intolerable, the use of acupuncture should be considered. As a matter of fact, a physician and his treatment team, with combined knowledge of Western and Oriental medicine, can make a more accurate diagnosis and choose a more proper course of treatment.

At Pacific Complementary Medicine Center acupuncture is used by Yi-Po Anthony Wu, M.D., Michael Shi, L.Ac., and Brian Loh, O.M.D., L.Ac. to treat acute and chronic pain, such as migraine headaches, arthritis, and back pain; respiratory problems such as asthma, sinusitis, and allergies; gynecological problems, including painful menstruation, and menopause syndrome; and digestive disorders, including gastritis and constipation. (Of course, the use of acupuncture is not limited to just these conditions). A patient’s quality of life may be noticeably impacted by improving their ability to sleep, by increased appetite, and by boosting the immune system.

'TIS THE SEASON

More and more people are interested in seeking advice from a physician with good training who understands what conventional medicine can and cannot do, the possibilities and limitations of alternative medicine, and who appreciates the individual’s own healing potential. Pacific Complementary Medicine Center was formed with these people in mind.

Janet, plagued with symptoms of seasonal hay fever, came in with itchy eyes and a runny nose. After receiving one acupuncture treatment, she experienced relief from both symptoms. As she continued acupuncture treatments, in combination with drinking Chinese herbal tea for three days, Janet reported her hay fever allergies were no longer an annoying problem.

Anna has experienced sinus infections and nasal allergies every year during this season. Because of the severity and recurrence of the symptoms, she was advised to have sinus surgery. She came in for acupuncture and herbal treatments. She was very happy that it was able to control the symptoms and avoided surgery altogether.

HIERBAS BUENAS!

Each issue we hope to enlighten you a little about the bounty that can be found in the hierba buenas (the good herbs). This issue will deal with Ginkgo Biloba.

Ginkgo leaves come from the deciduous wild maidenhair tree which grows in the Far East, and, now, in the United States. They are used primarily for circulatory disease of the heart and blood vessels throughout the body. Ginkgo is also used to improve blood flow to the brain. European studies show that ginkgo leaf extracts improve mental function in Alzheimer’s patients. They can also be used to treat mild depression, tinnitis (ringing in the ears), inner ear dysfunction (dizziness, hearing problems), and skin wounds and irritations.