Zoe Cohen L.Ac. 
Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine


Therapies Used in Chinese Medicine
I employ several healing techniques, often in combination. Below are descriptions of the most commonly used methods.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is my primary treatment method. In what is almost always a painless procedure, I insert hair-thin, disposable, sterile needles on points along specific lines of energy flow called meridians. The needles stimulate a complex neurochemical response in the brain that cascades through the body to the area or system that requires attention.
Electro-acupuncture
Needles are inserted, then attached with small clips to a device that generates electric pulses. This technique is especially useful for conditions in which there is an accumulation of Qi (energy), such as chronic pain syndromes. This technique is not painful; in fact, most of my patients find the "buzzing" sensation pleasant.
Moxibustion
This technique involves lighting and holding a cigar-shaped stick of dried herb above the skin to warm an acupuncture needle or point. Moxibustion is profoundly comfortable and restorative and is especially effective for pain conditions that worsen with cold, such as arthritis, as well as for exhaustion, low immunity and similar conditions.
Cupping
This involves placing small glass cups over specific points on the body. The air is removed, creating a suction that relaxes muscles and restores proper circulation. The cups are usually slid gently along areas of pain or tension and/or left in place for up to 20 minutes. Cupping is commonly used for pain conditions such as sore shoulders or back, and the sensation is much like that of a deep massage.
Herbs
Herbal medicine is one of the pillars of Chinese Medicine, with a history that dates back more than 2,000 years. Chinese herbs have many different uses, including reducing pain and inflammation, improving immunity and energy, strengthening digestion and, most importantly, addressing the root cause of an ailment. Herb-medication interactions are rare, and the herbs I use come from reputable companies with stringent controls concerning pesticides, heavy metals and other contaminants. Herbs may be prescribed in pill, powder or tea form.

Dietary Therapy
Over thousands of years, Chinese Medicine has categorized most foods according to temperature, taste and effects on the body, such as warming, cooling, moving or stagnating. Therefore, I may make specific dietary recommendations to address your particular condition.