Welcome to Well Within Natural Medicine, Inc. in Saint Petersburg FL
Welcome to Well Within Natural Medicine, Inc. your resource for Integrative Energy Medicine. I'm Melanie Smith, Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture Physician. I personally invite you to explore the ancient realms of Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine, Eden Energy Medicine, Energy Psychology, Feng Shui, Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork Techniques, Nutrition and Thermography. Through this portal you will discover a unique blend of healing techniques that are fused together for your own personal healing experience.
You will find educational opportunities and resources are available to learn Energy Medicine for self-healing.
Join our monthly Energy Medicine Study Group, participate in workshops, or study at home with our new Energy Medicine for Healthy Living™ series of color laminated charts and DVD's.
Why use Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine?
In addition to being effective for many acute and chronic common illnesses, Oriental Medicine has much to offer those who wish to raise their quality of health and vitality. Practitioners of Oriental Medicine operate with prevention in mind, attempting to correct small energetic imbalances before they become big health problems. Current health trends emphasizing exercise, proper nutrition, stress reduction and immune system strengthening all validate the lifestyles and methods that have long been a focus of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
What should I expect on a first visit?
In an initial examination and consultation, the practitioner will ask about your medical history and closely observe your body: the appearance of the face and body build, the shape and color of the tongue, the quality of the pulses, the appearance of the ear, and the feel of diagnostic areas such as the abdomen and back. An acupuncturist may test for weaknesses along the “meridians” and weaknesses in the muscles. Sometimes devices that measure electrical activity of acupuncture points may be used.
What is treatment like?
Most patients say treatments are “relaxing.” Usually patients leave in less discomfort and are more functional than when they walked in. Sometimes the effects are too subtle to perceive, especially in the beginning of treatment. Generally, after three treatments noticeable shifts will occur. And after five to ten treatments the improvements become more and more apparent.
Is it safe?
When performed by a properly trained and licensed practitioner, acupuncture is safe, effective and free from adverse or addictive side effects. Licensed Acupuncturists know the human anatomy well, and insert needles in a safe fashion. The instruments used to penetrate the skin are pre-sterilized and disposed of after a single use as required by Florida law. The practitioner is well aware of the concern over infectious diseases and, like all health care professionals, takes every measure to insure cleanliness. Bleeding rarely occurs, unless it is elicited intentionally in specific situations. Even then, the amount is minimal and in no way dangerous.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture applied correctly is virtually painless (far less painful than plucking out a hair). First-time patients are usually amazed at how comfortable they are during treatment. Many of them comment, “They don’t feel a thing”. People have described the sensation of their acupuncture treatments with the following range of descriptions -- from nothing at all, to mild tingling, to slight numbness or achiness, to electrical pulsations in areas distant from the site of insertion.
If the Acupuncturist has obtained the correct stimulus of the needle and made contact with the Qi (energy), the patient should feel some tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian, or energy pathway. In any case, if you experience any discomfort, it is usually mild. Anything beyond a mild discomfort should be brought to the attention of the practitioner, who can make adjustments. All these sensations usually subside once the needles are removed.Patients who have experienced inoculations or other injections from a hypodermic needle are sometimes fearful that acupuncture treatments will be as painful. However, this is not the case. Hypodermic needles are stiff, hollow and thick for forcing liquid into the flesh, which is always uncomfortable and frequently painful. Acupuncture needles are flexible and fine, about the size of a strand of human hair. When skillfully inserted by the Acupuncturist the slender needle produces little or no sensation.
How many treatments will I need?
That depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series of five to 15 treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.
Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture treatment?
Yes, the following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment.
- Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the possibility of bacterial infection.
- To prevent loss, do not wear jewelry.
- Wear loose clothing. Women should not wear one-piece dresses. Avoid wearing tight stockings.
- Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full, emotionally upset, or shortly after sex.
What conditions are treatable by Acupunture and Oriental Medicine?
Chinese Medicine sees all illness as a process of energetic disharmony which Acupuncture can help re-establish. There are no disorders for which this form of treatment is inappropriate. The World Health Organization and NIH have recommended acupuncture for a wide variety of ailments and diseases. A few examples are:
- INFECTIONS: Colds and flus, bronchitis, hepatitis
- SKIN: eczema, acne, herpes, hives, rashes, psoriasis, shingles
- MENTAL, EMOTIONAL: anxiety, stress, depression, insomnia, ADD
- EYES, EARS, NOSE, THROAT: sore throat, cough, tinnitus, ringing in the ears, earaches, allergies, poor eyesight, dry/red/watery eyes, sinus infection, dizziness, vertigo, hay fever
- INTERNAL MEDICINE: compromised immune system, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, asthma, thyroid conditions, gas, bloating, hypoglycemia, ulcers, hemorrhoids, colitis, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, diabetes, colitis, diverticulitis, edema, organ disorders (liver, gall bladder, kidney, lungs, stomach, spleen, bladder, intestines, heart), chemical and drug sensitivities, syndromes associated with cancer and chemotherapy
- MUSCLES, NERVES & BONES: arthritis, sciatica, headaches, musculoskeletal pain patterns (back, neck, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle), joint pain, numbness or cramping, tendonitis, stiff neck, Bell's Palsy, polio, stroke, neuralgia, sprains/strains, trigeminal neuralgia, bursitis, cerebral palsy, carpal tunnel, injuries, whiplash, nervous disorders
- REPRODUCTIVE: premenstrual syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, irregular periods and cramps, vaginitis, infertility, impotence, prostate, morning sickness, gynecological dysfunctions, hot flashes, night sweats
- ADDICTIONS: drugs, alcohol, food, stop smoking, weight loss
Is there anything I need to do while receiving acupuncture?
- Relax and breathe! There is no need to be frightened. Ask your practitioner any questions you have along the way so that you can get the most benefit possible from the treatment.
- Do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are uncomfortable, tell your practitioner.
- On rare occasions, some people may experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness of breath, or faintness during treatment. This is usually due to nervousness. Inform your practitioner immediately so she can readjust or withdraw the needles. Also let your practitioner know if you feel an increasing amount of pain or burning sensation during the treatment.
- If you find your treatment uncomfortable at any point, be sure to speak up so that your practitioner can make the proper adjustments or stop the treatment.
Specialties: Acupuncture,
Diet and Nutrition,
Energy Medicine,
Feng Shui,
Herbal Medicine,
Massage & BodyworkHealth Conditions: Acne,
Addiction,
Allergies,
Anxiety,
Asthma,
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,
Back Pain,
Chronic fatigue syndrome,
Depression,
Diabetes,
Fibromyalgia,
Headaches,
Hypertension,
Influenza,
Insomnia,
Pain,
Sciatica,
Sinusitis,
Stress