Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are ancient forms of medicine that can help ease pain, reduce stress and improve your quality of life.

At the Center for Women’s Health, our experts work alongside the full range of doctors and specialists at OHSU. That means you benefit from the collective wisdom of many types of providers who take a holistic approach to your care.

Things to know:

• We focus on Qi, or vital energy, which flows through your body like blood through veins.
• Poorly flowing Qi can have a wide-ranging impact on your health.
• Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can restore and support the flow of Qi.
• Acupuncture and TCM can help pain management.
• Acupuncture and TCM can help you cope with hormonal changes related to menstruation, fertility and menopause.
• Acupuncture and TCM can support you during pregnancy and labor.
• Acupuncture and TCM can help with many other physical, psychological and emotional concerns.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been practiced for thousands of years. It focuses on the study of Qi, or vital energy, which runs through the human body and supports overall health.

Imagine Qi flowing through your body like a complex system of roads and highways. Just like a road accident leads to a backup on the freeway, Qi can be slowed or stopped without care and attention.

We work with you to restore and support your natural flow of energy.

The most common treatments include acupuncture and herbal supplements. You can use TCM on its own or as a complement to other medical care.

The holistic approach of TCM supports a healthy mind-body connection. You may use it to:

• Treat side effects of conventional medicine.
• Boost the effectiveness of conventional medicine.
• Reduce the necessary dose of conventional medicine.
• Treat conditions that don’t respond well to conventional medicine.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture stimulates specific points along the channels of energy running through the body. During treatment, an acupuncturist gently inserts fine needles into your skin. They place the needles in precise locations to treat your concerns and restore your health.

Scientists are studying how acupuncture works. There is some evidence that acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system. This triggers the body to release chemicals and hormones that affect how we feel and influence other parts of the body's regulatory system.

The needles are fine and smooth, so you will likely feel little or no pain. You may find the treatments relaxing.

What is Chinese herbal medicine?

Chinese herbs are often used with acupuncture to support a healthy energy balance. In the United States, Chinese herbs are considered supplements, not medicine, and are available over the counter.

While these supplements are generally safe, there are important benefits to using them under the care of a licensed professional. Overuse or misuse can be dangerous, especially without an understanding of your health history and medication list.

Conditions we treat

Pain is the most common concern that leads our patients to seek acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

If you take pain medication, you may have different reasons to seek care. You may hope to find additional relief. You might like to reduce your current pain medication dose. TCM and acupuncture may help you achieve these goals.

We also treat many other conditions:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Immune system disorders
• Infertility
• Menstrual disorders 
• Menopause-related symptoms 
• Migraine
• Pregnancy-related symptoms
• Stress

What to Expect

At your first visit, Dr. Luo reviews your full medical history and asks questions to understand your health status. After taking time to explain how Traditional Chinese Medicine works and what you can expect, he works with you to create a treatment plan. This plan typically includes acupuncture and Chinese herbs.

If you are pregnant, you will receive only acupuncture. If you have a strong dislike or fear of needles, you will receive only Chinese herbs.

Learn more

• Acupuncture: What You Need to Know, National Institutes of Health
• Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need to Know, National Institutes of Health

Dr. Yunpeng Luo was trained in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in China and the United States. He has over 25 years of clinical, teaching and research experience.

He focuses on easing pain, treating women's health issues and restoring balance in the mind and body.