Traditional Acupuncture

Five Elements, Toyo Hari Japanese and Tibetan Acupuncture

Addressing the Body, the Mind and the Spirit.

Twenty-Five Years Experience

 

Dianne B. Shelton, L.Ac., M.Ac., Dipl.Ac.
Utah and Nationally Licensed Acupuncturist
St. George and Ivins, Utah 435-272-4442
dbshelton333@yahoo.com


About Acupuncture

In Traditional Acupuncture it is understood that if the person’s ch’i or energy is harmonious, of good quality, and able to flow unobstructed to nourish the whole person, health will return. This is the simple philosophy and observation of Oriental medicine.

By taking the pulses and other means of assessing the condition of one’s energy, a course of treatment can be individually tailored to correct imbalances and improve the quantity and quality of the person’s energy. Acupuncture assists the energy in returning to its natural rhythms by eliminating blockages, and correcting weaknesses to restore harmony. All symptoms, and diseases are the expression of disharmony, of imbalance, wear and tear, and stress. If we go to the root of the problem and correct the underlying imbalances we will create renewed vitality and health. By examining the life style that created the disharmony, a map can be created to return one to greater health and better life style choices that will support the renewed health. Really, it is that simple. If one is willing to make simple changes and to take responsibility for one’s life style and health, one can rapidly advance with acupuncture’s assistance.

This highly effective system of medical care is based on natural laws which govern the movement of vital life giving energy, both in nature and in the body. This energy, called chi, moves through the body in precise channels supporting functions of the body, mind and spirit. When the chi is moving disharmoniously, imbalance begins to surface in the form of specific symptoms. To address the underlying cause of a condition, these symptoms are viewed in relationship to the totality of a person in order to explore the root cause of a condition or illness. The gentle insertion of sterile hair thin needles at specific points along the channels of chi energy, help restore harmony at the deepest level of the body, mind and spirit. In the presence of this subtle yet profound intervention, symptoms often resolve and patients frequently experience deep personal transformation.

For more information please see the Frequently Asked Questions section below, or contact Dianne Shelton at 435-272-4442.

 

Acupuncture Trainings and Education

In 1985, Dianne Shelton began formal studies at the Traditional Acupuncture Institute in Columbia, MD to become an acupuncturist. It was the first accredited acupuncture school in the US, and she received both her Certificate of Competency, and her Master's degree in Acupuncture there. Licensed by the Board of Medicine in MD in acupuncture, Dianne began her private practice in Silver Spring, MD where she continued to practice until 2005.

In September 1991, Ms Shelton took a two-year training program in Chinese Herbal Medicine with Ted Kaptchuk, OMD, author of The Web That Has No Weaver, offered through the Traditional Acupuncture Institute. Later in 1993 through collaboration with the Traditional Acupuncture Institute, the College of Integrative Chinese Medicine (UK) offered continuing education training over two years in Traditional Chinese Medicine that she participated in. This training in the Eight Principles patterns and syndromes rounded Dianne’s previous Five Element training, and enriched her understanding and further study of Chinese Herbal Medicine, and acupuncture.

In May 1996, Dianne completed requirements and became a Diplomate in Acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

From 1995-1997, Ms. Shelton studied a little known style of Tibetan acupuncture from the ancient Bon Po tradition. This training was a rare opportunity in which she learned a highly esoteric approach to working with acupuncture. This tradition uses extraordinary points taught only through an oral tradition which are not part of the traditional acupuncture charts. Having studied many types of energy work, this experience opened the way for Dianne to engage in all that she had learned and that she would continue to learn from a unique perspective.

In June 1998, Dianne Shelton completed a two-year intensive training program in the theory and practice of Gestalt Psychotherapy, taught by Rudolph Bauer, Ph.D. at the Gestalt Therapy Training Center in Washington, DC. Rudy and Sharon Bauer also started the Washington Center for Consciousness Studies. Through 2004, Dianne enrolled in many of the continuing education courses they offered, and regularly meditated at their center, meeting visiting teachers from many traditions. This time with the Bauers was extremely valuable.

In 2001, Ms Shelton trained with Dr Eric Pearl, the founder of The Reconnective Healing™, and The Reconnection™. She offers this valuable re-alignment to assist with health issues that have not responded to conventional modalities.

The Commonwealth of Virginia granted Dianne Shelton a license to practice acupuncture in Virginia in February 2002, where she first opened a practice in Woodstock, VA

Toyo Hari is a style of Japanese meridian therapy that was developed by highly sensitive blind master acupuncturists from Japan. This training was completed in June 2002, and provided Dianne with additional tools for treating clients both profoundly, and symptomatically.

During the first two months of 2004, Dianne studied Ayurvedic medicine with Dr.Pankaj Naram, one of the Dalai Lama's physicians, in Mumbai, India. She was exposed to pulse diagnosis and many of the Pancha Karma (deep purification) treatments, and gained a familiarity with some Ayurvedic herbal preparations. Dianne often refers clients with advanced medical conditions to Ayurvedic physicians for herbal consultations to further support and accelerate their healing.

Continuing education is a personal commitment. Each year Dianne studies with other experts in the field of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to increase her skills and abilities to assist you.

 

Schedule, Fees and Appointments

Office Hours are by appointment only.
Advanced appointments are required. Same day appointments can sometimes be arranged when office space is available.  Please call. 435-272-4442.

Insurance Reimbursement Policy:
It is the office policy that all patients who are eligible for insurance reimbursement file directly with their flexible spending plan or insurance carrier for reimbursement. Full payment is required at the time of each treatment. You will be provided with a coded receipt to submit to your health insurance provider or flexible spending plan

The fees for acupuncture treatment are as follows:
$125 for the 1st session which includes the intake, history and 1st acupuncture treatment and is 1.5 to 2 hours in length.

$75 per hour for follow up treatments which are 1 hour in length.

Payment is required at the time of treatment. Checks and cash are accepted in person.

Credit card, debit card and PayPal payments can be made here on this website only.

For your convenience, you may use the PayPal button below to pay by credit card, debit card or to pay through your PayPal account. No account setup is necessary. Simply follow the prompts by clicking on the Pay Now button. It's simple, secure and free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture hurt?
The sensations that patients experience during acupuncture range from nothing at all to a brief localized ache or heaviness. Some points are more sensitive than others. By and large patients describe the initial sensations as fleeting and the long term sensations as deeply relaxing. After the needles are inserted, most patients fall asleep during the session and report a sense of renewal and ease at the conclusion of a treatment.

Why would I see an acupuncturist?
Many patients begin acupuncture treatment to find relief from a wide range of physical and emotional conditions, including:

•  muscle & joint pain (including back, neck & shoulders)
•  lack of energy and fatigue
•  chronic headaches,
•  stress and emotional upsets
•  allergies
•  digestion and elimination issues
•  sleep disorders
•  infertility
•  menstrual and menopausal disorders
•  eating disorders
•  help to quit smoking and cease other addictions
•  and support during serious illnesses, including amelioration of the side effects of medications, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments

For a list of conditions and an endorsement of acupuncture by the World Health Organization, please refer to http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2002/9241545437.pdf

Because acupuncture treatments re-awaken the healing energies that are inherent in each of us, what often begins as a concern over a specific symptom or symptoms can transform into a deeper healing of the body, mind, and spirit.

How does acupuncture work?
This highly effective system of medical care is based on natural laws which govern the movement of vital life giving energy, both in nature and in the human body. In a fashion similar to the movement of blood in blood vessels, this energy, called chi, (pronounced chee and also spelled “qi”), moves through the body in precise channels, called meridians, and supports the many functions of the body, mind and spirit.

Acupuncture is based on thousands of years of the study and observation of the movements of chi in the human body. When energy in the body is weak, excess, of poor quality, stagnant, or blocked, imbalances begin to surface in the form of specific signs and symptoms. Imagine a stream with too little or perhaps too much water flowing. We know that a flood has different manifestations and causes than a drought. In a similar vein, to address the underlying causes of an imbalanced condition in a person, specific signs and symptoms are viewed by a trained acupuncturist in relationship to the totality of the person.

One of the greatest strengths of acupuncture is that treatments are tailored for the individual. This is not a “one size” or “one pill fits all” approach.

By the gentle insertion of hair-thin needles at specific points along the meridian channels, the acupuncturist will help to resolve the disharmonies and restore regularity, function, and balance to the flow of your chi.  

What are the benefits of acupuncture treatment?
Acupuncture is often effective with a wide range of complaints, including chronic fatigue, depression, back pain, joint pain, infertility, asthma, addictions, and stress. Acupuncture is also helpful for many chronic illnesses and health concerns that have no clear origin or cause. Patients committed to a healthy lifestyle who receive ongoing acupuncture treatment for maintenance and health promotion often experience:

*Being sick less often and recovering more quickly

*Improvement of vitality and stamina

*Being able to take care of their own health

*Relationships with others deepening and becoming more harmonious

*Reductions in long term health care costs

A recent survey of people who receive acupuncture, conducted by Claire Cassidy, Ph.D., indicates that they see their physicians less frequently and use fewer  medications. In addition, over two thirds of those surveyed reported having avoided recommended surgery.

Is acupuncture covered by health insurance or flexible spending plans?
It is our office policy that all patients file directly with their flexible spending plan or insurance carrier for reimbursement. Full payment is required at the time of each treatment. You will be provided with a coded receipt to submit to your health insurance provider or flexible spending plan.

Insurance reimbursement is an ever-changing world. Please consult your provider for the exact terms of coverage on your policy. Flexible spending and health insurance coverage for your treatments are dependent upon both the type of care you receive and the terms and conditions of your policy.

You may want to make note of the following:

(1) Federal government employees: Beginning in January, 2007 the Standard Option for the 2007 Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield program has been modified to include reimbursement for up to 24 acupuncture treatments per calendar year.

(2) The majority of flexible spending plans, also known as cafeteria benefit plans, will reimburse for acupuncture treatments and a growing number of insurance companies will reimburse as well. Please check with your provider.

Are the needles safe?
Yes. Sterile disposable needles are used. They are used once and then disposed of immediately and properly.

Do I have to be ill to benefit from acupuncture?
Absolutely not. Acupuncture is also a powerful preventive measure to keep patients healthy throughout the year. Just as you would have your car tuned up before problems occur, you can benefit from periodic acupuncture treatments.

How do I get the most out of each treatment?
Please make sure you have eaten something nourishing about one hour before the visit and please refrain from having any coffee or other caffeinated drinks for at least one hour before your visit. It is best to refrain from intense physical activity before or immediately after your scheduled treatment.

Before you begin treatment, you may want to note when your symptoms are better and when they are worse and report your observations during your intake interview. For example, if you are coming because you have pain in a specific area, it is helpful to note if your pain is better or worse after exercise or application of heat or cold. Once treatments begin, any observations you may have about changes you have noticed since your last treatment are very important and will be discussed.

How frequently do I need to come to benefit from treatment?
Of course, the actual recommended frequency of treatments varies with each individual and condition. Typically, following the initial consultation, you will be seen in weekly one-hour sessions for 6-8 visits. During this time, significant signs of progress will likely appear.

In addition, acupuncture treatments will help you to recognize and maintain constructive life style choices that will support your healing and vitality. Working together, the benefits of your treatments can continue for longer intervals. As patients experience improvement in their condition and enjoy a greater sense of ease in life, treatments may be extended to every other week, every three weeks, monthly and eventually seasonally.

I want to come for treatment, what do I do next?
Contact Dianne at 435-272-4442 or email dbshelton333@yahoo.com with "acupuncture" in the subject line to share your concerns and to discuss what you would like to receive from treatment. We can schedule an initial appointment and explore a treatment schedule that will best meet your needs.
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