Dr. Alison Warren of OrthoCarolina was in her final semester of pre-med bachelor’s degree when she was introduced to Traditional Chinese Medicine. A self-confessed nerd, she would watch surgeries in her free time. At Post-Op appointments she observed the surgery patients say they were STILL experiencing pain. There has to be something else we can do, she thought. Enter… Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Dr. Warren began researching TCM and was immediately drawn in. It had been healing people for thousands of years. She spent the next 6 years studying TCM and Acupuncture in the US and China. Her BIO is impressive to say the least. Dr. Warren arrived at OthroCarolina in September bringing her knowledge of integrating Eastern and Western medicine. We we are lucky this native Chicagoan has come South.
I sat down with Dr. Warren to discuss TCM and Acupuncture and was so impressed by her credentials and passion that I made appointments for myself and my 6-year-old son before leaving the office. I have been living with chronic neck pain and my son has suffered with allergy induced asthma for years. I am thrilled to be sharing our healing journey with Scoop readers next month. Here is my interview where we “scratched the surface” of this unique approach to medicine.
1. What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
Traditional Chinese Medicine has been healing people for thousands of years. TCM practitioners use herbal medicines and various medical techniques, such as acupuncture to treat or prevent health problems. Harvard and The Mayo Clinic are currently using TCM to treat patients and have done many studies on its’ effectiveness. Each person reacts differently to their own unique vulnerabilities such as stress and inflammation. So the key to this ancient practice is to treat the whole body while taking into account the individuals constitution. If you come in for low back pain, we treat the low back issue but look at the entire body for the root cause and inflammation.
2. What conditions/diseases can be treated with TCM and Acupuncture?
There have been more studies done on acupuncture than on most drugs. The list of treatable conditions is numerous. What brings most patients in is pain (acute & chronic). At OrthoCarolina we treat orthopedic conditions such as; plantar fasciitis, low back pain, neck pain, tennis elbow/golfer’s elbow, minor rotator cuff tears/tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, knee pain, ankle sprain (also to prevent re-occurrence), and headaches.
Most disease is either caused by inflammation or involves inflammation of some kind. TCM treats the “root” of the inflammation not just the symptoms. It can also used to treat asthma, migraines, depression & anxiety, digestive complaints, infertility…just to name a few.
3. What should I expect at my first appointment?
The first appointment will last an hour. A thorough medical history will be assessed along with the symptoms that you are currently experiencing (what brought you in). This allows me to treat your chief complaint while taking into account your overall constitution. Then I will perform acupuncture. You will rest comfortably for about 15-20 minutes with the acupuncture needles in. I typically conclude with some Asian body work focusing on connective tissue planes and trigger points.
4. Is Acupuncture painful? Is there anyone who should NOT have acupuncture?
Acupuncture should not be painful. When the needles are inserted you may feel a dull ache or a warm sensation for a couple of seconds. The needles are sterile, disposable and very tiny (as you can see from the illustration).If you go to a fully trained acupuncturist it is safe. Anyone who has a bleeding disorder is cautioned regarding increased propensity for bruising. Anyone with severe hypertension should be under the care of a medical doctor while receiving acupuncture. Also, you should let the Acupuncturist know if you are pregnant so they can tailor your treatment.
5. How many treatments are necessary? How quickly will I see results.
Generally you will see a change in your condition after the first or second treatment. If there isn’t significant change after the second treatment, I will reassess and adjust. Generally speaking, the longer you’ve had a condition the longer it takes to undo. Each patient will vary on the number of treatments necessary to attain their goal. I want my patients to be cured. My goal is to heal you and not see you again, save for occasional maintenance if necessary. That means I have been successful.
Healing is always a two-way street. We need to take a look at what factors led to your condition, how to help you feel better by restoring function and reducing pain, and ultimately examine how to prevent recurrence.
6. Will I need to take herbal medicines?
In TCM we do often utilize herbal formulas with acupuncture when indicated. Most orthopedic conditions typically respond to acupuncture alone. Many internal disorders, such as digestive complaints, hot flashes, allergies, and asthma often benefit from a combination of herbs and acupuncture. Each treatment is tailored on an individual basis
7. Does insurance cover TCM & Acupuncture?
This will depend on the insurance company. I encourage patients to get on the phone and ask— and even request it. This office does not file insurance, but can give a line item bill coded for submission to your insurance company. If you have further questions call our office.
8. How much will it cost?
The initial visit is $120.00 with each follow-up visit being $90.00.
9. What healthy lifestyle choices do you recommend?
Many of my patients are not well hydrated. One of the main things I discuss is how much water they should be drinking and diet modification. Food can be very inflammatory or anti-inflammatory. The former contributes to pain and disease. My other recommendation is to enjoy food. Eat healthy foods and enjoy treats in moderation. I eat mainly fruits, vegetables and whole grains but I love and enjoy chocolate on occasion-guilt free. My recommendation is to eat healthfully and when you indulge— savor it, enjoy it! Guilt is counter-productive. I do make dietary recommendations after the initial assessment because many conditions require that.
10. Do you treat children?
Yes, children tend respond very quickly to treatment.
*****I look forward to healing with Dr. Alison Warren and OrthoCarolina. Check back next month for the beginning of our journey. If you are interested in making an appointment call 704-323-2500.
Among the select few in the top of her field, Dr. Alison Warren holds a Clinical Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Dr. Warren received her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Bastyr University in Washington, specializing in pain management. She received her Master’s of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine in Chicago from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine after receiving her Bachelors in Premed and Psychology at Kent State University. During her training in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), she also traveled to China to train at prestigious hospitals in both Shanghai and Chengdu.
Dr. Warren has been a nationally board certified licensed acupuncturist and diplomat in Oriental medicine since 2010, and Asian Body Therapist since 2007. She has lectured on TCM and acupuncture mechanisms at prestigious universities, including Brown University. She has also taught orthopedic and neurological evaluation, along with specialized needle techniques for orthopedic disorders to acupuncturists and acupuncture students. As a gymnast, dancer, and martial artist from a young age, she has been intimately familiar with the demands of athletes and importance of optimized injury repair. Dr. Warren recently moved to Charlotte to provide her skills & experience in Integrative Medicine as part of our OrthoCarolina team.
LOCATIONS
3541 Randolph Road
Wendover Bldg. Suite 100
Charlotte, NC 28211
704-323-2500
10030 Gilead Rd
Suite 160
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-232-2800
