AboutTamsen Staniford, L.Ac. Expertise Please ask me about acupuncture and oriental medicine, nutrition, dietary supplements, and herbs. I am always happy to answer questions about how any of these areas relate to your health and well-being, specific conditions, or simply if you would like some information. I specialize in acupuncture for palliative care, acute injuries, chronic illness, autoimmune disorders, bone health, and western supplements.
Experience I am a licensed acupuncturist in the state of California and hold a Master's degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine. This degree includes training for acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, exercise and bodywork. I have work for a decade in the natural products industry both at the retail and manufacturing levels. I have worked using acupuncture in private clinics, community clinic settings and in inpatient care facilities; including hospice and supportive housing residences. I currently practice in San Francisco in a private clinic, making house calls for home bound patients, and working on grant funded community acupuncture projects.
Education/Credentials Master's in Traditional Oriental Medicine, Certified Massage Therapist and Health Educator, Reiki Practitioner.
Past/Present Clients Everyone from the stressed out worker, to the detoxing substance user, to the dying, to the new mother. Acupuncture can help them all.
Question I had radiation treatment to the neck area 4 yrs ago and I have nerve damage to the C2 and C3 spinal area. I am on nerve pain med and they state it could take up to a year or so to heal. Can acupucture or herbs heal better than taking pain meds?
Answer Nerve damage is very difficult to treat both by pharmaceutical drugs and by herbs/acupuncture. However, herbs and acupuncture can help with the pain by interrupting the body's perception of the pain. There are many Chinese herbal formulas that can also help relieve pain.
As far as increasing healing time, both acupuncture and herbal medicine will help. It is also generally safe to integrate acupuncture and herbal medicine with the treatment you are already receiving.
Personally, I have seen limited progress using acupuncture for nerve damage pain similar to what you describe, but I believe that to be my own shortcoming and not that of Chinese medicine in general. Find a Licensed Acupuncturist near you and see how it goes.
There are other underlying factors that will help speed your recovery as well. The most important factor is your diet. Make sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs to work its best; and stay away from unhealthy foods such as those high is trans fats and refined sugars. Also stay away from alcohol and caffeine. Stress reduction and getting plenty of good quality sleep will also increase your body's ability to heal faster.
