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 a tumor in my left mandible and had surgery to remove it in Dec 2007. Prior to this I had seen at least 6 dentists because of the pain from the tumor. They all said nothing was wrong. Finally I saw an orthodontist (I was becoming desperate) He took several x-rays and said there was definitely something there. He referred me to another dentist, who in return referred me to a dental surgeon. He removed the tumor but in the process severed the nerve. In Jan 08 I saw a plastic surgeon (only one of three who performed this surgery in Colorado) who did surgery to reconnect the two ends of the nerves. That failed. He said I had a large neuroma that he had to remove and I didn't have enough nerves left to connect. I have lived with this paid for the past seven years. I would like to know if acupuncture may be able to help lessen the pain. I appreciate your time.
Answer Cindy,
It's definitely worth a try to see if acupuncture will help your pain. Nerve pain is tricky, especially in cases when there is multiple and dramatic trauma to the nerve itself. The way that the brain interprets pain can be influenced by acupuncture; thus there is hope that it would help your condition.
The best next step to take is find a qualified practitioner of Oriental Medicine in your area to assess the situation fully. They will be able to give you a more clear idea of your treatment options and prognosis. A qualified practitioner is one who has graduated from an accredited program, typically taking 3-5 years and granting a Master's or Doctorate degree, and is properly certified/licensed to practice in your area. Just like any other profession, every practitioner is different so take the time to find a person you feel like you can work well with and feel comfortable seeing.
I wish you the best and hope you find some relief through Oriental Medicine.
