Although there is current research in acupuncture, we still can rarely answer questions based on a Western scientific-evidence-based model. Western allopathic Medicine treats diagnoses that are often established by fairly objective impersonal standards. Oriental Medicine’s approach, on the other hand, treats the individual as a whole, not a diagnosis.
In November of 1997, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) convened a conference on acupuncture to determine what answers we do have from a rigorous scientific standpoint (The Consensus Statement on Acupuncture). So far, modern research has described various physiological shifts following acupuncture, such as beneficial changes in the body’s own natural painkillers, anti-inflammatory agents, immune system functions and hormonal activity. Acupuncture is definitely one of the best and safest types of treatment you can have. The focus is to stimulate your body’s own healing power. In the human body there are twelve primary meridians (natural energies flow in the body) along which, messages are sent from the acupuncture points to various parts of the body. The meridians are stimulated by needles or other instruments, to create an even flow of energy throughout the body. It is believed that all the various parts of the body are interdependent and must all work together harmoniously if good health is to be maintained.
Dr. Marie Perkins, OTR/L, LMT, DOM, Dipl. Ac. is one of the most recognized practitioners in Palm Harbor as a “non-pharmaceutical” pain specialist. She is the founder of East West Healing Solutions and is dedicated to helping patients enjoy optimum health.
Born and raised in Quebec City Canada, Dr. Perkins received her Bachelor Degree in Occupational Therapy from University Laval in 1993. Her passion led her to leave everything behind and immigrated to Florida in 1995. She proceeded with acquiring her Massage Therapy license from Bahkti Academy in 1999 and her Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine from the Florida Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2004.
Her goal for founding East West Healing Solutions was to be a pioneer in the community working at bridging the gap between Eastern and Western Medicine. She has established strong partnership with Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, Orthopedic Surgeons, Neurologists, Pain Management Physicians, Doctors of Chiropractic, Rehabilitative Specialists, Athletic Directors, Coaches and Personal Injury Attorneys in the community proving not only that it can be done but also that a cohesive team approach is often the most efficient way to help a patient..
“Over the years I have continued to add to my knowledge in order to be able to help as many patients I possibly could. Most of the time, a joint effort from Western and Eastern Medicine is required to obtain optimal health. For that reason, patients should proactively seek a team of highly trained professionals in various fields, all working toward one common goal; the PATIENT’S best interest. Your health portfolio should be built with the same concepts as your financial portfolio; diversification is the key!, Dr. Marie Perkins tells her patients.”
Aside from offering Traditional Acupuncture to Palm Harbor patients, her clinic also offers several other complementary treatments such as Herbal prescriptions, Cupping, Gua Sha, Moxibustion, Diathermia, Dry Aqua Massage, Cold Laser Therapy, Medical Massage and Postural Analysis among others. Dr. Perkins also develops customized, personal healing and health plans for each patient at East West Healing Solutions.
