Traeger Stertzbach (L. Ac, Dipl. OM) is an acupuncturist and herbalist currently practicing Oriental Medicine in Prescott AZ. With a bachelor degree from Prescott College in Environmental Studies and a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, his interest in complementary and alternative medicine grew out of the connections between the state of the human condition and the state of our environmental and planetary health.

Traeger enjoys the process of considering each person as a unique whole in mind, body and spirit. He currently teaches Traditional Chinese Medicine and Shiatsu at the Northern Arizona Massage Therapy Institute and treats a broad range of clients in private practice.

What is Acupuncture?
Originating in China about 5000 years ago, acupuncture is the oldest continuously practiced medical system in the world. All told, acupuncture is used by nearly one-third of the world as a primary health care system and many more as adjunctive therapy. The fundamental principles of acupuncture are to treat the person as an integrated whole in body, mind and spirit, and to remedy the root cause of illness and disease, not only the symptoms.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institutes of Health have recognized acupuncture as effective in the treatment of:

- Addictions - Arthritis - Back Pain - Carpal Tunnel - Chemotherapy Nausea - Depression - Digestive disorders - Ear Problems - Fibromyalgia - Headaches - Colds & Flu - Insomnia - Menstrual Disorders - Urinary Problems - Muscle & Joint Pain - Sinusitis - Skin Disorders - & much more...

How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture is based on the movement of Qi (chee). According to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qi is living energy that circulates to all organs of the body and enables them to function. Natures tendency is to self-correct, so we usually recover from most illness or emotional trauma without intervention. Symptoms that persist, however, alert us to an imbalance on a deeper level. The acupuncturist focuses on both the root cause and the symptoms brought on by the imbalance. There are approximately 360 points that acupuncturists use to influence Qi. Over time, acupuncture treatments rebalance the circu- lation of Qi to al the organ systems.

What Happens During Treatment?
During the initial visit, information about your medical and family history, and life situation, as well as information from abdominal palpation, tongue and pulse diagnoses are gathered. After reading your energetic pulses, a treatment is designed to clear blocks, re-balance and build energy. Initially you may need to be seen a couple of times weekly. Later you may be seen weekly. After about 6 weeks, as your energy begins to hold balance for longer periods, the time between treatments decreases.

Why Do People Choose Acupuncture?
People from all walks of life choose acupuncture for different reasons. People who might particularly benefit include those:

• For whom there are limited medical interventions, as with acute viral infections, nutritional and metabolic disorders, chronic degenerative diseases, allergies and autoimmune diseases, arthritis, hypertension, and certain mental conditions such as depression or anxiety;
• With chronic pain or other symptoms not responding to Western medical treatment;
• Who are taking a lot of medications and are reluctant to take more, or are interested in cutting back
• Who feel as if something is “wrong” even though tests are inconclusive;
• Whose symptoms seem to be associated with or worsened by stress (asthma, migraines, etc);
• Who would like additional support for their prescribed treatment to help reduce side-effects (i.e., to help with chemotherapy.)

Do You Have to Believe in Acupuncture for it to Work?
Acupuncture has been used successfully to treat children and animals, neither of whom have preconceived beliefs about the effectiveness of acupuncture.

As with any healing modality, be it traditional Western medicine or a complementary system such as acupuncture, a positive mental outlook and lifestyle can reinforce the effects of treatment, just as a negative attitude or lifestyle can hinder healing.