Our Health: Acupuncture, herbology linked

Mary Tobin is comfortable talking about how she became a specialist in "Oriental medicine." "That's what the State of California calls someone licensed in acupuncture," she said.

"And in my opinion it's a systemic approach to health and wellness, a link between Eastern and Western cultures." Tobin says there is more to what she does than just stick needles into people. She is an herbologist, an expert on the medical uses of plants.

Q: Tell me first about an herbologist and then about an acupuncturist.

A: Americans spend $15 billion on herbal supplements _ most of them over-the-counter products not regulated by the FDA: There can be an interaction between herbs and prescription medications. A licensed acupuncturist works with primary care physicians to make sure there is no interaction.

Q: Aren't Western physicians a little hesitant to recommend herbology?

A: They are not trained in herbology. I work to establish a rapport. Nutrition, for example, is a huge part of Oriental medicine. We can work on that together.

Q: Let's talk about acupuncture. I am a great proponent of this form of treatment. It has served me well dealing with arthritis and bursitis pain.

A: Acupuncture works by stimulating the ch'i, by getting the blood flowing to remove waste products. Acupuncture gets everything flowing _ which, by the way, is why making sure the patient is getting the right nutrients going into their system is so important.

The needles stimulate that energy. If I am working with someone for the first time, I explain how fine these needles are and that they are roughly the size of a mosquito bite. Sometimes you feel them but most of the time you don't. Too many people equate 'needles' with injections.

People can get tremendous results from the first treatment. A lot of times they notice a substantial increase in energy, for example.

Q: You point out this treatment is beneficial for more than relieving pain.

A: Yes, it also excels in aiding chronic disease and illness, such as fibromyalgia, type two diabetes and Lyme disease.

Q: I fall asleep when I have a treatment.

A: It can be very relaxing. When everything gets flowing, the whole body relaxes. That's why I think it works so well for infertility.

Q: Infertility?

A: Yes, it's very effective after in vitro fertilization.

Q: Does acupuncture cure chronic disease? A: It's not a cure, but it definitely can get the symptoms to start resolving themselves.

Q: How often do you advocate treatments? A: Once the situation is under control, maybe monthly or even quarterly maintenance treatments are sufficient. I even have some group acupuncture sessions, depending on what needs treatment.

Q: Does insurance pay for treatments? A: Unfortunately, this is alternative medicine and it is rarely or insufficiently covered. My basic rate is $85 a treatment, $65 for seniors.

Q: Your Web site _ tobinwellness.com _ is very interactive. Lots of videos and commentaries about your Oriental medicine offerings.

A: I enjoy the topic. People have many questions and I try to answer them.

Q: You even claim Oriental medicine can impact the aging process? A: When your body works the way it should, your overall health, appearance and energy improves.