The Acupuncture Center of Acadiana was founded in 1997 by John Hebert, a licensed & board certified practitioner of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. A graduate of Samra University of Oriental Medicine in Los Angeles, John also acquired extensive post-graduate experience during a two year clinical internship in China. He is a certified Diplomat of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine and has dedicated his energy to the foundation of the Acupuncture Association of Louisiana. John’s approach to treatment is one of integration: while rooted in the classics, he embraces innovative techniques for a modern world.
Acupuncture is one of eight methods used in traditional Chinese medicine and is anchored in the principal of Yin/Yang. Yin/Yang describes the eternal dance of opposing, but interconnected forces; such as matter and energy, body and mind, or between the tangible and the intangible. When in harmony the two opposing and interconnected forces produce Qi (pronounced “chee”), the vital force which flows through all life. When Qi is abundant, it brings strength, balance and health. In practice, Yin/Yang can be thought of as a way to view and organize relative states of hypo or hyper-function within a living system.
Through precise needle stimulation of interconnecting “Acu-points” within the body’s energetic web, or meridian system, a return to homeostatic balance is facilitate. Simply put, Acupuncture is the art and practice of correcting states of imbalance, as they pertain to dysfunction and disease. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural self regulating abilities and promotes physical and emotional well-being.
Treatments at the Acupuncture Center begin with a medical history and discussion of current complaints, followed by examination and treatment. Prognosis, frequency of treatment, herbal formulas and exercise may also be discussed at this time. While some first-time patients may exhibit some apprehension to the process, it is usually short lived as the patient realizes the safe and gentle nature of acupuncture therapy. A patient typically feels relief within the first few treatments and commonly finds the time spent in the treatment both relaxing and deeply restorative.