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The Doctor’s Office
Acupuncture: Interview with
Frances E. Kalfus, O.M.D., L.Ac.
In this series featuring medical
professionals in the workers’ compensation system, Marjory Harris
interviews Frances E. Kalfus, O.M.D., L.Ac.
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HARRIS: What
are the main differences between Oriental medicine and Western medicine,
in a nutshell?
KALFUS: The essential difference is
that Oriental medicine recognizes the body has qi (energy) that travels
through the body at all times, affecting physical, mental, emotional,
and spiritual health. The electromagnetic field that exists around
the body is an expression of this energy. Thousands of years ago,
the Chinese began recognizing that the qi (pronounced “chi”)
travels through energy pathways known as meridians, each corresponding
to an organ of the body, and named as such, e.g., the lung meridian,
large intestine meridian, etc. Each meridian has energy “depots” also
known as acupuncture points, varying in number from one meridian
to another. There are a total of 365 points along the 12 main meridians.
Dozens of extra points have been determined as well. According to
Oriental medicine, pain occurs when qi (and/or blood) is “congested”.
Western medicine treats pain by suppressing it. Chinese medicine
treats pain by clearing the congestion, allowing the flow of energy
and blood to return to homeostasis.
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Acupuncture is an alternative
medicine that treats patients by insertion and manipulation of needles
in the body. Its proponents variously claim that it relieves pain,
treats infertility, treats disease, prevents disease, promotes general
health, or can be used for therapeutic purposes.[1] Acupuncture typically
incorporates traditional
Chinese medicine (TCM) as an integral part
of its practice and theory.
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HARRIS: Why
did you become an acupuncturist?
KALFUS: Growing up in a medical office
in New York City (my father was a physician) I was influenced by
observing his practice, and his minimal use of drugs, despite having
an “armory” of drug samples. He spent a lot of time allowing
his patients to talk with him. There was something about that memory
that became the seed of my belief that the body has an innate ability
to heal itself when given the opportunity to do so. In my 20’s
I had severe knee pain from riding my bicycle up steep hills when
my car was broken. A friend recommended an acupuncturist. I was fascinated
and impressed by the rapid positive results. I began reading about
the theory of Oriental medicine, and decided to pursue the study
of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine at that time because I
was attracted to its holistic approach.
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HARRIS: What
is your philosophy of treatment?
KALFUS: I am interested in getting
a full picture regarding physical issues as well as possible
related factors of mental and emotional issues. This is how
I was trained. My interest is in the whole person, even in
work related injuries.
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HARRIS: Acupuncture
has often been used to treat work-related injuries. The “reforms” of
2004 threatened the scope of such treatment since ACOEM did not include
acupuncture as an approved treatment, but the DWC in June 2007 included
it in the Medical
treatment utilization schedule (MTUS). Have you
found it hard to get approval for treatment?
KALFUS: Since the “reforms” of
2004, referrals declined significantly. After June 2007 they
began trickling in again. Approval for consistent and ongoing
treatment when improvement has been indicated seems to vary
according to knowledge and acceptance of acupuncture by claims
adjusters assigned to the patient by the workers’ compensation
insurance company.
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| For a summary of the workers’ compensation
law relating to acupuncture treatment, click here |
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HARRIS: The
MTUS seems to focus on the use of needles with or without electrical
stimulation, but acupuncturists generally use herbal medicine as
part of their practice, do they not?
KALFUS: Yes, herbal medicine is an
important piece in Traditional Chinese Medicine. When injuries are
strictly mechanical, the effectiveness of acupuncture and other related
modalities (e.g., cupping, moxibustion, Tui Na massage, infrared
heat) can be great. Herbal medicine can often accelerate improvement
time and quality.
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HARRIS: The
MTUS states, inter alia, that acupuncture can be used as an option
when pain medication is reduced or not tolerated. How does acupuncture
substitute for medication?
KALFUS: Generally, when pain
medications are effective it is because they suppress the immune
and nervous systems’ responses to the injury. Several
studies have indicated that acupuncture produces endorphins
creating analgesic effects on pain syndromes. According to
acupuncture theory and principles, regular treatments give
the body an opportunity to heal itself and its injuries, resulting
in ongoing reductions in pain. As pain diminishes, frequency
of treatment reduces as well. Acupuncture encourages the body
to repair and balance itself.
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HARRIS: Personally,
I have benefited many times from acupuncture, and I encourage my
clients to try it, especially if they have muscle spasms in their
back. Many of them are afraid of needles. Do you have techniques
you can do that do not involve needles?
KALFUS: I became a licensed massage
therapist in 1976. Since then, I have studied Shiatsu, Breema bodywork,
and Da Yen Qi Gong (Wild Goose Qi Gong) extensively. For the last
several years, I have taught Qi Gong (a self help practice of the
movement of qi) at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland. The practice of
Oriental Medicine includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine,
massage practices, use of moxibustion, cupping, and other modalities.
Yes, indeed, there are other techniques that may be employed along
with or instead of needles.
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HARRIS: The
legislators or government bureaucrats now decide what treatments
are appropriate. Have you had any experiences where a patient has
really been harmed by the limits on treatment imposed by the 2003-2004
legislation?
KALFUS: Absolutely! Most patients cannot
afford out of pocket treatment, particularly when they are out of
work because of their injury. Because of these imposed legal restrictions,
I am convinced that many chronic pain cases could have been successfully
treated with acupuncture and other modalities included in Traditional
Chinese Medicine.
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Frances E. Kalfus, O.M.D., L.Ac.
1911 Vine Street
Berkeley, CA
94709
Phone/Fax: 510.558.1911 |
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