The Standard Dairy

Oriental Medicine is a complete medical system that includes acupuncture, Chinese herbs, Tui Na and Shiatsu massage, bodywork techniques such as cupping, gua sha, and moxibustion, Qi Gong, nutrition, and exercise.

Oriental Medicine has existed for over 3000 years, and many cultures have benefited from this method of treating and preventing disease. Today Oriental Medicine is being integrated into many health care systems.

Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points shown as effective in the treatment of specific health problems. The Chinese mapped these points over a period of two thousand years. Recently, electromagnetic research has confirmed their locations. Traditional, ancient Chinese theories explain that Qi (Energy) and Xue (Blood) flow through distinct meridians or channels in the body that are similar to the paths of nerves and blood vessels. Acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is Deficient and away from areas where it is Excess, thus regulating, restoring, and balancing the energy in the body.
Acupuncture Works. Throughout history, more people have been treated with acupuncture and Oriental Medicine than all other health modalities combined. Acupuncture addresses the underlying cause of the disease, not merely the symptoms. When the cause of the disease is corrected, the results are long lasting or permanent.

I follow the safest protocol of using only sterilized, disposable needles that are discarded after each use. I incorporate massage, acupuncture, herbal prescription, and Qi Gong energy work in a private setting to create a relaxing, enjoyable, and healing treatment.

In China, acupuncture is considered bu tong, or painless. The sensation of the needle may feel like tingling, heaviness, cramping, distending or electrical. These indicate that the needle has found the Qi and is correctly affecting it.

The number of treatments necessary for each person varies. Many people enjoy receiving weekly treatments to reduce stress or muscle tensions. For curbing or stopping addictions, 5 to 7 consecutive group treatments are recommended with following weekly treatments to maintain desired results. The number of treatments depends on the duration, severity, and nature of one’s complaint. On average, patients receive desired results in 6 to 9 weekly private treatments. For more chronic conditions, more time may be necessary.

Many people have heard of acupuncture being used to treat pain; in addition, there are a variety of other complaints that are also successfully treated with acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. The conditions that the World Health Organization has said that acupuncture is effective in treating include:

• Pain ~ headaches, low back pain, osteoarthritis, sciatica, tennis elbow, neck problems, trigeminal neuralgia, toothaches, earaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle spasms, and sports injuries.
  
• Stress ~ stress-related problems and sleep disorders.
  
• Respiratory ~ allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, sinus inflammation, nasal inflammation or dryness.
  
• Digestive ~ constipation, diarrhea, colitis, ulcers, hiccups, inflammation of the colon, dysentery caused by certain bacteria.
• Gynecological ~ PMS, painful menses, fibrocystic breast disease, menopause, infertility.
  
• Cardiovascular ~ high blood pressure, heart palpitations.
  
• Autoimmune ~ rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, HIV/AIDS.
  
• Addictions ~ nicotine, alcohol and drug withdrawal.
  
• Eye Disorders ~ inflammation of conjunctiva, inflammation of the central retina, nearsightedness (in children), and uncomplicated cataracts.
  
• Nervous System and Muscular Disorders ~ headaches, migraines, certain facial paralysis, partial weakness after a stroke, inflammation of nerve endings, bed wetting, frozen shoulder, osteoarthritis.
  

Whether you are coming in for a private treatment or a group treatment, make sure that you have eaten at least a snack within three hours before your appointment. Please arrive with good personal hygiene to reduce the possibility of infection. For any type of treatment, please wear layers, as the rooms tend to get warm. To prevent loss, do not wear jewelry. For shiatsu treatments, please bring a fresh, clean pair of socks.

Payment in full is due at time of treatment. A sliding scale is available. If you can not make it to an appointment, please call as soon as you are aware. There are others who would like this appointment time, so at least 24-hour notice is common courtesy or you will be charged.

My office is on the 2nd floor in Suite H directly above the kitchen of Billy Reed’s Restaurant: from the front of the building follow signs for Sheba’s Clothing that lead you to the indoor main hallway; from the back of the building enter the on the left of Phat Gear into the indoor main hallway. Once you are in the indoor main hallway, the staircase and elevator are near the back of the building next to the bathrooms. Inside, go up to the 2nd floor and follow the signs to Megan M. Marco, L.Ac.’s office. The building is completely wheelchair accessible.

I have a wide-ranging healing background. I studied Western sciences at Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, ME, graduating with a Bachelors in Neuroscience. Through the School for International Training, I have traveled in India, and studied traditional Indian medicines such as Ayurveda. I studied Outdoor Leadership and Wilderness emergency medicine at Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO) in Conway, NH. I then worked as a full-time ski patroller at Sunday River Ski Resort in Maine. Most recently, I have studied tui na & shiatsu massage, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and qi gong while earning a Masters Degree at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland, OR.