Masaharu Sasaki DC

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We specialize in alternative medicine including chiropractic and acupuncture care. Our primary concern is to provide you the best quality of care and comforting atmosphere.

Our ultimate goal is to establish a good doctor-patient relationship to help you to heal naturally and maintain health. We hope you enjoy our website and learn about us and your health.

Dr. Sasaki is a pain management specialist of alternative medicine utilizing chiropractic manipulation and acupuncture.

Dr. sasaki continuously sharpens his knowledge of chiropractic and acupuncture by taking continuing education courses annually. He has been a member of the American Chiropractic Association, California Chiropractic Association, and LACC Alumni Association.

What's Chiropractic?The word "chiropractic" means "Treatment by hand" in Greek. The original historical chiropractic type teatment and practice occurred in ancient Greece. However, development of modern systematic science and philosophy of chiropractic had to wait until 19th century in the U.S.A. Chiropractic is an alternative medicine specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions caused by mechanical dysfunction of the spine and the effects on the nervous system. The chiropractic doctor is an expert on health of the spine and employs a holistic approach to health care. Chiropractic uses the healing art of the doctor's hand. Chiropractic uses manual skill to assist self recovery which the human body naturally possesses, without relying on medicine or surgery.

Subluxation complex may occurr in one or more of the 24 mobile vertebrae of the spinal column. A loss of normal motion or position of these bones ( called a Subluxation ) are caused by factors, such as, a car accident, poor diet, lack of exercise, poor posture, stress, etc. Subluxation can make you irritable or impair the function of the nervous system. Subluxation is complex combination of functional and structural abnormalities, and it may influence organ system function and general health. That is why correcting spinal misalignment of vertebrae is essential, otherwise, it may cause interruption of transmission of nerve impulse between the brain and the tissue and organs throughout the body.

A chiropractic manipulation is the healing art of hand using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a spinal joint that is out of alignment or fixated.

At initial visit, a chiropractic doctor takes a thorough case history and physical examination including palpation, muscle testing, orthopedic tests, etc. to determine if spinal subluxation exists.

X-ray may be suggested to assist the exact diagnosis. The findings of thest examination are explained. If subluxation exists, chiropractic manipulation will be recommended to correct spinal malalignment in order to restore natural flow of nerve impulse. Prognosis is monitored with periodical examinations and follow-up reports.

Other therapies may be included such as the use of mobilization, Shiatsu massage, heat pack, infra-red lamp, ultra-sound, electro therapy, exercise program, nutritional and life style counseling, and general fitness.

-Chiropractic adjustment painful?No. Dr. Sasaki's gentle and precise corrective manual adjustment will not cause pain. He never forces it if the patient's body is resisting instead of relaxing.

The doctor of chiropractic's (D.C.) speciallty is
---- Musculo-skeletal origin such as numbness, pain in neck, shoulder, back, extremities, and joints.
---- Auto injury, Workman's comp. injury.

Today's chiropractic doctor is a highly educated professional. Chiropractic training in the United State involves a total of five years. Chiropractic education involves a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, nutrition, x-rays, etc. Like other health care professionals, chiropractors are regulated by state guidelines.

We value our patient's satisfaction. The majority of our patients willingly come back to our office for chiropractic treatment and refer to family members, friends, and coworkers. Patient's satisfaction is, of course, our satisfaction.

Child Care & Scoliosis
Not only adults have spinal problem, but also children do for many reasons. For example, significant spinal trauma may occur at birth process. When children become more active and participate in childhood activity through organized sports and even playground games, they are susceptible to spinal injury and malalignment may be the result. Scoliosis may also develop significantly in early teens. It is very important to detect abnormal curvature of spine early. Early detection of spinal anomalies by a chiropractor will help to avoid many health complaints seen later in adult life. When manipulation is used by chiropractor, it will be modified to the child's spine.

Acupunture is an ancient healing art from China. It has been used for over two thousand years. In the theory of acupuncture, man is healthy when the vital life energy of "Qi"-pronounced 'chee'- is in balance (excess, deplete, stagnated, etc.), we feel unwell or may get sick. Consequently, acupuncture is used to control and restore the balanced Qi by manipulating needles on specific points of the surface of the body.

Dr. Sasaki uses the Japanese manufacturer Seirin's disposable needles only. These needles are solid and hair thin metals. They come with various thickness and length depending on patients need. Usually needles stay in place for 20-30 minutes.

Feeling Pain?Dr. Sasaki is a gentle and skillful practitioner in locating precise acupuncture points. Patient may feel a slight tingling sensation and/or numbness, pressure when a needle is inserted. All these sensations typically subside once needles are removed. This is then followed by a complete sense of relaxation and ease.

ApplicationThe national institute of health (NIH) consensus statement lists many health conditions that acupuncture may help including back pain, headaches, neck pain (auto injury), joints pain, osteoarthritis, asthma, PMS, carpal tunnel syndrome, addiction, etc. Dr. Sasaki treats stress management, wight problem and practices facial acupuncture to stimulate circulation and regulate tone of the muscles under the facial skin.

Initial VisitAt initial visit, an acupuncturist takes a thorough history and does a physical examination of, including the pulse, the tongue. From the detailed history and physical examination, the practitioner will determine the specific diagnosis for your illness and then propose you a treatment plan which may require several visits. Patient is encourage to inquire about their treatment plan, safety, prognosis, risks if any. Usually the initial visit takes an hour in order to allow for a complete history taking and exam. Follow-up visits are typically 30-45 minutes depending on patient's needs. Occasionally in this office, we provide other therapies, such as Japanese Shiatsu, electric stimulation, Infra-red lamp, hot pad, exercises are incorporated with the acupuncture treatment.

Dr. Sasaki is a licensed chiropractor and accupunctist. He studied human anatomy and is knowledgable about inserting needles in a safe fashion. Dr. Sasaki uses only disposable needles and bleeding rarely occurs. He is well aware of the concern over infectious diseases and takes every measure to ensure cleanliness as all health care professional do.

** Chinese Herbal Medicine **In the course of the treatment with acupuncture, an acupuncture practitioner may prescribe Chinese herbal supplement in order to enhance the natural healing power of your own. When herbal formulas are raw ones, you may make a tea out of these herbs and drink it. Many practitoners use herbs in the form of pills and capsules, just as we do in our office.

** Shiatsu Massage **Shiatsu is an oriental healing art of acupuressure by fingers or palms developed in Japan from Chinese ancient Anma massage. The straight down comfortable pressure is applied to the numerous acupuncture points of the body. Shiatsu massage is very effective treatment for the relief of pain and physiological effects include;
- increase blood supply to the area.

Reflexology has been practiced for at least 2000 years in ancient China, Egypt and India. In early 19th century, Dr. Riley and Dr. Filzgerald developed " Zone Therapy " . Zone Therapy enables the doctor to know wher to apply pressure on the foot to relieve pain in a corresponding area of the body. In other words, every organ, muscles, gland and body parts are reflected on the feet. Foot massage cleanses the body of toxins and impurities (lactic acid, etc.). It also improves circulation, reduces stress and induces deep relaxation. It strengthens the immune system, restores and maintains a healthy balance in your mind and body.

Essential Health Center is located on Newport avenue between Bryan and First street, at the Tustin Medical Dental Office Building, in Tustin, Orange County.

** Referring **If Dr. Sasaki identifies an underlying condition for which other treatment is appropriate, a patient will be referred to a GP or another specialist without delay.
** Insurance **Our office accepts most insurance companies such as Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Aetna, Overseas travelers accident insurance, auto insurance, workman's compensation, etc.
If you would like to know your coverage before you visit, we will contact your insurance company to verify the coverage for you. Please feel free to fax a copy of both sides of your health insurance card or contact us.