Ms. Jean Donati, L.Ac?

Ms. Jean Donati, L.Ac

Acupuncturist

604 E Joppa Rd Towson MD, 21286 Show map

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About

Jean Donati is a Physician Assistant and Licensed Acupuncturist practicing in Towson, MD. She has a master's in acupuncture. Jean's current approach to healthcare is holistic, emphasizing the patient's overall well-being. She helps people who are in pain or have chronic medical conditions feel better without medication or surgery.

Acupuncture focuses on maintaining optimum health naturally so that the body is better able to resist disease. Through identifying the root cause of your symptom or illness and then addressing the imbalance in a way that works naturally with your body, acupuncture seeks to restore optimum health so the body's natural healing mechanisms can take over so you can live a happier, healthier pain free life.

Education and Training

Trinity University BA 1988

Communi College of Baltimore PA-C 1992

Traditional Acupuncture Inst MA 2000

Provider Details

Female English

Ms. Jean Donati, L.Ac

Ms. Jean Donati, L.Ac's Expert Contributions

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Allergic Rhinitis? Try Acupuncture for Relief
For many sufferers of allergic rhinitis, there’s no need to hear a news report detailing the pollen count outside, as their runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes will let them know. Often these symptoms strike in the summer and spring, but some patients also have symptoms due to an allergy to dust,...
Acupuncture and Allergies Towson, MD
Research tells us that acupuncture has been beneficial in treating a variety of conditions including high blood pressure, stress and anxiety, and headaches, just to name a few. The good news is, you can add allergy symptoms to that list as well.The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck...
The Benefits of Acupuncture and Heart Health
Every February romantics all over the world flock to the local flower shops and jewelry stores in search of the perfect bouquet or piece of jewelry to express their undying love. It has turned into a festival of love. The holiday became commercialized, celebrated with the retail consumption of...
Looking for a Different Way to Help you Feel Better?
Did you know that acupuncture can help with all types of physical and emotional conditions including back pain relief, stress, and infertility?Acupuncture focuses on maintaining optimal health naturally so that the body is better able to resist disease. Through identifying the root cause of your...
Acupuncture and Arthritis
Arthritis is a common health problem in the U.S. According to The Arthritis Foundation, there are several main benefits to getting an acupuncture treatment, stress relief, better sleep, improved sense of well-being, and pain relief. Don't spend another day in pain, make an appointment...
Auricular Acupuncture...With or Without Needles
Are you interested in the benefits of acupuncture but have a fear of needles? Auricular acupuncture may be just what the doctor ordered.Auricular acupuncture is acupuncture that focuses on acupuncture points in your ears. It involves either the use of small hair thin needles or the use of vaccaria...
Veterans Find Relief with Acupuncture
Military veterans often return from service with a host of physical, mental, and emotional challenges related to their tours of duty. Rarely does a service member present with just one health issue. A 2014 study summarized the challenges associated with treating veterans and their often complex...
Seasonal Affective Disorder and Acupuncture
Acupuncture and Seasonal Affective Disorder SymptomsAcupuncture is known to be one of the cures to combat symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. SAD affects millions of Americans a year and can turn a once productive person into a tired and depressed individual. Although, SAD has...
Talking About Immunity
Your immune system is your body's security system. It is the job of the immune system to deter foreign invaders like bacteria, parasites, and other microbe-causing infections. Disorders of the immune system range from common conditions such as mild seasonal allergies to more serious illnesses like...
Western & Eastern Medicine Treatment Approaches to Headaches
According to Eastern Medicine thought, there are many paths up a mountain. In this article, we will be discussing headaches and how both Eastern and Western medicine view headaches. The Western (aka Biomedical) approach is reductionist and relies on empirical observation and symptom differential....
Six Ways Acupuncture Can Improve Women’s Health
Women’s health issues can be complex and unique to each person. However, traditional Western medicine solutions are full of invasive procedures that can alter hormones. Other solutions include prescription drugs that can have strong side effects for those taking them. Unfortunately, many women...
Four Ways Acupuncture Can Improve Men’s Health
Some men might not consider acupuncture as a first resort when wanting a health reset, but acupuncture can be a great way to deal with some of the issues that come with getting older. There are certainly more than four, but here are the top four ways acupuncture can improve men’s health. 1....
Four Ways Acupuncture Can Improve Men’s Health
Some men might not consider acupuncture as a first resort when wanting a health reset, but acupuncture can be a great way to deal with some of the issues that come with getting older. There are certainly more than four, but here are the top four ways acupuncture can improve men’s health. 1....

Can migraine be fixed?
Absolutely!! More info Here: https://east2westmedicine.com/acupuncture-for/migraine-headaches/ READ MORE
How can I get rid of muscle spasms?
Absolutely!! More Info Here: https://east2westmedicine.com/what-we-treat/back-pain/ Back pain is a very common problem–one that will strike four out of five Americans at some time in their lives. In fact, it’s one of the top reasons people seek medical care. Unfortunately, back pain isn’t always easy to diagnose or relieve. Low back pain in particular can become a chronic or ongoing problem. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are very effective in treating back pain naturally. They can also be used together with traditional Western treatments to maximize your healing and recovery. How back pain happens There are many possible causes for back pain, including strained muscles or ligaments, often caused by improper lifting, sudden movements or traumatic injury. Other culprits can include arthritis, structural abnormalities of the spine, or the disks between the vertebrae bulging or rupturing and pressing on a nerve. Depending on the specific diagnosis, back pain is generally treated with medications, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and in some cases, surgery. “Acupuncture represents a highly promising and effective treatment option for chronic back pain. Patients experienced not only reduced pain intensity, but also reported improvements in the disability that often results from back pain, and therefore in their quality of life.” – H. Endres, MD A more natural approach Practitioners of acupuncture and TCM view back pain another way. An acupuncturist will not only work to relieve your symptoms, but will also work to find and treat the underlying cause of your pain. In a study conducted at a Swedish hospital, doctors concluded that acupuncture provided long-term relief along with improvements in physical activity levels, quality of sleep and the diminished use of pain medication. Acupuncture and TCM are based on the concept that Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy, flows through the body in channels called meridians. If Qi becomes stagnant, unbalanced or deficient, symptoms such as back pain, ache and inflammation can result. This can happen for any number of reasons, from injury and illness to stress or external invaders such as wind or dampness. Back pain can arise from disharmonies such as: • Stagnation – type pain that is often linked to sudden, stabbing, severe pain and related to sprains, strains or trauma. It can be accompanied by stiffness and tightness and becomes worse with rest. If it occurs often in the same area(s) it may reflect an underlying deficiency. • Cold, damp obstruction – type pain that is generally worse in the morning and exacerbated by cold or damp weather. This type of pain condition may be associated with numbness, swelling and a sense of “heaviness.” Heat improves this condition. • Deficiency – type pain that is usually a chronic condition that presents with a “dull” pain and improves with rest. Restoring balance Once your practitioner has determined the cause(s) of your back pain, he or she will create a specific treatment plan designed to address your concerns and boost your overall health and vitality. During acupuncture treatments, your practitioner will insert fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points along the meridian pathways in order to restore the balance and flow of Qi. He or she may also perform acupressure or other types of therapy, based on your unique issues and symptoms. Your practitioner may also suggest lifestyle changes and self-care techniques, especially if you struggle with chronic pain. These may include: • Improving your posture – Examine your posture in a mirror. Try to stand with your head up, shoulders back and pelvis in a neutral position. When sitting, try to sit upright with your feet flat on the floor and your knees and hips level. Try to balance your weight evenly when walking and standing. • Exercising – Keep your back and abdominal muscles strong with regular exercise. Yoga and Qi Gong are both gentle and effective. Consider adding aerobic exercise as well to improve your overall health and reduce stress. • Managing stress – Stress can take a real toll on your health and contribute to muscle pain. Meditation or deep-breathing techniques can help you stay calm and relaxed. Massage is another great way to help relieve stress and loosen tense muscles. More and more people are finding relief for both acute and chronic back pain through acupuncture and TCM. If you or someone you love is struggling with back pain, call today to find out how acupuncture can help. References: Back pain. MayoClinic.com. Feb. 8, 2008. Link Sollars, David W. L.Ac. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Acupuncture and Acupressure. Alpha Books, 2000. Stone, Al. L.Ac. Chinese Medicine for Back Pain. Acupuncture.Com. Link READ MORE
Can you fix tinnitus?
Absolutely! More info here https://east2westmedicine.com/what-is-acupuncture/what-we-treat/ READ MORE
Can acupuncture heal anxiety?
Absolutely acupuncture can help!! More Info Here: https://east2westmedicine.com/what-we-treat/anxiety/ According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorder in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults and costing more than $42 billion a year. Feelings of anxiety, worry and fear related to significant and challenging events are justified and very common. Anxiety becomes a problem when emotional reactions are out of proportion with what might be “normally” expected in a situation, and when symptoms interfere with a person’s daily functioning or sleep patterns. Mild anxiety leaves a person feeling a bit unsettled, while severe anxiety can be extremely debilitating. Anxiety is used as a general term for several disorders that have common symptoms – such as nervousness, worrying, apprehension and fear. Anxiety disorders can be classified into several more specific types. The most common are briefly described below. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by unrealistic, persistent and excessive worry about everyday things. People with this disorder often expect the worst and experience exaggerated worry and tension, even when there is no apparent reason for concern. Panic Disorder is characterized by brief or sudden attacks of intense terror and apprehension that leads to shaking, confusion, nausea, dizziness and difficulty breathing. Panic attacks tend to arise abruptly and seemingly out-of-the-blue, causing the individual to become preoccupied with the fear of a recurring attack. Phobia is an irrational fear and avoidance of an object or situation. Phobias commonly focus on flying, bridges, insects, heights, dental or medical procedures and elevators. Having phobias can disrupt daily routines, reduce self-esteem, limit work efficiency and put a strain on relationships. Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by a fear of being negatively judged and scrutinized by others in social or performance-related situations. Different variations of this type of anxiety include a fear of intimacy, stage fright and a fear of humiliation. People suffering from this disorder can sometimes isolate themselves in an attempt to avoid public situations and human contact. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted or intrusive thoughts, which often make the sufferer feel compelled to repeat certain behaviors or routines. Even when the OCD sufferers know the irrationality of their compulsions, they feel powerless to stop them. They may obsessively wash their hands, clean personal items or constantly check light switches, locks or stoves. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is anxiety that results from previous trauma such as military combat, rape, a natural disaster, a serious accident or other life-threatening events. Most people who experience such events recover from them, but people with PTSD continue to be anxious and severely depressed for months or even years following the event. They often experience flashbacks and behavioral changes in order to avoid certain stimuli. Acupuncture Can Help. A clinical study conducted in China in 2010, has concluded that acupuncture is a “safe and effective” treatment for mood disorders including depression and severe anxiety, in some cases proving to increase the effectiveness of medication-based treatments. Additionally a 2009 study, again in China, determined that acupuncture alone could help patients who suffer from anxiety but cannot be chemically treated due to intolerable side-effects of medications. In many Western schools of thought, anxiety disorders are considered to be dysfunctions in a person’s brain chemistry. An acupuncturist does not view anxiety as a brain dysfunction, but rather as an imbalance in a person’s organ system. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this imbalance is called Shan You Si (“anxiety & preoccupation”), and is believed to affect the main organs: the Heart, Lung, Spleen, Liver, and Kidneys. Each organ is related to different aspects of a person’s emotions. For instance, worry is said to affect the Spleen, grief affects the Lungs, anger the Liver, fear the Kidneys, and lack of joy the Heart. If a person experiences one or more of these emotions over a long period of time due to lifestyle, dietary, hereditary and environmental factors, it can cause an imbalanced emotional state and lead to various anxiety disorders. The role of an acupuncturist is to investigate the underlying causes of the anxiety by carrying out a thorough diagnostic evaluation in order to determine which organ system has been affected and is out of balance. The acupuncturist will then seek to restore the imbalance by inserting fine, sterile needles into the points correlating to those organs. Additionally, acupuncture helps to reduce stress, ultimately encouraging and supporting a greater sense of well-being and balance. Resources: http://www.adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics http://www.acupuncture.com/newsletters/m_july10/anxiety.htm Zhang (2010). “The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture therapy in depressive disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis”. Journal of Affective Disorders, 124, 1-2, July 2010. Wen (2009). “Combination of acupuncture and Fluoxentine for depression: A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial”. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15, 8, August 13, 2009. READ MORE
What are the pressure points for a headache?
That would vary on the individual. Acupuncture treats every person's dis-ease in the way the induvial needs. My headache and your headache may be different so the points would be different. You can read more here. Absolutely there is a benefit with acupuncture. https://east2westmedicine.com/what-we-treat/headaches/ If you suffer from headaches, you are not alone. Over 50 million of us experience some form of a severe headache at some point in our lives. Whether you experience minor head pain or severe migraines, headaches can take valuable time out of your day and your life, and leave you searching for relief. One way to seek relief is by reaching for drugs and other medications. This is fine for the short run, and can help you get out of pain fast. Unfortunately, common headache medications do not address the root cause(s), and when used over long periods of time can cause unwanted side effects. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a safe and effective approach to relieving headache pain, without causing harmful side effects, and incorporate a comprehensive diagnostic protocol that can help your acupuncturist understand and address the root cause(s) of your headaches. Understanding headache types. There are many factors in TCM theory that may play a key role in the root cause(s) of a headache. These include body constitution, emotional health, excessive work, social and exercise activities, improper diet, physical trauma and hormones. Headaches can also be diagnosed according to specific symptoms, times of occurrence, location on the body, type of pain, triggers and remedies which provide relief. A natural path to relief. Acupuncture and TCM takes a holistic, or whole-body approach to health. Your practitioner will take a detailed health history, and perform a physical exam to determine how and why your body’s vital energy, or Qi, is out of balance and identify what type of headache you are experiencing. He/she will also attempt to determine what root cause(s) are contributing to the overall problem. By identifying and treating the underlying cause(s), not just the symptoms, he/she can apply the most effective care. What do you mean my Qi is out of balance? An important part of acupuncture and TCM is the concept of Qi. Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the vital energy that animates the body and protects it from illness. It flows through pathways called meridians, and provides nourishment to all the body’s organs. When there is an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi, physical symptoms may result. Qi stagnation may be the cause of your headaches. During treatment, in order to restore the balance and flow of Qi, fine sterile needles will be inserted at specific points along the meridian pathways. Based on your unique symptoms, your acupuncturist will choose to concentrate on acupuncture points related to specific organs. Afterwards, a variety of self-care techniques may be prescribed to further expedite your healing process. It is important to remember that acupuncture is not a “quick fix.” Changes may occur quickly or over a longer period of time, depending upon your overall constitution and health. It is also important to closely follow care recommendations suggested by your acupuncturist. Whether it is one visit to address an acute problem, or several visits to address a chronic problem, your acupuncturist will create a treatment protocol that will maximize your healing potential. Below are a few ways that you can participate in your own healing, by making simple lifestyle changes that may help soothe—or even prevent—head pain. Track those triggers: Try to keep track of when your headaches start. Migraine sufferers may find it especially helpful to keep a diary of symptoms and possible causes. Triggers might include anything from eating chocolate, to anxiety or inhaling specific smells. Pinpointing these triggers—and avoiding them when possible—could help. Stress relief: Stress puts a lot of strain on the body, and can contribute to many types of health concerns, including headaches. Talk to your practitioner about healthy ways to handle stress, such as meditation or breathing techniques. Exercise: Physical activity is an important part of any healthy lifestyle, and is a great antidote to stress. Your acupuncturist can recommend types of exercises that may work best for you. Healthy habits: Making minor changes can make a big difference in your overall health and vitality. Do your best to eat healthy, organic foods, and make sure to get enough sleep every day. Naturally, acupuncture care is extremely effective in reducing the frequency and severity of many types of painful conditions, including headache pain. By working with your acupuncturist and adopting some simple lifestyle changes, you will be on your way toward a healthier, happier, pain-free life. READ MORE
Is acupuncture effective in treating chronic pain?
Absolutely!! More info Here: https://east2westmedicine.com/what-we-treat/pain/ Most people experience significant pain at some time in their lives—whether from an injury, illness, or an unknown cause. Pain is a warning signal, an alarm that goes off when your body is trying to tell you that something is wrong and out of balance. What can you do? No one should have to live with pain, but which treatment is right for you? Often times, people suffering from pain take medication to dull the pain. Taking medication is understandable when pain is constant and unbearable. It may be helpful to dull the symptoms for a short period of time, but it will not get at the root of the problem and correct it. It is like hitting the snooze button on an alarm. Unless the cause of the pain is treated, your body will keep sounding the alarm and reminding you that something is wrong. Eventually the pain may get worse or become chronic. It is also possible for the medications to cause unwanted side effects and further compromise your health. Surgery may be another option. At times, this approach may make sense, but it could be both expensive and risky, and there is no guarantee that it will be effective. Acupuncture is a time-tested, safe, effective, natural and drug-free way to eliminate pain. Unlike other methods of handling pain, there are no side effects. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) acknowledge the benefits of acupuncture in treating and eliminating pain due to a wide range of causes. An acupuncturist’s approach to pain. Acupuncture practitioners recognize that there is a vital energy, called Qi (pronounced “chee”), circulating within the body. Qi flows through a series of pathways called meridians. Meridians are like rivers within your body. The diagram to the right shows the meridians throughout the body. Wherever a river flows it brings with it water that provides nourishment and life to the land, plants and people around it. Likewise, meridians transport life-giving Qi that provides nourishment to every cell, tissue, muscle, organ and gland in the body. Many things can cause Qi to become blocked: Poor diet Physical trauma Emotional trauma Inherited weakness of Qi Chemical, physical, and/or emotional stress It is important for Qi to flow freely throughout the body. Think of water flowing through a garden hose. A blocked hose will not provide an adequate supply of water to a plant. Eventually, the plant will be unable to thrive, grow and blossom. Similarly, a blockage in the flow of Qi anywhere in the body will inhibit the amount of nourishment that reaches our cells, tissues, muscles, organs and glands. Under normal circumstances, your body can easily return to good health and vitality. If the disruption of Qi is prolonged or excessive, or if your body is in a weakened state, the flow of Qi becomes restricted and a variety of symptoms, including pain, may arise. What does acupuncture do? By inserting fine, sterile needles at specific points, an acupuncturist is able to break up blockages that have hampered the smooth flow of Qi. Once this is done, Qi can travel freely throughout the body, promoting pain-free health, well-being and vitality. Not only can acupuncture treat signs and symptoms of pain and discomfort, it can also get to the root of the problem. When the initial cause of the pain is corrected, your body can begin to heal on deeper levels. Your acupuncturist may also suggest adjunct therapies to enhance treatment and speed healing, such as: massage, stretching, yoga, herbal supplements and dietary changes. “I can not see a better solution to long-term chronic pain. There is no question in my mind that acupuncture is safer than surgery or drugs.” —Dr. Bruce Pomeranz, Neuroscientist, University of Toronto READ MORE
Can acupuncture heal sinusitis?
Absolutely! More info here: https://east2westmedicine.com/what-we-treat/colds-flu/ Each year, more than 100,000 people are hospitalized due to complications from the flu virus. Unfortunately, most of us get the “flu,” or “influenza,” virus at least once in our lifetime. The associated symptoms and signs are all-too-common: fever, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, muscle and body aches, runny nose, dry cough, sneezing and watery eyes. Colds are much less severe than the flu, but like the flu, viruses and germs cause colds. Colds cause less severe symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and light headaches. Though it may make you feel lousy, getting a cold is not always a bad thing. Instead, it’s a sign that the body’s resources are strong and vital, working to return you to a state of good health. However, if your immune system is already compromised, a cold could further weaken your body, leaving you open to a more serious illness. The flu, you, and Chinese medicine Clinical studies have suggested that using acupuncture as a preventative approach to colds and flu can reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection and shorten the length of the illness. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine work by rebalancing the body’s systems, regulating the body’s healing energies and enhancing the immune system. Even though germs, bacteria, and viruses are everywhere—in the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink—according to Chinese medical theory, they do not cause disease. Illness occurs when certain organ systems are weak and out of balance. When our bodies are in a weakened and unbalanced state, a hospitable environment is created for germs, bacteria and viruses to thrive, leading to a cold or the flu. One of the main theories supporting acupuncture and its treatment of colds and the flu is the concept of Wei Qi. What in the world is Wei Qi? The concept of Wei Qi is similar to the Western concept of the immune system. Wei Qi functions as a barrier protecting and defending the body against foreign substances, which can cause illness and disease. When Wei Qi is strong and abundant, we remain healthy. When the supply of Wei Qi becomes inadequate, health is compromised and we become vulnerable to outside invaders. Tips for Staying Healthy: Consume 8-10 glasses of filtered water daily Exercise regularly to support the immune system Eat a healthy, organic diet, including foods with beta carotene (carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, garlic and tomatoes) Limit sugar intake. Sugar taxes the immune system, especially when feeling under the weather Take Vitamin C and herbs to support the immune system, especially in the “cold and flu” season Get plenty of rest Enjoy fun and relaxing activities Stimulate specific acupuncture points that support Wei Qi Schedule regular acupuncture treatments to support the body’s self-regulating, self-balancing and healing systems Throughout our lives, a variety of factors affect our health and well-being. Although most of the time we recover quickly and regain our health, when these factors are numerous, our internal mechanisms become compromised and weakened, our Wei Qi becomes depleted, and we get sick. By the time illness occurs, the body’s self-regulating, self-balancing and healing systems have already been affected. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine support and strengthen the systems of the body that are involved in the production of Wei Qi, and can help rebalance and support the immune system and stimulate Wei Qi energy. By building up the supply of Wei Qi, and facilitating the smooth and free flow of it throughout the body, the body’s organs and meridian systems become strong, enhancing their ability to effectively fight off illness and disease. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are drug free, safe, natural and effective ways to support the body’s self-regulating, self-balancing and healing systems. If illness does occur, acupuncture can help you get back on your feet again, helping to stave off prolonged illness without the use of medication and over-the-counter drugs. References: Treatment of fever due to exopathic wind-cold by rapid acupuncture. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 1992 Dec;12 (4):267-71. Preventive and curative effects of acupuncture on the common cold: a multicentre randomized controlled trial in Japan. Complementary Therapeutic Medicine. 2004 Dec;12 (4):181-8. READ MORE
Is acupuncture effective for sciatica?
Absolutely! More info here: https://east2westmedicine.com/what-we-treat/back-pain/ Call me 410-984-3700 READ MORE
Can hemorrhoids be fixed in a natural way?
Yes, If you live in the Towson area, give me a call to discuss Jean Donati, PA-C, M.Ax, L.Ac 410-984-3700 READ MORE
Can acupuncture be done on the neck?
Absolutely!! READ MORE
Can you help with seasonal allergies?
Absolutely Call for more information https://east2westmedicine.com/what-we-treat/allergies/ Jean Donati, L.Ac 604 E Joppa Rd Towson MD 21286 410-984-3700 READ MORE
Is acupuncture effective for depression?
Depression affects about 121 million people worldwide and can be debilitating for those who experience it.1 Prolonged feelings of sadness, discouragement and hopelessness greatly affect the quality of life. At one time or another, most of us have experienced some form of depression. It is a healthy response to events in our lives that seem overwhelming. When we are balanced, physically and emotionally, we can easily bounce back from a depressed state and move on with our lives. When negative feelings and emotions become persistent and consistent, depression may set in. A meta-analysis published in Journal of Affective Disorders in 2010 covered 207 clinical studies conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating depressive disorders. According to this, the efficacy of acupuncture was comparable to antidepressants alone in improving clinical response and alleviating symptom severity of Major Depressive Disorder. Additionally, the incidence of side adverse reactions in acupuncture treatment was significantly lower than that of antidepressants. How can acupuncture help? Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) incorporate thousands of years of experience in treating depression. Not only can they help to alleviate the signs and symptoms accompanying depression, they can address the root cause(s) and underlying imbalances that have contributed to the problem, safely and naturally. Acupuncturists are aware of the powerful interplay between our body and emotions, and that the two are inseparable. When we experience emotional upset, our physiological state may become disrupted. Likewise, when we experience physical problems, our emotions can become greatly affected. Depressed Qi? Over time, this disruption leads to what an acupuncturist calls “stagnant” or “depressed” Qi, (pronounced “chee”) or vital energy. Qi is a concept unique to the theories and principles of TCM. According to these theories, Qi is the vital energy that animates the body and protects it from illness and pain. Qi flows through the body in pathways called meridians. When Qi becomes stagnant or depressed, physical and/or emotional symptoms result. Practitioners of acupuncture and TCM are specifically trained to detect and correct the balance and movement of Qi within the human body. Treatments are focused on balancing and activating the Qi by manipulating corresponding points on the body. The stagnant or depressed Qi diagnosis is unique to acupuncture and TCM. Over time, if it is not addressed it can lead to a disharmony within our body, affecting our physical and emotional well-being. If not properly treated, this imbalance may lead to depression. What will an acupuncturist do? An acupuncturist will take a complete health history in order to find out where, why, and how Qi has become stagnant or depressed. They will develop a unique treatment plan tailored to specific symptoms and signs of each individual. The goals of such a plan will be to activate the movement of Qi throughout the entire body, as well as to address the root cause(s) and underlying imbalances. By treating the body as a whole and unique organism, your acupuncturist will support you in your recovery from illness and disease, moving you toward health and happiness. Acupuncture and TCM provide safe, natural, drug-free and effective ways to address depression. The focus is to restore a balanced and continuous flow of Qi throughout the body and mind. Acupuncture is not a “quick fix.” You may need to receive weeks or months of treatment in order to see lasting results. Give yourself the time required so that you can experience the maximum benefits acupuncture and TCM have to offer. Here are some tips to help combat depressive symptoms: * Surround yourself with people whom you trust to provide objective and unbiased input and insight. Develop a supportive group of friends, loved ones, family and co-workers who can lend an ear and listen to you. * Breathe, go slow, and think things through. Do not make too many life changes all at once. A few at a time will support you and not overwhelm your emotions. * Try to get at least twenty minutes of simple exercise at least three days per week, if not more. Take a daily walk, breathe deeply and let it all go. * Remember, you are not alone. Others are having similar experiences. * Smile. READ MORE
How long does it take for acupuncture to work for pain?
The length of time would depend on several factors including the type of pain, length of time it has been present, and how you respond to treatment. I would say generally you can notice a shift in acute condition within 6-10 sessions. Chronic conditions may take longer. Acupuncture works in a series of treatments. These treatments build on each other. I generally see patients twice a week for the first two weeks, so we can really get you feeling better quicker. Then I see patients every week for a session until we get the pain to start to shift. We want you to feel better and better and better not regress. If I treat you today, and the pain returns before your next treatment are scheduled then we’ve gone too long between sessions and may lose any progress we have made in teaching your body how to heal itself. So we stay at once a week until your symptoms are managed and then we move you to every 2 weeks. Once your symptoms are stable at sessions every 2 weeks then we can move the sessions out longer periods of time with the understanding that if your symptoms start to come e back you call for an appointment right away so we don’t lose the progress we have made. So treatment duration is based on the individual and their response to the treatments. It is not a cookie-cutter approach to medicine. No two people with pain are the same. I look to find the root cause of your pain, heal it naturally, and enable the body to heal itself. If this sounds like something you would like to do, I encourage you to visit my acupuncture clinic in Towson Maryland. Jean Donati Acupuncture, LLC. 410-984-3700 https://www.East2WestMedicine.com Feel better naturally…. Jean Donati, L.Ac READ MORE
Can acupuncture help toothaches?
Absolutely! READ MORE
What is the pressure point for knee pain?
There is not a specific point for knee pain. What points to use would be dependent on the location of the pain in and around the knee, the cause of the pain. and your physical constitution...how your energy moves. READ MORE
How long does acupuncture take to work for back pain?
Good Morning, How long acupuncture will take to clear a condition is dependent upon several factors: 1. how long the condition has been present 2. how your energy responds to treatment 3. how often treatment is given I would have to evaluate you and see what the root cause of your symptoms are, and address any blocks to the flow of energy, then decide which pathways to treat and see how your body responds to treatment. Most people at least will see a shift in their symptoms in 10 treatments. Again, I treat the whole patient, not just the symptom, and your back pain may be different from someone else's, so your response may be different as well Hope this helps, Jean Donati READ MORE
Do I need to rest after acupuncture?
It can take about 12 hours for your nervous system to integrate any shifts in energy after treatment. While resting is always a good idea, you can go about your normal day after receiving acupuncture. Hope this helps, Jean Donati Acupuncture, LLC READ MORE
What pressure point relieves shoulder pain?
I cannot answer that question, as each individual is different, so is your energy. I could see 2 people with shoulder pain and treat them both differently. I would have to see you, hear your story, feel your pulses and look at your tongue to make an accurate assessment of where to place needles or pressure. Acupuncture is not cookbook style. Medicine…it is individualized. Hope that helps. Jean Dnati READ MORE
What are the pressure points to relieve migraines?
While there are certainly points that receive headaches, in order to answer your question, I would need more information. Acupuncture is not a “cookbook” one-size-fits-all system. It is individualized. I can see two people with migraines and treat them completely differently. It all depends on the root cause of the symptoms. So, while acupuncture is amazing at treating migraines, I would need to see you, talk to you, find out when the headaches started, their triggers and so much more information in order to determine what acupuncture points to use. Also, acupuncture is not a “quick fix.” A series of treatments is generally needed. The treatments build on each other. By identifying the root cause of the symptoms and treating them, the body is better able to utilize its own healing mechanisms. Hope that helps. Jean Donati, M.Ac, L.Ac READ MORE
How long does acupressure take to work?
Good Morning, In terms of acupuncture or acupressure, we are moving the body’s energy. It varies from person to person on how this energy moves, so it is hard to put a timeline on it. Factors that contribute to how the energy moves is your overall health, and constitution, nutrition, habits, how long you have had the condition that you are looking to shift, and the frequency of the treatments. Stay safe, Jean Donati, L.Ac READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Acute and Chronic painAddiction SupportStress/Anxiety/DepressionSupport for Care GiversFertility issuesGastrointestinal disordersHeadachesInsomniaMenstrual irregularitiesMusculoskeletal disordersNeurologic disordersSmoking cessationSports injuriesGeneral health and wellnessElderCare

Faculty Titles & Positions

Acting Manager Employee Health and Safety Good Samaritan Hospital 2013 - 2014

Awards

Top Women In Medicine 2021 Find a Top Doc
Letter of Recognition and Bonus for Professional Contributions as a Physician Assistant 2015 Medstar Health
Certificate of Appreciation Project Impact Team 2012 Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital
Certificate of Recognition 2011 Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital
Stellar Performance Award 2010 Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital
Recognition for Commitment to a High Performing Team 2009 Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital
Award for Teamwork and Commitment to Customers 2009 Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital
Letter of Recognition 2002 Maryland State Police Medical Division
Letter of Recommendation 2019 Dr. Steven Strauss
Letter of Recommendation 2014 Dr. Carmen Pichard Medstar Orthopedics
Letter of Recommendation 1993 Dr. Denise Baso
All Star Team Award 2009 Good Samaritan Hospital

Professional Memberships

American Academy of Physician Assistants
Maryland Academy of Physician Assistants
Licensed by Maryland Board of Acupuncture
Certified by National Commission for the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)