Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one part to the large medical system known as Chinese Medicine here in the West. Chinese Medicine is the oldest, continuously practiced medicine in the world, with evidence of this medicine being in practice for at least 3,000 years. It is a complete and holistic medical system that has been successfully treating millions of people in Asia and Europe, and since the 60s, in the United States. Until the introduction of modern medicine in Asia, this was the only form of medicine being practiced in Asia.

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine needles into specific points along meridians — or channels — that run throughout the body. Doing this activates the body’s qi (pronounced chee, or life force, vital energy) and promotes natural healing by enhancing the recuperative power of the body. It can also improve overall well-being. It is a safe and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture is virtually painless. For those nonetheless afraid of needles, services are also provided using different modalities that mimic the effects usually created with acupuncture. Please see our list of treatments to learn more about them.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is a natural, drug-free therapy. The needles are all disposable, one-time use, sterile needles. The stainless steel needles are individually packaged and sealed by the manufacturer using sterile conditions and is only opened by the practitioner just prior to use. The risk of needle contamination and subsequent infection is essentially nonexistent.

During the acupuncture treatment…

In response to the needles, patients typically experience a light, “floating,” dreamy sensation, as endorphins (feel-good hormones) flood the body and are released into the bloodstream. The effect of the treatment is very balancing and stabilizing, resulting in a calmer, more peaceful state of mind. Many patients often fall asleep during their treatment, only to wake up feeling very relaxed.

How long is each treatment?

The first visit lasts about one and half hours and includes a thorough intake and review of the patient’s medical history and the acupuncture treatment itself. Follow-up visits last one hour and include consultation time to evaluate progress and patient concerns.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments will vary from person to person and are based on the patient’s individual goals. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take longer to achieve results. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes, and most frequently, biweekly visits are recommended during the initial stages. For Women’s Health issues, plan on a minimum of a three months protocol in order to re-establish the body’s ability regulate its cycle.

If I am healthy, why should I receive acupuncture?

Even if you feel you have no health concerns, acupuncture can still benefit you. During and following a treatment, many people will experience a profound state of relaxation. When the body is relaxed, it will more effectively handle stress, viruses/bacteria, emotions and other stressors. Also, because acupuncture improves circulation, it is effective in increasing oxygen supply to parts of the body that may otherwise be undersupplied. If your brain’s oxygen supply is increased, for example, you may notice more clarity and cohesion of thoughts. An overall oxygen increase in the body usually improves energy and stamina. Furthermore, when nearing flu season or preparing to travel onboard a plane or in another enclosed atmosphere, acupuncture is recommended to strengthen your immune system.

What does acupuncture treat?

The World Health Organization (WHO), an internationally recognized authority concerning health-related matters has compiled a list of symptoms, conditions, and diseases that have been proven as effectively treated by acupuncture. There is also a list for diseases, symptoms and conditions for which therapeutic effect has been shown with acupuncture. Take a look at the list below. Acupuncture effectively treats these conditions and many more. You might find a condition that you or someone you know has and never thought acupuncture could be of help!

Allergies, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Bronchitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue, Colitis, Common Cold, Constipation, Dental pain, Depression, Diarrhea, Digestive troubles, Dizziness
Dysentery, Emotional Problems, Eye Problems, Facial paralysis, Fatigue, Fertility, Fibromyalgia, Gingivitis, Headache, Hiccough, Incontinence, Indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Low back pain, Menopause, Menstrual irregularities, Migraines, Morning sickness, Nausea, Osteoarthritis, Pain, PMS, Pneumonia, Reproductive problems, Rhinitis, Sciatica, Shoulder pain, Sinusitis, Sleep disturbances, Sore throat, Stress, Tennis elbow, Tonsillitis, Tooth pain, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Urinary Tract infections, Vomiting, Wrist pain

Herbal Medicine

Are there any side effects?

Compared with conventional over-the-counter Western drugs, oriental herbal medicines have very few side effects, if any. When prescribing herbal formulas, various components are included to minimize the side effects and to enhance the healing process.

Oriental herbal medicine is a safe, effective and drug-free way to become well and stay health, naturally!

How does it taste?

Because tonics are primarily made from root and bark extracts, where the strongest medicinal ingredients are found, they tend to be bitter in taste.

However with continued use, the bitterness should subside.

How does it help?

Herbs can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions, such as;

Strengthening the immune system
Relieving anxiety and depression
Promoting digestion
Increasing energy
Balancing hormones
Improving sleep
Treating gynecological disorders
Improving athletic performance
Enhancing organ function
Strengthening libido

How is it made?

Herb Formulas are developed to use each herb to its greatest advantage. By combining different herbs, we not only adjust and increase the treatment results, but also reduce or release the side-effects from the other herbs. That’s why few Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors prescribe only a single herb to treat patients. A formula is typically made from 10-15 herbs with appropriate dosage depending on the patient’s condition and the treatment principle.

Traditional herbal formulas are generally made in the form of liquid tonics, pre-packaged in a single-serving pouch for convenience. It is also available in pill/granule form for those who do not have the time or the taste for the traditional liquid form.