FAQ

Acupuncture is an effective form of medical therapy originated and developed in China since over 3000 years ago. Acupuncture has evolved into a complete holistic health care system. It stimulates the specific "acu-points" on the surface of the body by inserting very thin disposable needles. It is a practice that promotes natural healing. It can enhance recuperative power and immunity. It supports physical and emotional health, and well-being. It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat wide variety of medical problems.

Since the 1970′s, when acupuncture and Oriental medicine first became available in the United States, more than 15 million Americans have tried it. The risk of side effects is very low and mild but the potential benefits are high. The general theory of acupuncture is that “acu-points” found at specific locations on the surface of the body and formed a network of “channels”or “meridians”. This network connects every organ and part of the body, providing balance, regulation and coordination of physiological processes. — Pain and ill-health result when the flow of Qi- vital energy (pronounced “chee”) through the body is disrupted or blocked by many things, including disease, pathogens, trauma/injuries and drugs (side-effects), as well as lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, emotions, lack of sleep and stress. Acupuncture helps to restore sufficient, continuous and even flow of Qi ,blood circulation and other nutrients throughout the body, thereby restoring health and coordination of physiological processes to the body, while relieving pain and other symptoms. Modern research evidences show that acupuncture influence the central and peripheral nervous system. It releases the endorphins from the brain which makes acupuncture particularly effective in pain control. It affects sugar, cholesterol, triglyceride levels, actives of the endocrine and immune system. Acupuncture allows the body to heal itself more quickly and completely.

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization to be effective in the treatment of : Addiction, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Bronchitis, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue, Colitis, Common Cold, Constipation, Dental Pain, Depression, Digestion Trouble, Dizziness, Dysentery, Emotional Problems, Eye Problems, Facial Palsy, Fatigue, Fertility, Fibromyalgia, Gingivitis, Headaches, Incontinence, Indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Low Back Pain, Menopause, Morning Sickness, Osteoarthritis, Pain, PMS, Pneumonia, Reproductive Problems, Rhinitis, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Shoulder Pain, Sinusitis, Sleep Disturbances, Smoking Cessation, Sore Throat, Stress, Tooth Pain, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Urinary Tract Infections, Vomiting, Wrist Pain. In our 37 medical practice, we treat much more diseases then above mentioned. Please call us to find out is acupuncture can help your healing.

Yes. Acupuncture is very safe when administered by a trained practitioner. While needles are being inserted into the body there is no risk of puncturing vital organs when performed properly. All needles used are sterile and disposable. No needle is ever reused.

Acupuncture is generally considered to be painless and any discomfort is generally mild. Acupuncture needles are five times thinner than regular injection needles. You only feel a mild prick during the initial insertion. After the needle is inserted, you may feel nothing but sometimes there could be a slight soreness or heaviness as if hitting a blockage point on the meridian. Most people find the experience very relaxing, and even drifts into a nap during the treatment.

Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever, acute pain or infertility… Your practitioner may suggest starting with herbs and then adding acupuncture to your treatment in the future. This is suggested to build up your internal strength so you can receive the full benefits acupuncture has to offer.

In our practice, we use none toxic herbs and nutrition supplement to help some patients' healing after carefully evaluating patients' conditions. Usually, they can take their western medicine and herbal or nutrition supplement together in the same time. They shouldn't stop prescribed medication when taking herbs or nutrition supplement. If they have severe diseases, take blood thinner or other medication, they should ask their medical doctor before take any herbs or nutrition supplement.

Acupuncture is safe to use while you are pregnant and can be helpful throughout the pregnancy. Acupuncture can calm morning sickness, treat insomnia, edema, sciatica, and many of the other discomforts associated with pregnancy. However, there are some acupuncture points on the abdominal region that should be avoided. Our clinic prioritizes safety for our patients and has an outstanding record. In addition, acupuncture is drug-free so the patients avoid the risk of any side effects.

Most patients feel progressively better after each treatment. For some patients, the symptoms may seem to get worse before getting better. This “healing crisis” is best explained as a cleansing reaction. Usually, it will pass in a short time, no more than 5 days. The reason for the healing crisis can be understood as the struggle of the life force (Qi) with the pathogenic factor. Patients may feel heightened sensitivity to the symptoms before feeling relief. Patients should not panic when this phenomenon happens. Patients should report it to the practitioner and follow the practitioner’s instruction.

The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes. In my practice, most patients experience improvement in a very short time; however, I tell patients with chronic conditions that it may take months to be fully healed.
Treatment frequency depends on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. An acupuncturist may suggest one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance and seasonal “tune ups”.

If you have pace maker please, other medical conditions or pregnant, tell the practitioners. They will give you special consideration of treatment. If you are too hungry or thirsty, eat some things before the acupuncture.

Before using drug or surgery to improve skin appearance, consider acupuncture face lift. It is a safe, effective, natural, and drug-free alternative that is painless, and risk-free. A facial rejuvenation using acupuncture improves overall skin and muscle tone while enhancing and increasing the elasticity of skin. Acupuncture can reduce signs of aging by strengthening and stimulating the circulation of Qi within the meridian pathways, especially those of the face. You will look and feel more energetic, brightening, vibrant, less wrinkle and aging spots. Acupuncture treatments may be combined with herbal and nutrition supplements, and diet in order to maximize results.

By Detoxifying the nicotine in your body. So, unlike the nicotine patch, nicotine is being taken out of your body instead of being put back in. Using acupuncture to stop smoking helps you relax because your brain produces one chemical substance called "Endorphin" which functions like a tranquilizer to calm you down and creates energy. Acupuncture eliminates your cravings for tobacco. The quit smoking program with acupuncture treatment utilizes special ear points for addiction elimination. Healthy diet, exercise and Chinese herb / nutrition supplements are also prescribed to aid your transition into a healthier state.

Yes! In some instance children actually respond more quickly than adults to treatments. If your child has an aversion to needles, we may massage the acupuncture points. This is called acupressure or tuina.

Rates vary and depend upon what procedures are performed. It is best to consult with your acupuncturist about costs.

This depends on your insurance carrier as well as the state of residence. Many health insurance companies in California offer programs that cover acupuncture treatment. For further information, please contact your insurance provider. For patients without Acupuncture coverage, we do offer a reduced cash rate.