Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practiced in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. It is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. Acupuncture regulates and restores a harmonious energetic balance in the body. Although often described as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. Its focus is on improving the overall well being of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms.

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How does acupuncture work?
Eastern explanations:
According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy - known as Qi (chee) - moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (channels) beneath the skin. When the flow of Qi is blocked due to trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, hereditary conditions, environmental factors, or excessive emotional issues, illness may result.
By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and help restore its natural balance. The principal aim of acupuncture in treating the whole person is to recover the equilibrium between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual.
Western Explanations:
Using modern scientific testing equipment the acupuncture channels and individual points can be traced on the body as they are the pathways on the body that have the least resistance to electrical or Qi flow. Technological advancements have made it possible to validate the existence and location of the channels and points.
By stimulating specific points on or near the skin surface, acupuncture creates various biochemical and physiological conditions which can correct imbalances. Hormones, chemicals and endorphins are released by the body in response to acupuncture, which is why acupuncture can reduce pain, regulate the endocrine system, and regulate serotonin levels. This is why acupuncture can be used to treat back pain, reduce anxiety and stress, help with depression, and PMS, Infertility and Menopause.

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Is acupuncture compatible with western medical treatments?
Yes, TCM is a complete and well rounded healing system that can be used in conjunction with almost all other systems. In China, it is very common to have acupuncture, herbal treatment, and western medical treatment together. For example, a patient undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment is given acupuncture to boost the immune system and to relieve the side effect of chemo therapy and herbal formula to eliminate the toxins from the body caused by chemo therapy. Another example is acupuncture anesthesia during surgery, and an IV drip of Chinese Herbs in recovery.

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Do acupuncturists have training in western clinical science?
Yes, in order to be qualified to sit for California Acupuncture Board exam, applicants are required to take several classes in western clinical science, pathology, physiology, anatomy, and western pharmacology.

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What will happen on my first visit?
Your first consultation may be longer than subsequent sessions. The acupuncturist needs to assess your general state of health, in order to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony and give you the most effective treatment.
You will be asked about your current symptoms and what treatment you have received so far, your medical history and that of your close family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state.
To discover how the energies are flowing in your body, the acupuncturist is likely to feel your pulses on both wrists, noting their quality, rhythm and strength. The structure, color and coating of your tongue also give a good guide to your physical health.
Once enough information has been gathered to determine the likely causes of your problems, the acupuncturist can select the most appropriate treatment. The aim is to discover which energy channels need adjusting for your specific complaint to improve, and which require treatment to boost your overall energy and vitality.
There are around 1000 recognized acupuncture points on the body, of which about 100 are most commonly used. Stimulation of specific areas on the skin affects the functioning of certain organs in the body. However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body where the problem is experienced. For example, although you may suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted in your foot or hand.
The acupuncturist may supplement the needle treatment with moxa, a smoldering herb which is used to warm acupuncture points to encourage the body's energy to flow smoothly. Electro-acupuncture may be used to stimulate the acupuncture points. Massage or tapping with a rounded probe are techniques particularly suitable for small children or for people with a fear of needles.


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What are the needles like?
Only sterile, disposable needles are used so there is no risk of infection. Needles are used once, and then disposed.
Acupuncture needles are small and hair-thin. They are solid, not hollow like needles used by doctors. The end of an acupuncture needle is smooth and rounded. Acupuncture needles are not designed to cut the skin. Instead, when an acupuncture needle is inserted, the round edge pushes the tissue aside without cutting it. Acupuncture needles are so thin it's as if they can glide through the spaces between the individual cells of the body.

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Does acupuncture hurt?
There is generally mild sensitivity during the insertion of acupuncture needles and some people feel nothing at all, others experience a brief moment of discomfort as the needle penetrates the skin. Some experience mild sensations of cramping, tingling, numbness, warmth, or heaviness. Many people even fall asleep during treatment. Following treatment it is common to feel a tremendous sense of relaxation and calm.

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How deep do the needles go?
Most acupuncture points are located near or on the surface of the skin. Usually needles are inserted from 1/4 to 1 inch in depth. Depth of insertion will depend on the nature of the condition being treated, location of the point, the patients' size, age, and constitution.

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How many treatments will I need?
The length, number and frequency of treatments will vary. Generally acute problems require less number of visits. Chronic and severe conditions may require several treatments.

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What conditions are treated with acupuncture?
The following is a list of some of the more common conditions treatable by Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, as outlined by the WHO.
Upper Respiratory Tract
Acute sinusitis
Acute rhinitis
Common Cold
Acute tonsillitis
Respiratory System
Acute bronchitis
Bronchial asthma (most effective in children and in patients without complicating diseases)
Disorders of the Eye
Acute conjunctivitis
Central retinitis
Myopia (in children)
Cataract (without complications)
Disorders of the Mouth
Toothache, post-extraction pain
Gingivitis
Acute and chronic pharyngitis
Gastro-intestinal Disorders
Spasms of esophagus and cardia
Hiccough
Gastroptosis
Acute and chronic gastritis
Gastric hyperacidity
Chronic duodenal ulcer (pain relief)
Acute duodenal ulcer (without complications)
Acute and chronic colitis
Acute bacillary dysentery
Constipation
Diarrhea
Paralytic ileus
Neurological and Musculo-skeletal Disorders
Headache and migraine
Trigeminal neuralgia
Facial palsy (early stage, i.e., within three to six months)
Pareses following a stroke
Peripheral neuropathies
Sequelae of poliomyelitis (early stage, i.e., within six months)
Meniere's disease
Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
Nocturnal enuresis
Intercostals neuralgia
Cervicobrachial syndrome
"Frozen shoulder," "tennis elbow"
Sciatica
Low back pain
Osteoarthritis
Fibromayalgia

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Do I have to believe in it for it to work?
No. Acupuncture works whether or not you think it will. Acupuncture is even used successfully on animals and children. They do not understand or believe in the process yet they get better anyway. A positive attitude helps with any type of therapy but it is not necessary to believe in acupuncture (or to feel it working) for it to work.

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How do herbs differ from western medicine?
Chinese herbal formulas tend to be much gentler than western medicines, and work to not only help relieve symptoms, but to help return the body to balance and equilibrium, so that herbs will not be needed further. That is why we often modify the herbs as treatment continues, since the body starts to shift towards being healthier, and therefore the herbs are modified to meet the changing needs of the body.

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Can I take Chinese herbs when I am on medication?
It depends on the medications you are taking. This would have to be evaluated on a case by case basis.

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Does insurance cover acupuncture?
Some insurance does. You need to check with your insurance plan.

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