Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an acupuncture visit take?
Your first treatment will be approximately one hour and involve an initial consultation as I diagnose and determine which Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments are right for you. After the initial consultation, I generally move right into a first treatment during the same visit. Follow-up visits consist of a much shorter intake/diagnosis period before treatment, generally lasting between 40-60min.
How many treatments are needed to be effective?
The number of treatments needed depends on the patient’s age; gender; and the duration, severity, and nature of the complaint. Usually, after three or six sessions, people will feel health improvements; after ten or more sessions, people may experience significant improvements in their health condition. After proper results are achieved, a maintenance schedule is required for some time.
How do you diagnosis my problem using Chinese Medicine?
I will ask a variety of questions regarding your specific complaint and general health. I will use TCM diagnostic methods including radial pulse reading and tongue diagnosis. The initial consultation includes a standard health history not unlike a medical doctor’s office. You will need to fill out a few forms provided on this website. Whatever first treatment is appropriate will be done immediately following the initial consultation.
Do the acupuncture needles hurt?
Most people are surprised and relieved to learn that acupuncture needles are extremely thin, about the size of a thick human hair —unlike hypodermic needles which are thick and hollow— and can produce feelings such as tingling, warmth, or pressure when inserted. Some patients have even fallen asleep during sessions, as acupuncture induces extraordinary relaxation in many people. Some report the sensation as energetic, but very few refer to it as painful. I only use disposable needles.
What does acupuncture or Chinese Medicine treatment involve?
I will choose methods according to my diagnosis for what you need. During acupuncture, full attention will be given to help you relax and receive the most value from the treatment. After each needle is inserted, you may feel nothing, or sometimes a vague numbness, heaviness, or slight tingling. However, the treatment is effective whether these feelings are sensed or not. The needles will be left in for 20-30 minutes while you relax with soothing music in a warm room. After the treatment, you may experience a relaxing euphoric feeling.
How should I prepare for my acupuncture treatment?
Patients should not eat within 30 minutes of a session. Patients should not drink alcohol before coming to an acupuncture treatment. Patients should wear comfortable, loose clothes. You should be prepared to refrain from rigorous exercise and should not drink alcohol for at least half an hour before and after treatment.
What is Cupping?
Cupping is the use of suction cups to remove impure energy from the body. It involves lighting a match in a small, rounded “cup” made of glass, bamboo or pottery, and then removing it quickly and applying the cup to the skin. The flame creates a vacuum and the cup sticks tightly to the skin. Cupping is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as the common cold, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Cupping is also used to treat back, neck, shoulder, and other musculoskeletal pain. It is common for cupping to produce bruise-like marks or blisters on the body. These marks are signs that toxins are being released from the body and will usually go away within a few days or a week. You will need to wait 24 hours to shower after cupping treatment.
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure is a form of Chinese manipulative therapy often used in conjunction with acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medicine and Qi Gong. Acupressure uses traction, massage and manipulation in conjunction with the stimulation of acu- points. It is used for both acute or chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as certain non-musculoskeletal conditions.
What is Qi Gong?
Qi Gong is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine that combines movement, meditation, and regulation of breathing to enhance the flow of Qi (an ancient term given to what is believed to be vital energy in the body), improve blood circulation, and enhance immune function.
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years; in fact, the actual Chinese character for acupuncture translated literally means “acupuncture-moxibustion.” The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of traditional Chinese medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health.
What is Guasa?
Guasa is a well-known traditional Chinese therapy that operates in principle with acupressure and finger massage by employing the power of touch with a Guasa board, which works on skin, blood, and nervous and lymphatic system to boost circulation and strengthen the body qi.
What conditions can be treated by Chinese medicine and acupuncture?
Acupuncture can effectively treat a wide array of acute and chronic diseases and health conditions and provide preventative care. Here are a few commonly treated diseases and conditions:
Gynecological Genitourinary Disorders:
Infertility in women
Infertility in men
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Irregular, heavy or painful menstruation
Endometriosis
Menopause
Fibroids
Chronic bladder infections
Post partum rejuvenation
Kidney stones
Impotence
Sexual dysfunction
Emotional and Psychological Disorders:
Anxiety
Insomnia
Depression
Stress
Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders:
Allergies and Sinusitis
Sore throat
Hay fever
Earache
Nerve deafness
Ringing in the ears
Dizziness
Poor eyesight
Circulatory Disorders
High blood pressure
Angina pectoris
Arteriosclerosis
Anemia
Immune Disorders
Candida
Chronic fatigue
Epstein Barr virus
Allergies
Lupus
MS
Gastrointestinal Disorders:
Irritable bowel syndrome
Spastic colon
Colitis
Constipation
Diarrhea
Food allergies
Ulcers
Gastritis
Abdominal bloating
Hemorrhoids
Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders
Arthritis
Neuralgia
Sciatica
Back pain
Bursitis
Tendonitis
Stiff neck
Bell’s palsy
Trigeminal neuralgia
Headaches and Migraines
Stroke
Cerebral palsy
Polio
Sprains
Muscle spasms
Shingles
Respiratory Disorders
Asthma
Emphysema
Bronchitis
Colds and flu’s
Miscellaneous
Chemotherapy/radiation side effects
Diabetes
Weight control