Q. What conditions may benefit from acupuncture?
A. Many Americans seek acupuncture treatment for relief of chronic pain, such as arthritis or low back pain. Acupuncture, however, has expanded uses in other parts of the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists conditions that may benefit from acupuncture. However, before considering acupuncture, consult your physician to discuss your current medical conditions, symptoms, and treatment options. Conditions that benefit from acupuncture include the following:
DIGESTIVE
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Diarrhea
Hyperacidity
Indigestion
EMOTIONAL
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Nervousness
Neurosis
EYE-EAR-THROAT
Cataracts
Gingivitis
Poor vision
Tinnitus
Toothache
GYNECOLOGICAL
Infertility
Menopausal symptoms
Premenstrual symptoms
MUSCULOSKELETAL
Arthritis
Back pain
Muscle cramping
Muscle pain and weakness
Neck pain
Sciatica
NEUROLOGICAL
Headaches
Migraines
Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
Parkinson's disease
Postoperative pain
Stroke
RESPIRATORY
Asthma
Bronchitis
Common cold
Sinusitis
Smoking cessation
Tonsillitis
MISCELLANEOUS
Addiction control
Athletic performance
Blood pressure regulation
Chronic fatigue
Immune system tonification
Stress reduction
Q: How effective are Chinese herbs?
A: Chinese herbs are medicines Chinese people have been relied on for their health for thousand years. While some of them are outdated, lots of them are still proven effective and widely used in modern days. In many ways, Chinese medicine compliments with modern medicine, and can also address many shortcomings of Western Medicine.
Q: How do you use Traditional Chinese Medicine to diagnose my health problem?
A: I will ask a variety of questions regarding your specific complaint and general health. I will use Traditional Chinese diagnostic methods including radial pulse reading and tongue diagnosis. The initial consultation includes a standard health history not unlike at a medical doctor’s office. You will need to fill out a few forms that I provide you. If you wish, you may download the forms and fill them out at home before you come in. Whatever first treatment is appropriate will be done immediately following the initial consultation.
Q: What does the Acupuncture or Chinese Medicine treatment involve?
A: 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.
Q: Do the Acupuncture needles hurt?
A: Most people are surprised and relieved to learn that acupuncture needles are very thin—unlike hypodermic needles which are thick and hollow. Acupuncturists can attain a high level of skill in gently placing these tiny needles and often the insertion is barely perceptible. While there are sensations that occur during treatment, they are not like the pain from a syringe.
Q: How should I prepare for my Acupuncture treatment?
A: Patients should eat before coming for an acupuncture treatment and should wear comfortable clothes. You should be prepared to refrain from rigorous exercise for at least two hours before and after treatment.
Q: How long does an initial visit take?
A: Your first treatment is approximately 1.5 hours and involves an initial consultation in which a diagnosis is made and we determine which TCM treatments are right for you. After the initial consultation, we generally move right into a first treatment during the same visit. Follow-up visits consist of a much shorter intake/diagnosis period before treatment, and generally last for 1 hour.