FAQs
Your first visit
The initial visit generally last from 30 to 90 minutes. We will take a detailed health history, perform a physical exam, and provide you with your unique treatment plan. During you first exam, we will spend time getting to know you and hour health concerns. You may be asked a wide range of questions about your symptoms eating, exercise, sleep habits, emotional states and anything that may offer insight into your health. We will also employ diagnostic tools that are unique to acupuncture and TCM such as tongue and pulse diagnosis.
Your treatment plan
Once we have gathered enough information, you’ll receive a comprehensive diagnosis and a treatment plan that will explain:
Your underlying imbalances
Your time line of care
What types of treatment you will receive
Getting the most out of treatment
For the best treatment results, keep a few things in mind:
Please show up on time
Don’t eat a large meal before your visit
Wear loose, comfortable clothes
Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your acupuncturist
Refrain from overexertion, drugs, coffee or alcohol for at least six hours after treatment
Follow your treatment plan between visits
Keep all you appointments, as each visit builds upon the previous ones
What medical conditions can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems.
Why acupuncture?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is a drug-free therapy with no side effects. It not only focuses on the manifestation of the disease but also treats the root of the disease.
Do the needles hurt?
Most people feel a little prick as the needle is inserted, but some people feel no pain at all.
How many treatments will I need?
It varies from person to person, we may suggest one or two treatments per week or monthly visits for maintenance care. It depends on the severity and duration of the root problem. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute conditions.
Is acupuncture safe for children?
Yes, sometimes children respond more quickly than adults.
How safe are acupuncture needles?
It is very safe. We use sterilized disposable needles.
Why look at my tongue?
The tongue reflects the condition of the organs and meridians.
Why feel my pulses?
Each pulse corresponds to a specific organ and meridian and can reflect overall health.
What is Cupping?
Cupping is a therapy to stimulate the flow of Qi and Blood in the superficial muscle layers. Cupping is used for sore muscles, tension, neck pain, and the common cold.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a deep massage therapy in which the skin over a problem area is gently rubbed or scraped. This technique is used to release muscle tension, tightness and constriction.
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a therapy used to warm the problem areas or the acupuncture points to help speed up the healing process. An herb called Mugwort (Ai Ye) is used above the skin on the handles of the needles, salt or a thin slice of Ginger.
What is Tuina?
Tuina is used to relieve muscle pain, tension, inflammation and help recover injuries in a form of deep massage technique used in various parts of the body.
How long is an acupuncture treatment?
From 30 to 90 minutes.
Can Western medicine and Chinese medicine be combined?
Yes, they enhance each other’s effects.
Herbal remedies work best for which conditions?
They are best for functional disorders and hormonal imbalances. The effects of herbs are usually seen after several days of regular use than immediately.
Why herb is recommend with acupuncture care?
Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body for chronic conditions. They can also used to clear excess conditions such as a common cold, fever or acute pain.