Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequent questions and answers
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into the body at specific points shown to be effective in the treatment of health problems. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of 3,000 years and recently have been confirmed through electromagnetic research.
Acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (energy) and blood through specific meridians or pathways that cover the body like the nerves and blood vessels do. According to these theories, acupuncture draws Qi to areas that are deficient and away from areas that are stagnant, regulating and restoring balance.
Yes, we use sterilized, individually packaged, disposable/single-use needles.
That depends on the duration, severity and nature of your complaint. For acute conditions fewer treatments are necessary, where as chronic conditions generally require more time. Five to ten treatments, within one month are recommended for most patients, at which time we re-evaluate and set a follow-up schedule that suits the need of the patient.
Try to have a small meal or snack within 1-2 hours before your treatment. You do not want to be too empty or too full before your treatment. Also, try to wear loose comfortable clothing.
Most patients experience some form of relief from their pain or other symptoms. This relief may last, or some pain may return. In a few cases there may be no immediate relief, but your symptoms may diminish over the next couple of days. Generally, one should expect to feel much better after a treatment.
Chinese herbal medicine is a holistic approach to healing which focuses on an individual’s pattern and disease diagnosis. Your pattern is made up of your signs and symptoms, your emotional temperament and the overall constitution of your body. A patient receives a custom herbal formula designed to treat their individual pattern as well as their underlying symptoms.
Chinese herbal medicine may include vegetable, animal and mineral ingredients; however, the majority of ingredients are from vegetable sources. Typical herbs are derived from the following categories: leaves, flowers, branches, stems, roots, tubers, rhizomes and bark. We never use endangered species; if you are concerned please speak with your practitioner.
The most common method of taking Chinese herbal medicine is in decoction tea form, prepared by boiling the selected raw herbs. Herbal pills, and granular (powder) extracts are also very common forms of Chinese herbal medicine.
Decoctions and granular extractions are the strongest forms of herbal preparation and allows the practitioner the most flexibility in preparing a custom prescription for a patient. Granules are powdered herbal extractions best used for patients with little time to cook a decoction. Pills are the mildest from of herbal medicine. Any of these forms of medicine can be administered for either acute or chronic conditions. Speak with your practitioner about the best approach for you.
Yes. A trained practitioner can write prescriptions that are not only appropriate for pregnant women and lactating mothers, but also efficacious and highly beneficial.
Yes. Pediatrics is a specialty within Chinese medicine and children can be given reduced dosages. There are also specially prepared pediatric medicines in pill and powder form. Chinese herbal medicine can treat a wide range of common ailments that affect babies and children; including colic, teething, earache, diarrhea, cough and fever.
In acute conditions, results may occur in a matter of minutes. In chronic conditions, some results should be seen within two weeks. Chronic conditions may require taking herbal medicines for a long period of time. Signs that the medicine is working should be apparent to the patient and the practitioner alike almost from the very start.