Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What does acupuncture treat?
A: Acupuncture can be used in the direct treatment of many medical conditions, and can be used to enhance or support other medical treatment modalities. Acupuncture is used to treat the following as well as many other conditions:
Chronic and Acute Pain Management and Recovery from Injuries: Headaches, neck and back pain, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, tendonitis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia;
Digestive Disorders: Irritable bowel, colitis, constipation, diarrhea, gastritis, heartburn, food allergies, ulcers;
Upper Respiratory Disorders: Asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinusitis, sore throat, laryngitis, colds and flu;
Immune Function: Boosting immune system function to help maintain optimal health, treatment of recurrent infections, supportive treatment for cancer and immune-compromised patients;
Depression, Anxiety and Insomnia: Acupuncture is used to regulate stress and anxiety, as well as balance emotional conditions, treatment of insomnia and addictions (e.g. nicotine, alcohol, drugs, specific patterns of behavior, etc.);
Neurological Disorders: Post-stroke recovery, Bell's Palsy and Trigeminal Neuralgia, movement disorders and neuropathy;
Urinary, Menstrual, and Reproductive Disorders: Cystitis, menstrual cramps, irregular or heavy periods, infertility (male and female), erectile dysfunction, menopausal symptoms;
Eye and Ear Disorders: Tinnitus, Meniere's disease.
Q: Is acupuncture safe?
A: Yes, acupuncture is very safe when you receive treatment from a licensed acupuncturist. The needles are extremely thin, individually wrapped, sterile, single-use needles, and after use are immediately placed in a sharps container for proper disposal. This “clean needle technique” is used to prevent transmission of any blood-born pathogens, and to keep both the patient and practitioner safe. On occasion, a small bruise may form a few days following a treatment, but is typically not painful or uncomfortable.
Q: Does acupuncture hurt?
A: The acupuncture needles are very thin, and many times cannot be felt during insertion. Normal sensations that are possible include an initial pinch, and sometimes the feeling of a dull ache around the area of insertion. Acupuncture points near the fingers or toes can be more sensitive and sometimes a sharp sensation is felt, but usually only for a brief moment, and it quickly subsides.
Q: What will an acupuncture treatment be like?
A: During a typical treatment patients will initially be interviewed about their condition and relevant health history. A physical examination will be performed which includes, but is not limited to feeling the pulse, viewing the tongue, measuring blood pressure, temperature and weight, examining range of motion when appropriate, etc.
Following the intake, treatment will include insertion of needles, which will be retained for about 20 to 30 minutes. Other than the slight pinch as the needle is inserted most patients report feeling no pain, and the patient usually feels calm and relaxed, often falling asleep on the treatment table.
Initial visits typically take around 1 to 1-1/2 hours and follow up treatments are often 45 minutes to 1 hour. Patients will generally have 1 to 3 treatments per week and it is best to have a course of 4 to 6 consecutive treatments before re-evaluating a patient's condition. On average, 80% of patients see a marked improvement by the 4th visit. Based on the condition, a treatment plan will be recommended, as an acute condition will be treated differently than a chronic condition.
It is recommended that you wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be rolled up to the knees and elbows. If this is not possible, a gown or sheet will be provided.
Q: Can children be treated with acupuncture?
A: Yes, acupuncture can be used safely for all ages; however, there is another method of treatment for children (typically under 10 years of age, or those sensitive to needles) without insertion of needles called shoni-shin. Shoni-shin is a Japanese technique which uses non-invasive tools to scrape and stimulate the body’s channel systems, which does not penetrate the skin with the traditional style of acupuncture needles. Children respond very well to Traditional Chinese Medicine, and are not limited to acupuncture. Herbal formulas, lifestyle and dietary recommendations are given when appropriate and may serve to support their development, promote health, and help them through common childhood illnesses.
Q: Do you take insurance for acupuncture treatments?
A: The State of California recognizes Acupuncturists as Primary Health Care Providers. As such, health insurance companies have been offering coverage to those seeking the care that acupuncture provides. At this time, we do not bill insurance directly, and require payment at the time of treatment, but upon request, we will provide all necessary paperwork that the patient will need to submit their healthcare claim to their insurance provider on their own. Once submitted, reimbursements and/or payments, per the respective insurance plan will be mailed directly to the patient from their insurance provider.