Acupuncture & natural medicine for pain, mental health & whole body wellness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is qi?
Qi (pronounced “chee”) is based on the ancient Chinese theory of the flow of energy. Qi and blood (xue) flow through distinct meridians or pathways that cover and fill the body, somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels.
Good health depends on the smooth flow of qi. When the flow of qi is blocked due to trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, hereditary conditions, environmental factors, or excessive emotional issues, the system is disrupted. Illness is then generated.
How does acupuncture work?
In accordance with ancient theory, acupuncture allows qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from areas where it is in excess. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores a harmonious energetic balance in the body. Acupuncture needles stimulate the points associated with internal organs and pathways of the body needing balance.
The body has approximately one thousand acupuncture points.
Is there scientific evidence of acupuncture’s efficacy?
Scientific research has discovered that acupuncture points show a variety of unique bioelectric properties. Stimulation of acupuncture points cause definite physiological reactions affecting brain activity, such as releasing pain-killing endorphins, influencing blood pressure, enhancing the immune system, balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and enhancing the endocrine system. Most of all, acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal itself, regain homeostasis, and maintain its relationship with nature.
Acupuncture has been cited by the World Health Organization (WHO) to treat over 43 conditions.
How many treatments will I require?
A single treatment can sometimes resolve an acute condition, while a series of five to fifteen treatments or more are needed for many chronic problems.
Since acupuncture addresses the health of the whole body, there are many people that seek regular acupuncture treatment to maintain good health and as a preventative measure.
The duration, severity, and nature of your health issue all factor into treatment length.
What is Involved in herbal medicine treatment?
Chinese herbal medicine consists mainly of vegetable sources, leaves, flowers, twigs, stems, roots, tubers, rhizomes, and bark.
In addition, there are animal and mineral products used on occasion when necessary.
Most acupuncturists use herbal medicine in raw, powder, and pill form. Raw herbs take some cooking and may taste strong or undesirable. There is a saying in Chinese, “bitter mouth, good medicine.”
Herbal pills may be prescribed instead of raw herbs for less severe conditions.
In China, herbal medicine has traditionally been the most fundamental method of treatment.
Medicinal herbal formulas are dispensed to each patient based upon the patient’s individual constitution and current medical condition.
Unlike western herbs, Chinese herbs are used in very specific combinations, as opposed to singular herbs.
An herbal formula may be comprised of as many as 15 herbs, all having specific purposes within the formula.
These herbal formulas, like acupuncture, work to unlock the qi, to nourish, and to repair the organs.
Is acupuncture painful and what will I feel during a treatment?
At the time the needle is inserted, some may feel soreness or a dull ache. Others may feel nothing. Common qi sensations around the needle include tingling, electrical sensations that may travel above or below the needle, or a sense of swelling at the insertion site.
Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.
It is important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner to ensure proper needle placement and situation.
How is Diagnosis and treatment ascertained through TCM?
Before providing acupuncture treatment or prescribing herbs, a TCM practitioner must take an assessment of your body by using diagnostic methods including:
Asking you questions about your medical history
Reviewing western medical findings
Inspecting your tongue
Feeling your pulse
Palpating your abdomen and meridians along the body
Checking the appearance, texture, color and temperature of your skin
Your practitioner will then make a TCM diagnosis.
Your treatment will be based upon this assessment
Because of the fluid and ever changing nature of the human body, a TCM diagnosis and treatment protocol can change throughout your course of treatment.
Information provided by California State Oriental Medical Association New Patient FAQ: Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. www.csomaonline.org.
What is the Difference between acupuncture and Dry Needling?
“Dry needling” is a pseudonym for acupuncture that has been adopted by physical therapists, chiropractors, and other health providers who lack the legal ability to practice acupuncture within their scope of practice. This strategy allows these groups to skirt safety, testing, and certification standards put into place for the practice of acupuncture. Dry Needling is a style of needling treatment within the greater field of acupuncture. The practice of “acupuncture” includes any insertion of an acupuncture needle for a therapeutic purpose. Acupuncture training has always included both traditional and modern medical understandings. Anatomically, “trigger points” and “acupuncture points” are synonymous, and acupuncture has targeted trigger points for over 2,000 years.
The American Society of Acupuncturist: https://www.asacu.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/American-Society-of-Acupuncturists-Position-on-Dry-Needling-_9_14_16.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
What is qi?
Qi (pronounced “chee”) is based on the ancient Chinese theory of the flow of energy. Qi and blood (xue) flow through distinct meridians or pathways that cover and fill the body, somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels.
Good health depends on the smooth flow of qi. When the flow of qi is blocked due to trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, hereditary conditions, environmental factors, or excessive emotional issues, the system is disrupted. Illness is then generated.
How does acupuncture work?
In accordance with ancient theory, acupuncture allows qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from areas where it is in excess. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores a harmonious energetic balance in the body. Acupuncture needles stimulate the points associated with internal organs and pathways of the body needing balance.
The body has approximately one thousand acupuncture points.
Is there scientific evidence of acupuncture’s efficacy?
Scientific research has discovered that acupuncture points show a variety of unique bioelectric properties. Stimulation of acupuncture points cause definite physiological reactions affecting brain activity, such as releasing pain-killing endorphins, influencing blood pressure, enhancing the immune system, balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and enhancing the endocrine system. Most of all, acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal itself, regain homeostasis, and maintain its relationship with nature.
Acupuncture has been cited by the World Health Organization (WHO) to treat over 43 conditions.
How many treatments will I require?
A single treatment can sometimes resolve an acute condition, while a series of five to fifteen treatments or more are needed for many chronic problems.
Since acupuncture addresses the health of the whole body, there are many people that seek regular acupuncture treatment to maintain good health and as a preventative measure.
The duration, severity, and nature of your health issue all factor into treatment length.
What is Involved in herbal medicine treatment?
Chinese herbal medicine consists mainly of vegetable sources, leaves, flowers, twigs, stems, roots, tubers, rhizomes, and bark.
In addition, there are animal and mineral products used on occasion when necessary.
Most acupuncturists use herbal medicine in raw, powder, and pill form. Raw herbs take some cooking and may taste strong or undesirable. There is a saying in Chinese, “bitter mouth, good medicine.”
Herbal pills may be prescribed instead of raw herbs for less severe conditions.
In China, herbal medicine has traditionally been the most fundamental method of treatment.
Medicinal herbal formulas are dispensed to each patient based upon the patient’s individual constitution and current medical condition.
Unlike western herbs, Chinese herbs are used in very specific combinations, as opposed to singular herbs.
An herbal formula may be comprised of as many as 15 herbs, all having specific purposes within the formula.
These herbal formulas, like acupuncture, work to unlock the qi, to nourish, and to repair the organs.
Is acupuncture painful and what will I feel during a treatment?
At the time the needle is inserted, some may feel soreness or a dull ache. Others may feel nothing. Common qi sensations around the needle include tingling, electrical sensations that may travel above or below the needle, or a sense of swelling at the insertion site.
Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.
It is important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner to ensure proper needle placement and situation.
How is Diagnosis and treatment ascertained through TCM?
Before providing acupuncture treatment or prescribing herbs, a TCM practitioner must take an assessment of your body by using diagnostic methods including:
Your practitioner will then make a TCM diagnosis.
Your treatment will be based upon this assessment
Because of the fluid and ever changing nature of the human body, a TCM diagnosis and treatment protocol can change throughout your course of treatment.
Information provided by California State Oriental Medical Association New Patient FAQ: Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. www.csomaonline.org.
What is the Difference between acupuncture and Dry Needling?
“Dry needling” is a pseudonym for acupuncture that has been adopted by physical therapists, chiropractors, and other health providers who lack the legal ability to practice acupuncture within their scope of practice. This strategy allows these groups to skirt safety, testing, and certification standards put into place for the practice of acupuncture. Dry Needling is a style of needling treatment within the greater field of acupuncture. The practice of “acupuncture” includes any insertion of an acupuncture needle for a therapeutic purpose. Acupuncture training has always included both traditional and modern medical understandings. Anatomically, “trigger points” and “acupuncture points” are synonymous, and acupuncture has targeted trigger points for over 2,000 years.
The American Society of Acupuncturist: https://www.asacu.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/American-Society-of-Acupuncturists-Position-on-Dry-Needling-_9_14_16.pdf
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