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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acupuncture?

Very basically, acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles, (sometimes in conjunction with electrical stimulus), into certain acupuncture points, in order to improve the physiological functioning of your body. It is one of the healing modalities used in Traditional Eastern Medicine.

Is Acupuncture painful?

Prior to their first treatment, many people do not believe that acupuncture can be painless. Different sensations such as warmth or pressure may be felt, but the energetic sensation differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and relaxing. Acupuncture needles are very fine, about the size of a thick hair. They are solid and nothing is injected through them. Over the centuries, refined needle insertion techniques have been developed which enable the skilled acupuncturist to place a needle with little or no sensation.

How does Acupuncture work exactly?

Traditional Eastern Medicine is an integrated system, which has been used for thousands of years to treat injury and illness. Acupuncture is a key component in Eastern medicine approach to healing disease and disorders of the body. In Eastern medicine system of medicine, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive principle, while yang represents the hot, excited, or active principle.

Eastern medicine likens the human body to a highly complex electrical circuit. Like any electrical circuit it must be kept in good working order if it is to function effectively, and if the circuit breaks down the result is illness. Among the major assumptions in Eastern medicine are that health is achieved by maintaining the body in a “balanced state” and that disease is due to an internal imbalance of yin and yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of qi (pronounced “chee”, meaning vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. Treatment involves needling at different points along the meridians where there is too much or too little energy to restore balance to the body.

Currently, there is not one western scientific theory that collaboratively explains all of the physiological mechanisms underlying the effects of Acupuncture. This is because Acupuncture has a variety of therapeutic effects on the body thus the action must vary depending on the type of pathology. However it is proposed that acupuncture primarily produces its effects through regulating the nervous system. Regulation of the nervous system aids the activity of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones. This explains why people are so relaxed and feel so good after receiving treatment.

Is acupuncture safe?

We use sterile single use, disposable, silicon free acupuncture needles. The needles are safe. The procedures are safe and relaxing. Patients ask me "Is it normal to feel euphoric after a treatment?" Yes, it is!

What kinds of health problems does acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture was/is the primary medicine in some asian countries so it treats the common ailments we all suffer from. Among conditions most frequently treated are the following:

Addictions, Allergies, Ankle Swelling, Arm and Shoulder Pain, Arthritis, Asthma, ADD(Attention Deficit Disorder), Back Pain, Enuresis, Blood Pressure-High or Low, Bronchial Conditions, Bursitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Circulation Poor, Colds, Colitis, Colon Problems, Constipation, Coughing, Depression, Detox for Chemical Dependency, Diarrhea, Disc Problems, Diverticulitis, Dizziness, Emphysema, Fatigue, Feet Cold, Fibromyalgia, Flu, Gall Bladder Disorders, Gas, Gynecological Dysfunctions, Hay Fever, Headache, Heart Problems, Hemorrhoids, Hiccoughs, Hip Pain, Immune System Deficiency, Indigestion, Infertility, Injuries, Insomnia, Joint Pain, Kidney Problems, Knee Pain, Leg Pain, Liver Problems, Neck Pain, Nervousness, Neuralgia, Pain, Pleurisy, Pre Menstrual Syndrome, Prostate, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Shingles, Shoulder Pain, Sinus Trouble, Skin Problems, Stomach Problems, Sore Throat, Thyroid Conditions, Ulcers, Urinary Problems, Whiplash

How long do treatments last?

The initial visit is about 60 minutes long. An initial acupuncture visit includes consultation and treatment. Follow up sessions last about 30 minutes.

I am looking into trying acupuncture for both weight loss and depression. Does this clinic practice acupuncture for these conditions? And can both of these conditions be treated at once or is there an additional cost?

Yes, acupuncture treats for both weight loss and depression. Eastern medicine tries to get to the root cause of disease rather than "chasing" the symptoms. Often with weight loss and depression there is one root cause - usually its an imbalance between glucose absorption and the stress hormone cortisol. Acupuncture treatments balance both of these hormones. We also have herbs and supplements to help with these conditions.

Who is qualified to practice acupuncture?

To qualify for licensing in California, individuals must meet specified educational requirements and pass a comprehensive State licensing examination. Once licensed, acupuncturists are required to renew their license every two years and complete continuing education as a condition of renewal. In 1979 California was the first state in the nation to recognize qualified practitioners as primary health care physicians.

Why does pain or ill health present in the body?

Pain and ill health result when the flow of Qi through the body is disrupted or blocked. This can be caused by many things, including disease, pathogens, trauma/injuries, and medication (side effects), as well as overwork, poor diet, emotions, lack of rest, and stress. Stimulation of the appropriate acu-points through acupuncture treatment helps to restore sufficient, continuous, and even flow of Qi and other nutrients throughout the body, restoring health and balance to the body while relieving pain and other symptoms.

What are acupuncture needles like?

Modern acupuncture needles are stainless steel, and are between one-half and three inches long, ultra-fine, and quite flexible. They are pre-sterilized, non-toxic, and disposable (single-use). Needles are typically placed in several acu-points and left in about 15 to 30 minutes.

How many treatments are generally recommended?

The number of treatments needed depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your health condition. Two or three treatments may be sufficient for an acute condition, while a series of five to 15 treatments may be needed to resolve chronic conditions. Some degenerative conditions may require ongoing treatments over a long period of time. We offer a free consultation to provide us an opportunity to talk with you in greater depth and create a personalized treatment plan to meet your unique needs.