Is Acupuncture Right for You?

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? What is acupuncture? What are other modes of treatment? Is acupuncture painful?

What conditions can TCM treat? What should I expect from my initial visit and subsequent visits? What qualifications does my practitioner need to have?

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

TCM is an holistic medicine, that is, the practitioner treats from an approach that encompasses the body, mind and shen (spirit, vitality). TCM is an energetic medicine, specifically, the medicine of Qi or Chi. A practitioner assists the patient in adjusting the Qi-energy flow should it become stagnant, deficient, or excess. According to TCM, the state of dis-ease stems from imbalance of Yin and Yang elements. Therefore in diagnosis and treatment, a TCM practitioner’s aim is to restore the balance between the Yin and Yang elements thus, maintain harmony of the body, mind and shen.
TCM utilizes various modes of treatment which include acupuncture, herbal treatment, and nutritional counseling to benefit a patient's health.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment modality of which stainless steel needles are inserted into the skin at varying depths (depending on location) at specific points. These points are defined along meridians (or channels) on the body that enable the TCM practitioner to adjust the flow of Qi. At this clinic, we only use single-use, disposable, acupuncture needles.

What are other modes of treatment?

Patients benefit from treatments more when acupuncture is combined with herbal supplements. At our clinic we use extracted herbs that are customized and packaged on the premise. Our pharmacy carries over 110 herbs that have been screened to be free from heavy metal contaminants that are often found in some raw herb decoctions today.
For your safety you should avoid self-medicating on herbal supplements, many herbs available over-the-counter may not be appropriate for your constitution. Always consult an herbalist before taking herbal supplements. For general safety and to better educate the public, herbal supplements at this clinic are not available to the public without an initial consultation.
Other modes of treatment include cupping, moxibustion, bleeding, electro-stimulation, and acupressure. These modes of treatments are for specific conditions only. Please ask your acupuncturist for more information on these modes of treatment.

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Is acupuncture painful?

A slight pinch to the skin may be felt upon insertion of the needle. Once the needle is inserted, the patient may feel a throbbing or pulling sensation (known as the Qi sensation). The patient should remain comfortable for up to 30min during the treatment (length of treatment depends on the condition being treated). Acupuncture should not be uncomfortable for any length of time after insertion of the needle.

What conditions can TCM treat?

TCM can treat a variety of conditions:
Gyneacological problems such as menstrual irregularity, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, menorrhagia, candidiasis;
Mental/Emotional disorders such as addictions, depression, insomnia, hysteria;
Respiratory disorders such as, acute or chronic cough, asthma;
Gastrointestinal disorders such as, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal distention; and,
Bone, muscle or joint problems such as, backache, sciatica, strained/injured muscles.
Other conditions include cardiovascular disorders, urinary disorders, and sexual problems.

What should I expect from my initial visit and subsequent visits?

The number of visits to the acupuncture clinic will vary depending on the chronicity of the condition and how each individual responds to the treatment. Typically, acute conditions require 3-6 treatments and chronic conditions may need 8-12 treatments or more.
During your initial consultation, the practitioner will determine your constitution and ask questions that do not seem to be related to your chief complaint. However, keep in mind that such questions are necessary for your practitioner to ask, from a meridian, zang-fu differentiation, and/or eight principle perspective.

We strive to make you feel as comfortable as possible so we encourage you to make your visits highly interactive with your practitioner. Your practitioner can recommend appropriate readings if you require additional information.

On subsequent visits, let your practitioner know of any new signs/symptoms that may have become apparent since your last visit. Your practitioner will need to assess your progress and modify treatment protocols as needed.

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What qualifications does my practitioner need to have?

A qualified practitioner of acupuncture in California needs to maintain a license issued by the Acupuncture Board, Sacramento. In addition other states require licenses from the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Separate licenses are issued for practitioners of acupuncture and practitioners of herbal medicine. A practitioner may have all three licenses from which their title will be as follows:
L.Ac. (Licensed Acupuncturist)
Dipl.Ac., Dipl.C. H.
(Diplomate of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology, NCCAOM)

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