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How old is Chinese Medicine?

Chinese medicine has been used for more than 3,000 years. Ancient diagrams of acupuncture points and pathways have been found for both humans and animals. It appears the veterinary tradition of acupuncture is just as old.

How does it work?

Chinese medicine uses a variety of techniques that work to restore balance in the body. In this way, the therapies used address not only symptoms but also the underlying disease process. Visit the articles link for a more detailed account of how Chinese medicine works.

What are the pins like?

Acupuncture pins are small, hair-thin and are made from surgical stainless steel. They are solid, not hollow like pins used by doctors. Only sterile, disposable pins are used so there is no risk of infection. We use a pin once, then dispose of it. The end of an acupuncture pin is smooth and rounded. Acupuncture pins are not designed to cut the skin. Instead, when an acupuncture pin is inserted, the round edge pushes the tissue aside without cutting it. The pins seem to glide through the spaces between the individual cells of the body.

US FDA Regulation of acupuncture pins?

In 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed the experimental status tag on acupuncture pins. The FDA reclassified acupuncture pins, regulating them as medical devices such as surgical scalpels and hypodermic syringes. Acupuncture pins must now be manufactured according to single-use standards of sterility.

Does it hurt?

People experience acupuncture differently. The acupuncture pins I insert are rarely described as painful, and can be quickly adjusted if the patient does feel discomfort. If any sensation is experienced during insertion, it disappears quickly. Once the pins are inserted, they may be manipulated to obtain a mild “Qi” sensation. This is how an acupuncturist engages the energy in your body in order to help balance it. Often people describe their sensations as warming, heavy, numb or tingling. The pins remain in place for 15-30 minutes depending on the type of treatment. I take great care to make my clients very comfortable so that they can relax while the pins are in place. The more you can relax during an acupuncture treatment, the better the results. Many people even fall asleep during treatment. Following treatment it is common to feel a tremendous sense of relaxation and calm.

Do I have to believe in it for it to work?

No. Acupuncture works whether or not you think it will. Acupuncture is used successfully on animals and children. They do not understand or believe in the process yet they often get better results than adults. A positive attitude helps with any type of therapy, but it is not necessary to believe in acupuncture (or to feel it working) for it to work.Since positive expectations and belief in a particular therapy help to increase therapeutic results, I encourage you to raise any concerns or doubts you may have about acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Do you use herbal remedies?

I have also been trained in herbal medicine, mostly Chinese herbs, but some Western medicinals as well. I often utilize Chinese herbal formulas to support the acupuncture treatments.

How do herbs differ from Western medicine?

Chinese herbal formulas tend to be much gentler than western medicines. They work not only to help relieve symptoms, but return the body to balance and equilibrium so that herbs will not be needed on an ongoing basis. As the body starts to shift towards being healthier, the herbs are modified to meet the changing needs of the body.

Can I take Chinese herbs when I am on medication?

It depends on the medications you are taking. This would have to be evaluated on a case by case basis.

How quickly can I expect to feel better?

In general, I tell my patients they should start to feel the benefits from acupuncture in 2-3 treatments. If the problem is acute, sometimes improvement is felt after 1 treatment, and may only need 3-5 treatments to resolve. If the problem is chronic and long term, it may take many treatments to resolve it.

How often should I be treated?

It is often necessary to receive treatments 2-3 times per week for the first couple of weeks, especially when treating pain. The community clinic is designed to allow for this frequency of treatment without it being cost prohibitive. The benefits of acupuncture treatments will hold longer as you receive treatments. As patients begin to feel better, the need for treatment diminishes to once every week or two or once per month. After the imbalance in corrected, patients can come only periodically for maintenance.

Does acupuncture always help?

No, but it usually does. If you do not feel any benefit after 3-5 treatments, then acupuncture may not work for you. At this point, I feel it my obligation to provide a referral to a therapist best suited to evaluate your case.

What should I wear for the treatment?

Just wear loose fitting clothes that can be easily rolled up above your elbows and knees. Please do not wear perfumes or colognes in the event another patient is chemically sensitive.

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

Some insurance does. You need to check with your insurance plan. I do not accept insurance but can provide a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.