Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chinese Medicine?
Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system that dates back more than 2,500 years. Currently, nearly a quarter of the world’s population makes use of this medicine. Chinese Medicine is based on the idea that Qi (Vital Energy) flows within the body through a system of meridians, regulating our health and well-being. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are the cornerstones of Chinese Medicine. Other aspects of Chinese Medicine include moxibustion, Tui Na, nutrition, Gua Sha, cupping, electro-acupuncture and Qi Gong.
What happens at an acupuncture treatment?
During your first treatment, you will be asked detailed questions regarding your chief complaints, symptoms and lifestyle. After the intake, your acupuncturist will look at your tongue and feel your pulses. Chinese Medicine uses an intricate system of tongue and pulse diagnosis, along with your medical history and other signs and symptoms, to help determine your diagnosis. As you relax, the thin acupuncture needles are inserted in very specific points on your body to treat your individual concerns. Other modalities that may be used or recommended during your treatment are moxibustion, electro-acupuncture, cupping, tui na, and dietary and/or Chinese herbal recommendations.
What about acupuncture needles?
An acupuncture needle is extremely thin, it’s only about the thickness of a coarse hair. Acupuncture needles are always pre-sterilized and disposed of after each single use. In treatment, the needle is gently placed on an acupuncture point and inserted just beneath the surface of the skin. The sensation varies from person to person. Sometimes a dull momentary ache, tingling, or warming sensation is felt. This will signify that the needle made contact with the Qi. First-time patients are often surprised at how relaxed and calm they feel after the needles are inserted.
How many treatments will I need?
Everyone responds differently to acupuncture, and the number of treatments needed varies with each condition. It generally takes less time to treat acute conditions, while chronic health conditions which have been developing for many months or years can take longer to treat. While acute conditions often respond to 1-4 treatments, chronic conditions can take many months to treat. During the course of your treatment, you may notice many other positive changes such as increased energy and more restful sleep. For fertility patients, we will be able to note treatment progress through changes in your menstrual cycle. For example, a woman might find she has less bloating and cramping before her menses, or a more regular cycle after a series of regular treatments.
Are herbs dangerous?
Just like over-the-counter or prescription drugs can be dangerous when used incorrectly, herbs can also be dangerous when used incorrectly. A trained and certified Chinese Herbalist receives 4 years of education in Chinese Herbal Medicine. This education includes the properties and functions of hundreds of individual herbs, as well as many traditional formulas that have been used for thousands of years to treat various types of symptoms and conditions. The Chinese Herbal companies that distribute the herbal formulas we use meet with strict US standards for purity and content. It is important for you to inform us about the prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking, as well as any other supplements you may be using, so we can make sure there will be no interactions. Many Chinese herbs are actually food, and consist of different types of berries, leaves, stems, barks, roots and flowers. In China and in Asian markets in the US, these herbs can be found right on the shelves or with the produce. Herbs are most effective taken in the raw form—that is boiled and taken as a tea. Other options include granules and powders, tinctures and pills.
How do researchers believe that acupuncture works?
Many studies have documented the benefits and positive outcomes of acupuncture, but researchers have not been able to fully explain how acupuncture works within the framework of Western Medicine. According to a report by the National Institute of Health (NIH) in 1997, evidence suggests that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system to release certain chemicals in the brain, spinal cord and muscles. These chemicals either change the perception of pain or stimulate the release of other chemicals and hormones (such as endorphins, the body’s own natural pain killer) which affect the body’s internal system. The biochemical changes that occur in the body from needling acupuncture points are also thought to activate and enhance the body’s own natural healing abilities and promote both physical and mental well-being.
What is an L.Ac. and what type of training is involved?
L.Ac. stands for Licensed Acupuncturist. Acupuncturists are licensed by both the state and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). The education required includes an undergraduate degree, then 4 years of training at an accredited Oriental Medical graduate program. These programs provide extensive education in Chinese Medicine, which includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Chinese dietary theory. Western medical classes, such as pharmacology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology are included in the training. Clinical experience is gained through 2-3 years of rotation hours at the school clinic where student interns have the opportunity to treat hundreds of patients. Upon graduation, students receive a Master’s of Science in Oriental Medicine (M.S.O.M). National and/or state boards are given after graduation, and successful completion enables the practitioner to practice acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.