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Acupuncture FAQs

Q1. What should I know for my first appointment?

  • Wear comfortable, loose clothing.

  • Eat at least one hour before your appointment.

  • Initial session is 1.5 hours; subsequent sessions up to 1 hour.

  • The session includes a thorough review of your health history, pulse and tongue examination for diagnosis and acupuncture for about 25 minutes, with a heat lamp and in relaxing ambiance.

  • Immediate benefits: better sleep, increased energy, enhanced focus, reduced stress, and pain relief.

 

Q2. Where can I park?

  • Private patient parking is available at the building, accessible via Madison St.

  • There are street parking options around the building

  • We have three entrances to the courtyard: from the parking lot, from Grand Ave. and from Roosevelt St.

 

Q3. How does acupuncture work?

  • Acupuncture restores systemic balance, known as homeostasis in Western medicine.

  • It addresses imbalances that can lead to various disorders.

  • Acupuncture helps organs and systems work harmoniously, promoting self-repair and optimal health.

  • From a Western perspective, acupuncture triggers physiological responses like stimulating the immune system, regulating blood sugar, improving circulation, and more.

 

Q4. Does acupuncture hurt?

  • Acupuncture needles cause minimal sensation, not pain, and they are solid and part tissues, unlike hypodermic needles.

  • Acupuncture needles are also much finer than hypodermic needles.

  • Pain reflexes are not stimulated due to the swift insertion.

  • Sensitivity might vary in areas like fingers, toes, and palms but is generally brief and minor.

 

Q5. How often should I come in for treatment?

  • Typically, 1-3 times per week, depending on condition and treatment plan

  • Duration varies based on your condition and response.

  • Frequent treatments at the start, with reduced frequency as wellness improves.

  • Most cases resolve in around 6 treatments, but chronic cases may require more.

 

Q6. Do you treat children?

  • Absolutely! We provide effective treatment for children of all ages.

 

Q7. Is certification required to practice acupuncture?

  • Yes. California has stringent requirements, including four years of graduate study and passing the California State Board Examination, to practice acupuncture. The L.Ac. Dipl.O.M. after my name stands for Licensed Acupuncturist and Diplomat of Oriental Medicine. California license number AC 18028.

Q8.  What does acupuncture treat?

  • Acupuncture is highly successful in treating a wide range of conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes approximately 40 diseases that respond well to acupuncture. However, Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive medical system capable of diagnosing and effectively treating a diverse array of conditions, including but not limited to:

Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders

  • Arthritis

  • Neuralgia

  • Sciatica

  • Back Pain

  • Bursitis

  • Tendonitis

  • Stiff Neck

  • Bell's Palsy

  • Trigeminal Neuralgia

  • Headaches and Migraines

  • Stroke

  • Cerebral Palsy

  • Polio

  • Sprains

  • Muscle Spasms

  • Shingles


Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders

  • Sinusitis

  • Sore Throat

  • Hay Fever

  • Earache

  • Nerve Deafness

  • Ringing in the Ears

  • Dizziness

  • Poor Eyesight


Circulatory Disorders

  • High Blood Pressure

  • Angina Pectoris

  • Arteriosclerosis

  • Anemia


Gastrointestinal Disorders

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

  • Spastic colon

  • Colitis

  • Constipation

  • Diarrhea

  • Food Allergies

  • Ulcers

  • Gastritis

  • Abdominal Bloating

  • Hemorrhoids

Cosmetic Issues

  • Fine Lines/Wrinkles

  • Uneven Skin Tone

  • Improved Texture

  • Acne

Gynecological / Genitourinary Disorders

  • Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

  • Irregular, Heavy or Painful Menstruation

  • Endometriosis

  • Menopause

  • Fibroids

  • Chronic Bladder Infection

  • Complications in Pregnancy

  • Morning Sickness

  • Kidney Stones

  • Impotence

  • Infertility in Men and Women

  • Sexual Dysfunction


Immune Disorders

  • Candida

  • Chronic Fatigue

  • HIV and AIDS

  • Epstein Barr Virus

  • Allergies

  • Lupus

  • MS

  • Hepatitis


Addiction

  • Smoking Cessation

  • Drugs

  • Alcohol


Emotional and Psychological Disorders

  • Anxiety

  • Insomnia

  • Depression

  • Stress


Respiratory Disorders

  • Asthma

  • Emphysema

  • Bronchitis

  • Colds and Flus

Acupuncture Also Treats

  • Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects

  • Diabetes

  • Dermatological Disorders

  • Weight Control

  • Pediatrics

  • Prenatal Care

  • Preventative medicine for the prevention of disease and to promote health, energy and vitality.

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