Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of healing known to mankind. It is one part of Traditional Chinese Medicine which has its own rational body of knowledge and practice developed over two millennia. TCM has its own perception of health and illness developed in the philosophy, logic and habits of Chinese civilization. It is based on ancient texts and continuously evolves through the process of critical thinking and extensive clinical observation and testing. It maintains health and cures disease by achieving a balance of the energy in one's body. Traditional Chinese Medicine theory stresses a balance between the body and mind, including but not limited to one's organs and body systems.

2. How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture needling stimulates control points in order to balance the brain and the body and aid the body's natural healing process.

3. Why Traditional Chinese Medicine? How is it different from Western Medicine?

The Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor directs his or her attention to the complete physiological and psychological individual. All relevant information, including the symptom as well as the patient's other general characteristics, is gathered and woven together until it forms what Chinese medicine calls a "pattern of disharmony." From this, the doctor is able to describe a situation of imbalance in the patient's body and devise a treatment plan. The therapy prescribed is an attempt to restore harmony to the individual.

4. What can acupuncture treat?

Together, acupuncture and herbal medicine can increase one's immunity system, energy level and purge toxins to help eliminate disease. The National Health Institute recently issued a consensus statement supporting the use of acupuncture to treat a wide array of ailments including carpal tunnel syndrome, chemotherapy related nausea, back and joint pain, allergies and asthma.

5. What does acupuncture feel like? Does acupuncture hurt?

No, in some cases the needle can hardly be felt at all. Sometimes there will be a slight sensation of heat or numbness and occasionally a sharp prick, but these sensations are only temporary.

6. What kind of needles do you use? Is there anything on them?

We use disposable stainless steel needles during all treatments. The needles do not have anything on them. We will use anywhere between 6-10 needles per patient depending on the condition.

7. How deep are the needles inserted?

In the micro-acupuncture and auricular medicine system primarily used in our clinic, we only use shallow needling to stimulate the nerve pathway just under the skin level.


8. What can I expect during my acupuncture visit?

Generally, your visit will begin with an interview regarding your chief complaints and past medical history. The doctor will then assess your condition and devise a treatment plan within the first 30 minutes. After the insertion of needles, you will be left for 20-30 minutes to achieve in order to achieve a state of body equilibrium and heightened relaxation.

9. Are patients usually nervous about the treatment?

Yes, patients are usually nervous because they have the impression that the needle insertion will be as painful as a hypodermic injection. They are generally relieved after the interview when they find out the hairline needle is inserted just below the skin. After the first treatment, patients look forward to their future treatments.

10. How effective is acupuncture and how soon can I expect results?

Generally, most patients feel differences within 10-20 hours after the first treatment. Others may not feel the first results until the second or third visit depending on the severity of the condition. However, to effectively cure the condition, patients can expect to commit to between 8-10 visits.

11. Does my insurance cover my acupuncture visits?

Most insurance companies do cover acupuncture treatments. However, concerned patients should check with their providers or contact our office for further assistance with insurance verification.