What is Chinese Medicine?
Chinese medicine is comprehensive naturalistic medical system practiced in East &
Southeast Asia for over 5,000. It developed independently of Western Medicine and was
used to treat every disease that arose. Chinese doctors are trained in the Five Branches of
Chinese medicine: acupuncture, herbal medicine, tuina massage & bone setting, qigong, &
dietary counseling (considered the highest form). While Chinese medicine treats disease, a
fundamental notion is to prevent it from occurring in the first place.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest & most commonly used medical procedures in the world. It
uses the insertion of hair-like needles in specific points on the body to bring it back into
balance.
How big are the needles?
The needles are metallic, solid, flexible and hair-thin. They are 25% - 50% smaller than
hypodermic needles.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people feel no pain. Some may feel a pinch. Some are energized by the treatment
while others are relaxed.
Is acupuncture safe?
We use non-toxic, sterile one-use disposable needles as approved by the US Food & Drug
Administration.
Does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture has survived over 5000 years. Western Scientific methods have been applied
over the last several decades and the World Health Organization has concluded that
acupuncture is safe and effective for a variety of conditions.
How long is a treatment?
Treatments are generally about 1 hr and they can range from 45 min to 1 1/2 hrs.
How many sessions do I need for treatment?
Each person is unique and each situation is taken within the context of the individual. Some
people only need one visit, others many need to come weekly or more? You should discuss
your treatment plan with your Licensed Acupuncturist.
How should I prepare for a treatment?
Wear loose fitted clothing so that pant legs and sleeves can be rolled up. Do not consume
anything that will change the color of your tongue (i.e. coffee or tea). Make sure you are not
too full or too hungry.
How does acupuncture work?
Chinese Medicine views the body as a network of interconnected meridians that transmit qi
(vital energy) through the body. When the flow of qi is not functioning properly (obstructed,
moves irregularly, etc), the function of the tissues, muscles, & organs is impaired. We use
needles at certain points to correct qi imbalances. There has been much research proving
the effectiveness of acupuncture, though they cannot understand it in the modern Western
framework of medicine.
Is there any scientific evidence?
China is publishing over 10,000 scientific studies a year. China does not do double-blind
placebo studies because it is viewed as being unethical to deny a sick person treatment.
Instead they compare the change from no treatment to treatment or from TCM treatment to
Western Biomedical treatment. Russia, Germany, Japan are also conducting major research
using scientific instruments to measure things like qi, yin & yang, acupuncture points, etc.
There has been some research that approaches acupuncture points as electromagnetic
places of least resistance in the body as well as the research of Helen M. Langevin & Jason
A. Yandow who believe they can find prove of the meridians using ultrasound.
The World Health Organization and National Institute of Health have both endorsed
acupuncture for a variety of conditions and the new ICD 11 Insurance codes include TCM
diagnosis. Medicare has also approved the coverage of acupuncture for chronic low back pain.
Is Acupuncture covered by Insurance?
Many insurance carriers cover all or part of your acupuncture visit. If you have a PPO, you
should check with your insurance provider to see if and what your coverage is. Be sure to
ask if they cover “out-of-network acupuncture.”
Can children get acupuncture?
Absolutely! We treat people of all ages including newborns. My daughter was 2 weeks old when she got her first acupuncture treatment. Generally, needles are inserted and removed immediately for babies. We also provide non-needle treatments including Pediatric massage and acupressure. You will also learn massage you can do at home for your child. Children tend to respond much more quickly to treatment Children generally love getting acupuncture.
