Is there anything I should know for my first appointment?
A. For your first appointment, be sure to wear loose comfortable clothing and eat something at least one hour beforehand. Your first appointment will last an hour and a half, with all other appointments lasting one hour. The first half of the appointment will be a thorough interview process as we discuss the main reasons for your visit and all else relating to your health, past and present. I will then take your pulse and look at your tongue, two tools I use for diagnostic purposes. We will end the session with the acupuncture, in which the needles are retained for 30-40 min. There's a heat lamp, music, and dim lighting. It's very relaxing and most of my patients fall asleep for a restorative power nap.
The benefits of acupuncture start immediately. After your first treatment you could experience an excellent night of sleep, higher energy, more focus, less stress and a reduction in pain.
Q. How does acupuncture work?
A. Systemic balance is critical to one's health and wellness, in western medicine this is known as homeostasis. Any imbalance can result in disorders such as pain, injury, insomnia, digestive issues, stress, gynecological disorders, allergies, depression, colds and a myriad of other complications. Acupuncture helps restore one's nature balance so organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony. This sets the stage for the body to repair itself and maintain its own optimal health.
From a Western medicine perspective, research has shown that acupuncture treatment triggers different physiological responses, such as:
A. Yes. The state of California has the strictest guidelines in the country in order to practice acupuncture. It requires four years of study in a graduate degree program and then passing the California State Board Examination. The L.Ac. Dipl.O.M. after my name stands for Licensed Acupuncturist and Diplomat of Oriental Medicine. California license number AC 14730.
Is acupuncture safe?
In the hands of a licensed acupuncturist, safety is assured. Chiropractors, MD's, and those that practice dry needle technique are not practicing acupuncture, they are doing their own thing. The laws in the United States require single use, sterilized, disposable, needles.
Does it hurt?
A. Acupuncture needles can have a certain sensation after they are inserted, but few would call it pain. Unlike hypodermic needles which are used for the delivery of liquids and have a hollow edge to cut the skin, acupuncture needles are solid and part the tissue rather than cut it. Acupuncture needles are also much finer then hypodermic needles. About 40 acupuncture needles can fit into the tip of one standard 18 gauge hypodermic needle! Due to the acupuncture needles being so fine and the swiftness of the insertion, the pain reflexes on the nerve endings are not even stimulated. There are some areas of the body that will always be more sensitive including the fingers, toes and palms, but it's generally nothing more than a quick little prick. By the time all the needles are inserted, you generally do not feel any of them and are consumed with a sense of calm relaxation.
How many treatments are necessary?
Everyone is different. During your initial visit, I will evaluate your health and give you a recommendation for how many sessions to do. In many cases, customers report results after the first acupuncture session. The model has anywhere between 6 to 12 treatments for successful turnaround. Remember that if you have had a problem for 10 years, it may take longer to resolve, but again, many people get relief on the first visit. Finally, Chinese Medicine is effective in the treatment of most conditions; however some diseases can be more effectively treated with western medicine.
How old or young do you have to be?
There is no age requirement. I treat people of all ages. If children are too young for needles, there are gentler tools.
What does acupuncture treat?
A. Acupuncture is extremely successful in the treatment of a multitude of conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified approximately 40 diseases that are effectively treated with acupuncture. However Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system that is capable of diagnosing and effectively treating a wide range of conditions including but certainly 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
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.
A. For your first appointment, be sure to wear loose comfortable clothing and eat something at least one hour beforehand. Your first appointment will last an hour and a half, with all other appointments lasting one hour. The first half of the appointment will be a thorough interview process as we discuss the main reasons for your visit and all else relating to your health, past and present. I will then take your pulse and look at your tongue, two tools I use for diagnostic purposes. We will end the session with the acupuncture, in which the needles are retained for 30-40 min. There's a heat lamp, music, and dim lighting. It's very relaxing and most of my patients fall asleep for a restorative power nap.
The benefits of acupuncture start immediately. After your first treatment you could experience an excellent night of sleep, higher energy, more focus, less stress and a reduction in pain.
Q. How does acupuncture work?
A. Systemic balance is critical to one's health and wellness, in western medicine this is known as homeostasis. Any imbalance can result in disorders such as pain, injury, insomnia, digestive issues, stress, gynecological disorders, allergies, depression, colds and a myriad of other complications. Acupuncture helps restore one's nature balance so organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony. This sets the stage for the body to repair itself and maintain its own optimal health.
From a Western medicine perspective, research has shown that acupuncture treatment triggers different physiological responses, such as:
- Stimulating the immune system and increasing white blood cells, which defend the body against infection.
- Regulating blood sugar metabolism, which helps the body use energy more efficiently.
- Increasing blood circulation and producing beneficial changes in blood pressure; Decreasing cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Increasing stomach peristaltic activity and regulating digestive fluids, thereby improving digestion.
- Regulating and stimulating serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is directly related to sleep, appetite, and moods.
- Increasing the availability of receptors in the brain that process and weaken pain signals.
- Affecting both the brain’s short- and long-term ability to reduce pain sensation.
A. Yes. The state of California has the strictest guidelines in the country in order to practice acupuncture. It requires four years of study in a graduate degree program and then passing the California State Board Examination. The L.Ac. Dipl.O.M. after my name stands for Licensed Acupuncturist and Diplomat of Oriental Medicine. California license number AC 14730.
Is acupuncture safe?
In the hands of a licensed acupuncturist, safety is assured. Chiropractors, MD's, and those that practice dry needle technique are not practicing acupuncture, they are doing their own thing. The laws in the United States require single use, sterilized, disposable, needles.
Does it hurt?
A. Acupuncture needles can have a certain sensation after they are inserted, but few would call it pain. Unlike hypodermic needles which are used for the delivery of liquids and have a hollow edge to cut the skin, acupuncture needles are solid and part the tissue rather than cut it. Acupuncture needles are also much finer then hypodermic needles. About 40 acupuncture needles can fit into the tip of one standard 18 gauge hypodermic needle! Due to the acupuncture needles being so fine and the swiftness of the insertion, the pain reflexes on the nerve endings are not even stimulated. There are some areas of the body that will always be more sensitive including the fingers, toes and palms, but it's generally nothing more than a quick little prick. By the time all the needles are inserted, you generally do not feel any of them and are consumed with a sense of calm relaxation.
How many treatments are necessary?
Everyone is different. During your initial visit, I will evaluate your health and give you a recommendation for how many sessions to do. In many cases, customers report results after the first acupuncture session. The model has anywhere between 6 to 12 treatments for successful turnaround. Remember that if you have had a problem for 10 years, it may take longer to resolve, but again, many people get relief on the first visit. Finally, Chinese Medicine is effective in the treatment of most conditions; however some diseases can be more effectively treated with western medicine.
How old or young do you have to be?
There is no age requirement. I treat people of all ages. If children are too young for needles, there are gentler tools.
What does acupuncture treat?
A. Acupuncture is extremely successful in the treatment of a multitude of conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified approximately 40 diseases that are effectively treated with acupuncture. However Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system that is capable of diagnosing and effectively treating a wide range of conditions including but certainly 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
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.