What health problems can be helped by acupuncture?
Acupuncture is used by itself for the treatment of some conditions and it is combined with acupressure, herbal medicine or clinical nutrition to treat the underlying cause of other conditions. Here is a partial list of the conditions, including pain syndrones, that can be helped by acupuncture treatment or thru combined methods:
| Digestive Disorders |
| Gastritis, Nausea, Constipation, Diarhoea, Gas, Bloating, etc. |
| Respiratory System Disorders |
| Allergies / Sinusitus, Common Cold, Influenza, Bronchitis, Asthma, etc |
| Musculo-sketelal System |
| Neck Pain, Back Pain, Low Back Pain, Sciatica Pain, Muscular Pain, Tendonitis, Bursitis, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis Pain, etc. |
| Pain Syndrones |
| Headaches, Migraines, Menstrual Pain, etc. |
| Nervous System |
| Stress Conditions, Nervous Tension, Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression, etc. |
| Cardiovascular |
| High Blood Pressure, Cardiac Arrythmia, Stroke Rehabilitation, etc. |
| Reproductive System |
| Menopausal Disorders, Pre-menstrual Syndrone, Infertility, etc. |
| Trauma Treatment |
| Injuries including auto accidents, falls, Pre and Post-surgical Care |
| Immune System Dysfunction |
| Support therapy for Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment, Blood disorders, etc. |
| Miscellaneous |
| Fatigue (Chronic or Acute), Anemia, Smoking Cessation. |
How many treatments are required?
Usually this depends on the condition to be treated and the health of the individual. In acute conditions, 1 to 3 treatments may be sufficient. For more difficult or chronic conditions, a first series of 10 treatments is recommended. The patient is then re-evaluated for further course of treatment.
How Quickly will there be relief and improvement?
Usually you will feel relief after your first treatment, especially if the condition is acute – or has just developed. Others experience improvement after several visits. Chronic conditions – those that have taken time to develop – require a series of visits to achieve a therapeutic goal.
Are the needles painful?
No. The acupuncture needles are very thin and gently inserted. There is usually no discomfort. The needles do elicit a sensation described by some individuals as a pressure, tingling, warmth, or relieving. The sensitivity of each Acupuncture Point varies among individuals.
Are the needles sterile?
Yes. All needles are sterile.
Are the needles disposable and used only once?
Yes. All needles used in my practice are disposable needles and are used only once. They are then collected by a registered medical waste disposal company. The materials are then sterilized, melted down and recycled.
Can children be helped?
Yes. Usually children under the age of 7 years are treated by acupressure, herbal medicine and nutrition.
Can a patient continue to have treatments when they are feeling well?
Yes. If a person has had a serious health problem, upon recovery, periodic tonification treatments can be a good idea.
Can a person have Acupuncture treatments, when they appear to have nothing wrong?
Yes. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can prevent some diseases before they start. It can adjust the body to the changing environment of the seasons to prevent colds, flu and digestive problems. It can help release stress causing factors that create disharmony physically and emotionally. A well trained acupuncturist can detect these “potentials” by taking the 6 wrist pulses used in Chinese medicine. Then a preventative treatment is devised. To maintain good health, a balancing treatment every 2-3 months is a wise step to maintain your own good health.
How will herbal medicine help my treatments?
Herbs provide specialized nutrients and substances that the body can use to address the underlying cause of a health problem. For example, beet root concentrate is administered to those with gall stones to dissolve the stones. Acupuncture and acupressure will help to alleviate the pain until the stones dissolve, upon which time the pain will cease. In another example, for patients with anemia, acupuncture treatments are combined with the administration of herbs that build blood and address the underlying cause of the condition.
What is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.)?
A Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) is a primary health care provider, licensed by the State of California after fufilling 4 to 6 years of academic and clinical training and passing a State Board Exam. Under California law, a Licensed Acupuncturist is entitled to perform acupuncture, acupressure and massage, to instruct in breathing techniques, and to prescribe herbs and nutrition to promote health. A Licensed Acupuncturist receives training in modern clinical medicine for the purpose of patient screening and evaluation, as well as, for referral to other medical professionals, as may be necessary.
What is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine (O.M.D.)?
A Doctor of Oriental Medicine (O.M.D.) is a Licensed Acupuncturist who has completed advanced training in the various specialties and techniques of Oriental Medicine. These specialties include Herbology, Acupressure, Tui Na, Medical Chi Gong and Tai Chi Chuan.