What is Acupuncture?
What ailments can acupuncture treat?
How does acupuncture work?
Does acupuncture hurt?
What happens during a treatment?
What happens during an examination and herbal consultation?
What type of response can I expect?
How safe is acupuncture?
Are there any contraindications for acupuncture?
Can acupuncture be effective when other treatments have failed?
What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Are there limits to Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture?
How to choose an Acupuncturist

What is Acupuncture?

    Acupuncture is the careful insertion of hairfine thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of a person’s Qi, or natural healing energy. Acupuncture needles are sterile. Most practitioners in the United States use disposable needles.
    These are very thin needles. After the insertion, a patient might feel a twinge of discomfort, which quickly subsides. Usually qi can be felt radiating from the point of insertion and further spreading throughout the body. Most patients feel very relaxed and some people fall asleep during treatment.
    Acupuncture stimulates the qi throughout the meridians that are interconnected internally. When there is disharmony or pain, qi has become blocked and stagnated. Acupuncture can relieve pain and clear such blockages throughout the network of  meridians and collaterals of the body. Acupuncture promotes the free flow of qi throughout the body. When the qi is able to move unrestricted, healing balance and harmony are restored.
    After an acupuncture treatment, many people experience a sense of peace and tranquility that can last for days.
 

What ailments can Acupuncture treat?

    Acupuncture treats a variety of common disorders including: headaches, migraines, back pain, arthritis, shoulder pain, neck pain, whiplash,addictive disorders including nicotine, cocaine, alcohol, overeating, and heroin. In addition, acupuncture is being used to treat poor circulation, edema, carpal tunnel syndrome, allergies, sciatica, infertility, PMS, menstrual disorders, emotional disharmony, shingles, eczema,immuno-suppressive disorders and more.
 However, it is important to note that Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the notion of prevention of disease by living in balance and harmony. In other words – you don’t have to be sick or injured to appreciate the benefit of an acupuncture treatment. You cannot be too balanced or harmonized. It is recommended that people come in for seasonal ‘check ups’.
 

How does Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture stimulates the body to heal  itself. Certain points on the body are chosen to stimulate the circulation of qi and blood while releasing endorphins and cortisol. Acupuncture is a way to stimulate the body’s natural capacity to heal itself.
 

Does Acupuncture hurt?

    It depends. Although some points are more sensitive than others - usually there is a minor discomfort that subsides in a few seconds after the needle has been inserted. After that- a patient will probably feel more relaxed. Acupuncture treatment is safe when performed by a qualified, licensed practitioner.Bleeding is rare, and then minimal. Most acupuncture patients describe the treatment  as virtually painless. Sensations have been described as ranging from nothing to mild tingling, numbness and a dull ache, and electrical pulsations.
 

What happens during a treatment?

    Your first visit will take about 1 1/2  hours. First you will be asked to fill out a medical history form. I will go over this form with you and review your case. Each client's therapy is different because of your specific background. In reviewing your case, I will do my best to see if and how acupuncture can help.
    Specific points will then be selected for the actual treatment. Usually, a treatment takes between 35-55 minutes. During the first  visit, I will give you an estimate of the number of treatments needed for your condition. As you progress, your case will be evaluated and the number of visits could increase or decrease depending on how your system responds to acupuncture. Follow up visits are 45 minutes to 1 hour in length.
 

What happens during an examination and herbal consultation?

    In an Exam/Consultation, the practitioner learns your medical history and assesses your face, body, build, shape, abdomen, back, the shape and color of your tongue, and the quality of your pulses. Some acupuncturists test for weakness along your meridians and in the muscles. Some may test electrical activity. This could take about 1 hour.
 

What type of response can I expect?

    Each person responds differently. Your response can be immediate or delayed, dramatic, or slow and subtle.The only way to tell is to watch for differences. With pain conditions- look for any diminished effect regarding the intensity. With functional disorders, such as constipation or allergies, the desired effect may take more time.
 

How safe is acupuncture?

    Acupuncture and herbal treatments are drug free and avoid many of the side effects and dependencies associated with medication. You should always inform your doctor of the medications you are currently taking and whether or not you are or could be pregnant or if you have a cardiac pacemaker or cosmetic implants. Please be sure to inform your acupuncturist /herbalist of any pharmaceutical medications you are using.
 

Are there any contraindications for acupuncture?

    As with any medical modalities there are contraindications in some rare instances.
 

Can acupuncture be effective when other treatments have failed?

    Yes, each system of medicine has its own areas of efficiency and excellence. Acupuncture excels in those areas in which conventional medicine usually comes up short such as chronic diseases, pain control and stress reduction.
 

What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

    There are hundreds of commonly used herbs that are combined to treat various aspects of an illness. The prescribing of Chinese herbal medicine is based upon an individual’s diagnosis using the pulse and tongue diagnosis. This diagnosis and it's resulting choice of herbal formula(s) is based on training in Oriental medical theory which is the basis for not only the selection of specific Chinese herbal medicine but also the proper selection of specific acupuncture points.  The raw herbal formulas are often a bit stronger in their effect and they allow for more individual needs. Yes they do smell strong and some taste terrible but believe me- you DO get used to it –especially after you have felt relief. The pre-formulated medicines are easier to store. They are easier to take for the patient – especially if they expect to travel, since they do not require cooking.
    Herbal medicine  can be quite powerful. With cases of certain acute illnesses, the effect can be felt immediately (such as sore throat, sinusitis, bronchitis, colds, and hives). The treatment of chronic illness or cases of deficiency (such as anemia, chronic fatigue,and diabetes) the effect will probably take longer. This can range from weeks to several months depending on the individual. The patient’s response to herbal medicine helps the practitioner to identify weaknesses or imbalances in the patient’s body. This information would then help the practitioner to further refine the most suitable herbal formula for the individual.
    I am trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Chinese pharmacopoeia. However, as an herbalist, my goal is to create formulas with an American sensibility. That is, I do not use certain ingredients that are made from threatened and endangered species. In fact, I tend to avoid the use of animal products entirely. Likewise I do not use other ingredients such as insects and bone and various other materials that most people (particularly those of us who did not grow up within the Chinese culture) might think of as unpleasant. Although many such substances have been proven to be of therapeutic value, I know that if I don’t want to take it- you probably won’t either. The medicine won’t work unless you take it. Creating formulas is an art and it is usually possible to find a reasonable substitute to particular ingredients that someone may choose to avoid.I will create formulas best suited for your health. Arrangements can be made to have cooked herbal decoctions delivered to your home, office or hospital within the San Francisco Bay Area. Call for specific prices as this will vary according individual orders and the services involved. I can arrange to ship herbal medicine to you.
 

Are there Limits to Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture?

    Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture are effective, but cannot solve all poblems. Acute, life-threatening conditions should be handled by qualified Western medical doctors.
 

How to Choose an Acupuncturist

    The Medical Board of California has granted licenses to qualified acupuncturists for more than 15 years. Always look for a copy of the license; the acupuncturist should clearly display it. Licensed practitioners complete two years of pre-medical education, three years at an approved or certified college of Oriental Medicine, and they must pass a rigorous written and practical examination by the California Acupuncture Board. The California Acupuncture Board can help you locate a qualified acupuncturist. Most states can verify licensure online such as New York, Rhode Island and California.
    Trust your intuition! Do you feel comfortable with the practitioner? Ask your friends for recommendations. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Ask about a practitioner's experience with conditions such as yours. Find out which therapies they will use. Good practitioners know their limitations and will refer you to qualified colleagues when necessary.

If you know someone whom you think would benefit from my services, I would greatly appreciate if you let them know about me. The best way to build a practice in any community is word of mouth referrals from satisfied patients. Thank you. I am happy to be of service.