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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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WHAT IS TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE?

Traditional Oriental Medicine is a complete and highly effective system of medicine designed to both prevent and treat any medical condition, from the common cold to hot flashes. As the medicine developed over the past 5,ooo years, clinically effective techniques were added to offer a variety of therapeutic treatment options. These techniques include acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tuina medical massage, qi gong, cupping therapy, guasha, moxabustion, and nutritional therapy. Treatments incorporate all Oriental medicine modalites, in combination with in-depth knowledge of Biomedicine to provide customized healthcare with excellent clinical results.    

 

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin (the width of only two or three hairs). During the insertion, you may notice a slight pinch, but typically you will not even feel the needle enter your skin. After the insertion, your practitioner will postition the needle to the correct angle and depth. Stimulation of the needle enhances the therapeutic effect and often produces a heavy sensation or a pleasant, dull ache. An acupuncture treatment should feel comfortable. Please tell your practitioner if a needle feels painful or sharp. Many patients experience deep relaxation and feel rested and energized after a treatment.

 

HOW MANY ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

The number of sessions you need depends on several factors: your health objective, length of time you’ve experienced symptoms, overall health, types of utilized therapies, and compliance with practitioner recommendations. In general, acute symptoms (such as cough/cold symptoms or a pain from a recent injury) take fewer treatments; whereas more sessions are needed to effectively treat and prevent chronic conditions from reocurring. Patients with chronic conditions often notice change with one treatment, but 4-6 sessions are recommended in order to gain maximum results. Your practitioner will evaluate your healing progess throughout the course of your treatment. Once you’ve reached your desired state of wellness, a treatment is recommended monthly to once every four months to maintain health.

 

WHAT T0 EXPECT DURING ACUPUNCTURE?

During the first visit, your practitioner will thoroughly evaluate your medical history and current state of health. You will be invited to relax and enjoy a cup of tea as we speak about the reason for your visit.

     1. Your vital signs will be taken, which includes blood pressure, pulse, and an examination of your tongue

     2. As you relax in a comfortable position thin needles will be applied gently

     3. To receive the full benefits, you will be given 8 to 20 minutes to relax

     4. During this time, we will check on you to ensure your comfort

     5. The needles will then be removed

     6. Your practitioner may recommend customized, herbal formula to further enhance your therapeutic progress

Please ask us if you have any questions; we are committed to helping you understand acupuncture and your treatment plan. After each treatment, it is common to feel deeply relaxed and revitalized.