Acupuncture is a healing art that is over 5000 years old. It is part of a complete medical system and integrated approach to health maintenance and treatment of disease based on the concept of Qi (or "chi") -- often translated as universal life energy -- that circulates within every living being through channels. Good health depends on the smooth flow of Qi through every organ.

Acupuncture uses very fine, hair thin needles at specific points on meridians of the body to gently balance of the flow of Qi regulating the function of the related organs.

Scientific research has proven that stimulating acupuncture points will result in specific physiological reactions affecting brain activity, blood pressure, heart rate, nervous system, endocrine and immune system.  These reactions have been documented to last up to 72 hours after the treatment.  Acupuncture is also shown to help the body to achieve a state of homeostasis. Acupuncture can strengthen the body's immune system by mobilizing the natural defense power inside the human body to reduce inflammation and fight infection. It has also been proven that acupuncture triggers the natural production of endorphins, the body's own internal pain-killers.

 

 

• Chronic Pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Arthritis
• Back Pain and Sciatica
• Neck Pain
• Shoulder Pain/Frozen Shoulder
• Hip Pain or Injury
• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Impingement Syndrome
• Carpal Tunnel
• Sprains & Strains

• Tennis Elbow
• Runner’s Knee
• Carpal Tunnel
• Plantar Fasciitis
• IT Band Syndrome
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Bursitis

• Infertility
• Menses Problems
• Hot Flashes
• Menopause
• Fibroids
• Pregnancy & Post Delivery Support

• Acid Reflux
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Crohn's Disease
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Generally in someone's first treatment we will do a complete initial health assessment from a Chinese Medicine perspective, discuss your chief complaints and get a history of other treatments you may have had from physicians or other practitioners, including any medications that you currently may take.

We will take your pulse from a Chinese Medicine perspective and look at your tongue. We may also take your blood pressure and other vital signs and perform orthopedic evaluation tests for certain kinds of injuries.

During the treatment, you'll receive one to twenty needles. The needles are as thin as 0.12 mm which is about the thickness of the average human hair. The needles illicit a relaxing response on the body. You'll lay with those needles for 15 - 45 minutes, usually under a warm lamp. You are clothed during the session, unless you are unable to come in loose and comfortable clothing. If you have a fear of needles, we will use acupressure or gentle electrical stimulation, which feels like sutble vibrations on the skin, instead of needles.

 

 

Because each person is unique and types of conditions differ, the number of treatments vary.

A course of treatment usually takes between four to ten sessions.

In order to get the best therapeutic results, acute cases should be treated daily for a few days, followed by prolonged intervals.

Chronic cases usually need two or three visits per week for several months for best results. However, a patient should notice some change, even modest, within four sessions.

For health maintenance, periodic treatments every month or quarter can help the internal organs to function in a continuous balanced condition throughout every season.

Most people are surprised to learn that acupuncture needles are very thin.  Unlike hypodermic needles used to give an injection, acupuncture needles are 20 to 50 times thinner, depending on the needle gauge.  In fact, the thinnest acupuncture needle used is thinner than some human hair!

Acupuncturists attain a high level of skill in gently placing these tiny needles, and often the insertion is barely perceptible. You may feel a vague numbness, heaviness, electric sensation or slight tingling either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian. After treatments, most patients feel very relaxed and refreshed. Many patients fall asleep during treatment.

 

 

 

The initial consultation and treatment usually take between 60 - 75 minutes. Follow-up visits typically last 45 - 60 minutes.

Acupuncture is very safe when practiced by a trained and licensed practitioner. Also because it is drug-free, you avoid the risk of drugs which can cause many side-effects or dependency. During each acupuncture session your treatment is adjusted according to your symptoms so that you receive constant monitoring of any changes.

Only DISPOSABLE NEEDLES, which are individually wrapped used in our clinic. These needles are discarded as medical waste after each use, insuring you absolute safety.

Always inform any health practitioner about all pre-existing conditions, known problems and medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant, and if you have a pacemaker. Acupuncturists receive a extensive training and are licensed by strict state regulatory boards. Many acupuncturists work closely with medical doctors in their local community who regularly find that the combination of treatments is very effective and beneficial for the patient.

 

Medical doctors practicing acupuncture bring to their patients a more holistic view of health and wellness, which we support.  Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, however, are complete systems of health and healing based on a completely different paradigm than the one that M.D.’s learn.  While they spend years if not decades on their medical practice, they are only subject to 300 hours of study and training in acupuncture, 100 hours of which are required in a clinical setting.  Acupuncturists in California, on the other hand, are required to complete 3000 hours of study and training, 950 hours of which are in clinical practice.

Needling in particular is a special skill that requires practice to perfect. More importantly, diagnostics and treatment protocols require a thorough understanding of this Eastern medical system.   If you choose to see an M.D. for acupuncture, make sure that they have sufficient experience in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese to provide safe and effective treatment.  If you have had unsuccessful treatments from a physician, we encourage you to try acupuncture again by a licensed acupuncturist.

I would not recommend acupuncture in the following situations.  However herbs might be effective and appropriate instead of needles in some of these circumstances.

• With acute problems for which no Western medical attention has yet been sought (for example: emergencies, a potential fracture, asthma attack, bleeding, blood in the stools, stabbing pain in the body);
• If you are dizzy, feint or under-fed;
• If you have severe low blood pressure;
• If you have recently experienced hemorrhaging or blood loss; or
  
• If you have a bleeding disease or hemophilia;
  

Lastly, although acupuncture is ideal for assisting post-op after a surgery, it is generally a good idea to let your body recover from the process of the surgery for ten to thirty days depending on the severity of the surgery.