Frequently Asked Questions

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It is a complete medical system that employs classical diagnostic and treatment techniques such as:

• Observation of the tongue, skin, hair, nails, eyes, and complexion
• Palpation of the pulse of both wrists, referred to as ‘taking the pulse’
• Palpation of the abdomen and/or the meridians
• Insertion of very fine filiform needles at the site of specific acupoints located on acupuncture meridians
• Moxibustion, a technique with a history longer than acupuncture itself, involving the burning of an herb called ‘moxa’ or ‘mugwort’ on or near the skin to provide a mildly warm, and soothing sensation
• Cupping, a technique that regulates Qi and blood within the muscles to promote healing of injured tissue. It is also used to benefit the lungs in the case of asthma or other chronic breathing conditions
• Tui na, a traditional form of therapeutic massage

Neuropuncture is a special system of acupuncture that applies neuroscience and other Western medical sciences to the classical Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture model.  This empowers the practitioner with the full understanding of acupuncture’s neurophysiological mechanisms and to apply these findings to the diagnosis and treatment of pain and orthopedics cases, internal medicine cases, and mental health cases.

Acupuncture is considered a safe treatment when performed by a licensed and trained practitioner using sterile needles. It is important to disclose any medical conditions or medications you are taking to your practitioner before beginning treatment.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have been used for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of health conditions. Here is a list of some of the syndromes and diseases that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have been used to treat: 

• Pain conditions (such as back pain, neck pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia)
• Headaches and migraines
• Menstrual cramps and other gynecological issues
• Digestive disorders (such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and acid reflux)
• Respiratory conditions (such as asthma, allergies, and sinusitis)
• PTSD, Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues
• Insomnia and other sleep disorders
• Adverse effects of Cancer treatments (such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, hot flashes)
• Infertility and other reproductive issues
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Substance abuse and addiction
• Neurological conditions (such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke)
• Skin conditions (such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne)
• Tinnitus and other ear disorders
• Eye disorders (such as glaucoma and cataracts)
• Hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.  

Acupuncture sessions are approximately 30-50 minutes. The first several minutes (5-20 min.) are dedicated to a detailed question and answer session to allow for an accurate sense of the patient’s condition, history of the present illness or concern, and specific needs around treatment. More time may be spent in discussion during the first session and a concise follow up for subsequent sessions. The treatment itself is a relaxing, and soothing experience. 

While the FDA has verified the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating specific Western medical conditions, the precise way it operates remains unconfirmed. Just as some of the most potent cosmic forces evade complete observation and measurement, their undeniable impact on our lives and bodies is akin to acupuncture's enigmatic nature. The inherent value of acupuncture in Western culture today is primarily established through the tangible and perceptible effects of its treatments.

The State of California has the highest standards of licensure in the nation. Acupuncturists are required to have graduated with a Masters of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from a four-year accredited acupuncture and herbal medical program in the United States. The state also requires that practitioners pass the California State Acupuncture Licensing Examination.