Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Many people have questions about acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine – Does it hurt? Do kids really let you needle them? What will it work for? Here I address some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about acupuncture and herbalism. If you have a question that isn’t seen here, please do not hesitate to contact us.

• What is acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine?
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic system of healing developed in China. While the oldest origins of TCM are unknown to us today, references to acupuncture and herbal treatments date back as far as 200 B.C.E.! TCM looks at the whole person – diet, lifestyle, constitution – and finds way to address the root of a health issue, as well as the symptoms which bring patients to us in the first place. Using a combination of acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, acupressure, nutrition, herbal medicines, tuina (bodywork), and more, we strive to help your body achieve balance and wellness.
  • Acupuncture is not limited to TCM! There are many different schools and styles of acupuncture – Japanese style, Korean style, and 5 Element style to name a few; as well as systems developed by individual masters. Every acupuncturist will bring her own unique treatment style to the patient.
• Who can perform Acupuncture?
  • In the state of California, only a licensed acupuncturist may perform the treatment of acupuncture. The state requires all licensees to have at least 3,000 hours of training from an accredited university, and all licensees must pass a rigorous, state mandated board exam to receive their license. More information can be found at the California State Acupuncture Board website.
• Does acupuncture hurt? Do I have to have needles??
  • Good news: the majority of acupuncture treatments are pain-free! Acupuncture needles are much smaller and thinner than a hypodermic needle (used to give shots and take blood), and are designed to minimize discomfort. All acupuncture needles are sterile and single use.
  • There are many non-needle techniques your acupuncturist may utilize during treatment, such as: acupressure, microstim, tuina (Chinese massage), cupping, magnets, laser, nutrition, exercise, herbal therapy, and breathing exercises. Fear of needles is a valid concern of many patients, but I will work with you to create a treatment plan that addresses all your personal needs.
  • I will go over all benefits and possible risks of all treatment modalities before your treatment begins.
• Do kids really like acupuncture?
  • YES! Children are very open to acupuncture, and tend to respond to treatment much more quickly than adults. To differentiate the experience of acupuncture and a regular doctors visit, I like to refer to the needles as “taps”. The word “needle” alone can frighten some children and shut down their interest in treatment. I will work with your child to build up trust and mutual respect, and never needle a child who is not ready. There are also many non-needle techniques that are perfect for children! Most pediatric patients receive a combination of modalities to best serve the issue at hand.
• What can acupuncture actually treat?
  • Acupuncture is probably most well-known for pain management, but is a great treatment option for many other internal diseases as well. With TCM I can help you …
    • manage pain
    • Treat acute illnesses such as the common cold/viruses, URI, UTI, digestive problems, ear infections, and seasonal allergies.
    • Chronic illnesses such as acne, digestive issues (e.g.Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS), rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, skin conditions, acne, and headaches.
    • Common women’s health issues such as PMS, painful menstruation, irregular menstruation, fertility issues, menopause, menarche (start of period), and mastitis. TCM is safe and effective throughout pregnancy!
    • Common childhood diseases such as acute infection (colds/viruses), recurring ear infections, digestive issues, asthma, allergies.
    • Mental & emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety.
    • If you are not sure if acupuncture is right for you, please contact me and we can discuss your specific needs and concerns.
• What kind of services do you provide? What should I expect for my first visit?
  • A standard treatment will include acupuncture as well as any of the modalities listed above. Initial treatments are 90 minutes and allow ample time for a detailed health history, assessment of problems, creating a treatment plan, and performing treatment. Follow up visits are 60 minutes and allow time to check in, update health history, document progress, and perfom treatment. Pediatric appointments follow the same general pattern but are typically shorter, as treatments on children are not as time consuming. I generally recommend pediatric treatments for kids aged 13 and under.
  • For patients not interested in a full treatment I offer herbal consultations as well. Initial herbal consults give time for a full health history and assessment. Follow up herbal consults are available to any patient who has been prescribed herbs.
  • For your first visit: wear loose, comfortable clothing. Please bring a list of all medications & supplements you are taking. If you have labwork or imaging from your MD please bring that as well.
  • See our Services page for more information.
• Do you accept insurance?
  • While many insurance plans are increasingly offering coverage for acupuncture, I am not at this time accepting insurance as payment. I can provide you with a super-bill at the time of treatment, and you may submit it to your insurance carrier for reimbursement.

I hope this helps answer some of your common questions about Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. If you would like to learn more please schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation (either over the phone or in office) and I will answer your questions personally.