Frequently Asked Questions

Chinese medicine is an ancient healing art which has been applied in clinic to maintain human health, prevent and treat diseases for more than five thousand years. Safe, effective, less or non-side-effect, and inexpensive are its characteristics. It contains acupuncture, natural Chinese herbs, Tui-na (Chinese massage), moxibustion, cupping, Gua-sha (skin-scraping), electro-stimulation, heat therapy, auricular therapy, and more.

Acupuncture is one component of Chinese medicine. It inserts needles into the body's certain areas or points and manipulates them to treat diseases by stimulating corresponding meridians.

We use acupuncture needles, which are hair-thin stainless steel threads tapered to a point, unlike hypodermic needles which have a cutting edge. Some patients experience a pinch-like sensation briefly upon needle insertion and then it quickly leaves. Other patients cannot tell if a needle has been inserted.

The acupuncture needles we use are sterilized by the manufacturer and are disposed of after each treatment. We always follow the national Clean Needle Technique (CNT) standards. You do not need to worry about needles causing any cross-infectious diseases.

TCM diagnosis can be made by feeling your pulse, checking your tongue, and asking you questions. These terms are different from western medicine terms, so please do not get confused. TCM diagnostic terms mostly describe the organ's functional conditions, or energy levels, rather than pathological damage.

That depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of each individual's complaint. Generally from five to fifteen treatments are adequate for the majority of chronic ailments. Many acute conditions may only require a single treatment and some degenerative conditions may require scores of treatments. However, the patient has the right to expect that their major complaint will be addressed and treated in a direct and timely manner.

Before the treatment: avoid becoming excessively fatigued, hungry, or nervous. Please do not drink or eat any food that could dye the tongue color.

During the treatment: relax. Please do not change your position or move suddenly.

Many conditions may be alleviated very rapidly by acupuncture and Chinese medicine. However, some conditions that have arisen over the course of years will be relieved only with slow, steady progress.

As in any form of healing, the patient's attitude, diet, determination, and lifestyle will affect the outcome of a course of treatment. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their healing process.

Neurological: headache, migraine, neuralgia, post-operation pain, stroke residuals, Parkinson's diseases, facial pain or paralysis.

Musculoskeletal: pain and weakness in neck, shoulder, arms, hands, fingers, knees, legs, feet, backache or pain, muscle cramping, localized traumatic injuries, sprains, strains, sports injuries, arthritis, disc problems, and sciatica.

Digestive: abdominal pain, gas, ulcers, gastritis, hyperacidity, chronic diarrhea, indigestion and constipation, food retention, and liver or gallbladder problems.

Eye, ear, nose, throat and dental: poor vision, tired eyes, tinnitus, nervous deafness, toothache, post extraction pain, gum problems, sore throat, and loss voice.

Respiratory: sinusitis, common cold, tonsillitis, bronchitis, allergies, and asthma.

Gynecological/Reproductive: sexual function problem, low libido or impotence, PMS, cramps, menopause syndrome, obstetrics, and infertility.

Emotional and mental: traumas, hypertension, insomnia, depression, anxiety, nervousness, and neurosis.

Other benefits: increased vitality and energy, stress reduction, deep relaxation, skin rejuvenation, weight control, stopping smoking, alcohol, drug and other addictions, enhanced athletic and physical function, pain control, regulated heart rate, blood pressure and chemistry, stabilized immune system, and many others.