Why should I try acupuncture?

Acupuncture is most effective in treating various types of pains. It is also very valuable in chronic disease that orthodox medicine can only alleviate with drugs. Acupuncture is also effective in treating many acute complaints, gynecological disorders, neurological disorders, immune and autoimmune disorders, emotional disorders, sleep & stress disorders, gastro-intestinal disorders, etc. Acupunctue also recognizes and treats many disharmonies that have no medical diagnosis, a non-specific “not quite right?feeling. Also, those with addiction to smoking, drugs or alcohol may be helped by acupuncture to reduce their dependencies.


Is it true that acupuncture can be used as anesthesia for surgery?

Yes. Acupuncture has a profound pain relieving ability. Often, a patient's pain can be blocked enough to perform major surgery with only acupuncture anesthesia. For patients who have a bad reaction to or are unable to receive standard chemical anesthesia, this can be a godsend. It is also very valuable is cases where it is necessary for the patient to be awake during the surgery. That acupuncture is used for surgery has been well documented in ancient China and modern China and still often used in Chinese medicine hospitals in modern China.


How does acupuncture work?

Most everything that happens in your body is occurring because neurons are conducting electrical signals between the brain and every cell in you body. Your body is magnificent at keeping itself alive and functioning. However, due to hazards such as physical trauma, poor diet, emotional duress, chronic stress, or toxic chemicals, our bodies are not always able to fully self correct. They sometimes need help! The Chinese have long recognized that energy in the body tends to follow specific pathways or "meridians". These meridians are really no more complicated than what we in the West recognize as a higher concentration of nerve impulses and blood flow. When the body is not functioning properly it is usually because the energy in these meridians is either flowing too much or too little. By inserting stainless and disposable needles in the key points on the body along the course of the meridians, we encourage the body to re-establish its normal, healthy flow of energy. Symptoms then begin to disappear.


How many treatments are needed?

This is a difficult question to answer. Usually one or two treatments per week, but it depends on the nature of the disorder and how long the patient has experienced it. Some people respond very suddenly, some people take several treatments before getting the results they want, and still others must come in frequently to maintain the level of health and comfort they are seeking. Usually, acute conditions respond much faster; chronic illnesses may require treatment for several weeks or longer. As in any form of medical care, the patient's attitude, diet, determination, and lifestyle will affect the outcome and course of treatment. I always endeavor to get results right away and often the results are very substantial. For instance, it is very common that someone arrives in a great deal of pain and leaves with a 50-100% reduction of pain. Often the pain will return to some degree, but with follow-up treatments, the pain usually continues to diminish and their level of health continues to improve. Most of the time, when health has been restored, the patient does not need to return for regular treatments. The health improvements they receive are theirs to keep.


What happens during an acupuncture treatment?

In order to make a diagnosis and plan treatment, your practitioner will need to take detailed case history, asking about persent and past health problems. Careful visual inspection of the tongue, and detailed reading of wrist pulses are also made. According to the diagnosis, very fine, thin (about the sized of a human hair) disposable needles are inserted into the acupuncture points. The procedure is usually quite painless. It is normal to experience a dull, heavy, or a tingling or warm sensation, once the needles have been inserted. The needles are usually left in place for about twenty minutes. Many people become very relaxed during the treatment.


How do I prepare for treatment?

Eat a modest meal at least 1 hour before treatment. Your energy will help you heal.


How long does an appointment last?

It depends on your condition and the treatment plan. Acupuncture treatment takes about 45 mins to 1 hour. As a new patient, you should be aware that your first treatment, with its careful diagnosis and interview process, may take as long as 1 hour and 15 mins.


Are acupuncture needles sterile and safe?

Yes. We use pre-sterilized and disposable acupuncture needles exclusively. Pre-sterilized acupuncture needles are manufactured, packaged, and shipped in sterilized containers to ensure compliance with very strict sterilization requirement.


How about Chinese herbal medicine?

Chinese herbal medicine is an extremely important and highly specialized component of Classical Chinese Medicine. Herbal medicine allows the individual to access healing on a daily basis while receiving periodic acupuncture treatment. It has over 2000-year history, augmented by modern scientific research. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is imperative to treat the person not just the symptoms. Therefore, herbal formulas are individualized and five patients with the same symptoms of headaches would very likely be prescribed five different herbal combinations, each directed to the specific source of the headache. There are different forms of herbs, such as bulk herbs, powder granules, patent pills, patent capsules, herbal ointment and tinctures, syrups and topical herbal patches.


What are the differences between herb forms?

Bulk herbs require time to prepare and cook, and the decoction may have a strong taste. They are rapidly absorbed by the body though, and quick and strong in action. The most important thing is that it is easy to modify the herbal formula to fit your particular condition at a specific time.
 
Granules are fine herbal powder. There is no necessary preparation, but the formula is still written specifically for your condition. The granules may be mixed in water or other mediums such as juice, apple sauce, milk, etc.

The remaining herb forms are all patents. There is no necessary preparation, and they are easy to take or use. They are all clinically proven to be effective herbal remedies. Patents are much more convenient if your condition matches the indication of the formula.


What is Chinese Tui-Na massage?

Chinese Tui-Na massage is one of the essential foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Tui Na, literally "Push Grab," has been practiced by Chinese martial artists, Qigong practitioners and healers for thousands of years. Specializing in injury repair and curing illness, Tui Na massage can also maintain your health by adjusting your Qi in order to flow smoothly. It will increase your Qi and blood circulation in particular areas or throughout your entire body, removing blockages and stagnations caused by injuries, exercise and/or aging. Tui Na massage is also a wonderful way to relieve stress and recover from a hard day on the job or a tough workout.


What is Chinese diet therapy?

For thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine has understood the importance of diet and lifestyle and exercise in maintaining good health and preventing form illness. We also prescribe diet recipe for you to integrate with your daily food. It is simple and effective.


What is about Qi Gong?

Qi Gong is the practice of using physical and mental exercise to cultivate the Qi/energy of the body. It has been practiced to help maintain health, enhance longevity, and restore balance. The exercises are not strenuous or aerobic yet in their simplicity they work the breath of the body as well the muscles and joints of the body. Practicing Qi Gong on a regular basis will bring a deeper awareness of the mental, physical and spiritual body. Our practitioners are very experienced in static and dynamic Qi Gong. Fang Zhang has taught Eight Section Brocade Qi Gong for many years. It is excellent for many women's health issues.