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.
