Acupuncture is an ancient technique of helping the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by a skilled practitioner inserting very fine solid needles, applying heat, cupping or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.

Acupuncture theory is based on the meridian systems. The classical Chinese explanation is that energy runs in regular patterns through the body and over its surface through the channels. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others, which brings imbalance of the body.

The meridians can be influenced by stimulating the acupuncture points (which are located on the meridians); the stimulation of the acupuncture points unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, and in Europe. It is now being used more and more in America. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.

No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this.") will not block the treatment results.

The number of treatments needed differs from person to person, which depends on the history, severity of the disease and as well as your body constitution and how you respond to the needling stimulation. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required. For health care, just several times a year.

People experience acupuncture needling differently. As the acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel, so most people feel no pain at all, some of them feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt.

The point of the acupuncture needle is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle), so insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.

We only use disposable needles.

Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, healing begins to take place. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome. Very occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, this should not always cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. Occasionally the acupuncture site may be bruised, but it will disappear soon.

Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:

• Do not scrape or brush the tongue (Acupuncturist can make diagnosis from see the tongue coating).
• Do not drink coffee, brown or other colored drinks 2 hours before the treatment (it may color the tongue coating).
• Do not get the treatment while feeling hungry, this may bring light headed or dizziness during treatment.
• Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages within 4 hours before or after the treatment.
• Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor.

Chinese herbal medicine is the main treatment method within Traditional Chinese Medicine. Chinese herbal medicine is based on an individualized pattern diagnosis as well as a disease diagnosis. The patient receives a custom written herbal prescription designed to treat their individual pattern as well as the symptom or disease.

There are herbal pills, tinctures, and powdered extracts. Some of the practitioners suggest drinking tea prepared by boiling the selected herbs.

Most of the components of herbal medicine have very low side effects. When they are prescribed according to a correct TCM pattern diagnosis, they should have very few, if any, side effects…only beneficial healing results. There are a few traditional Chinese herbs that have been found toxic through research and treatments stopped by the FDA. If you have any further questions, please discuss with your practitioners.

If you have any further questions that were not addressed in this web site, please discuss with your practitioners. You also can call to have a consultation by phone or in person.

Some insurance companies currently cover acupuncture costs. Each health policy must be reviewed to determine acupuncture benefits. More and more insurance companies are recognizing the value of providing coverage for medical acupuncture services.

We accept most major insurance plans. Call us at (512) 374-4988 to have your insurance benefits verified and an estimated cost of service.