+ What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a complete medical system that many Indigenous East Asian cultures have practiced, and researched for thousands of years. There are 12 major energy, or Qi (Chi), channels that course through our bodies, including our head, arms, legs, hands, feet, and internal organs. We use very thin, sterile acupuncture needles, and also non-needle techniques to stimulate certain points along the channels of the body. This subtle stimulation helps to restore the body’s Qi back to balance, allowing your body’s channels and organs to work in harmony. This sets the stage for the body to not only maintain its own health, but keeps your body ready when in need of repair.

+ What is qi (or chi)?

Qi, or sometimes spelled Chi, is the subtle energy that circulates our meridians (channels) that flow to all parts of the body, including our cellular level. It is a vital force that is present in all living beings, and thrives when in balance.

+ Is acupuncture painful?

Typically, acupuncture is not very painful. In fact, most people don’t really feel much. The needles are fine, flexible, and often no bigger around than a human hair or a piece of thread. By inserting a needle into an acupoint by a skilled acupuncturist, the slender needle produces little to no sensation at all. However, the goal is to obtain a Qi response. When the needle makes contact with Qi, the energy, most patients experience is a slight tingling or warming sensation.

+ How long do treatments take?

Depending on your condition and treatment plan, the average retention time for resting with needles in place, on average, is about 30 minutes.

+ How many treatments should I get and how often?

Each person’s health condition and response to treatment are unique, therefore the number and frequency of treatments will vary. Typically within 3-6 treatments, we should begin to observe favorable results, though relief of pain may respond as soon as 1-2 treatments, or up to as many as 9. In general, acute conditions may require less treatment time than chronic/internal conditions.

+ Are acupuncture needles sterile and safe?

Yes. The government requires acupuncturists to follow strict safety procedures regarding needles, and sterilized needles are manufactured, packaged, and shipped in strict compliance with the law.

+ Can seniors receive acupuncture?

Seniors can absolutely receive acupuncture. It’s great for multiple pain syndromes, including common arthritic conditions, internal conditions, and pain. Needle retention time is often less, as our senior patients will not need much stimulus.

+ How should I prepare for for an acupuncture treatment?

Take a deep breath and relax. Wear comfy, breathable clothes, and pants that are loose enough to roll above the knees. Just like any other type of bodywork, drinking water before and after a treatment is recommended.

+ How large are acupuncture needles?

In Chinese acupuncture, there are actually 9 different needle types. Several of these needles never penetrate the skin. Those that do are measured by their gauge, in length and thickness. Your typical acupuncture needle is so thin, that over 100 can fit inside the head of a hypodermic needle. Acupuncture needles are fine, flexible, and no bigger than a human hair or piece of thread.

+ How does my acupuncturist know which acupoints to treat?

Licensed acupuncturists spend 4+ years studying this 3,000-year-old medicine, in addition to thousands of hours in the clinic with patients. We are nationally board-certified and each state has its own licensing requirements. There are over 360+ acupuncture points located on 12 primary channels throughout your body’s anatomy. Once we diagnose you, after a proper intake, the channels and points are confirmed and easily located.

+ Where do my herbs come from?

Though I source my herbs locally (Pacific Northwest) to best of my abilities, most herbs come from China and are specially processed and packaged. There are quite a few distribution centers around the United States, especially in California, Washington, and North Carolina.

+ How long does one bag of herbal formula last?

One bag of formula typically lasts 2 days. Therefore, three bags will last approximately 6 days.

+ What if I feel slight stomach discomfort when I drink my herbal formula?

If your stomach feels upset, be sure to drink your tea, or decoction, after meals, and not on an empty stomach. Depending on your symptoms, our goal may be to therapeutically purge the bowels (though this should not cause a great deal of discomfort, it may cause one to use the bathroom more regularly).

+ What if I cannot drink one cup of herbal formula three times a day, as instructed?

If you cannot drink one cup of tea at 3 distinct times during the day, you can sip your tea throughout the day, at any time. When we prescribe herbal teas, just like any other medication, or lifestyle recommendation, consistency is key in order to see the therapeutic results more clearly.

Let your practitioner know if you are having difficulty with dosage instructions.

+ When should I expect to see results?

Everyone responds to herbal formulas differently. After 3-5 treatments, you and your practitioner should be able to see improved or marked results.

+ Will the content of my herbal formula stay the same or will it change?

Herbal formula adjustments can be made according to your condition and whenever you visit your practitioner. You can expect changes in your prescription, as these are custom blended to your presentation upon a visit. Chinese herbs are always used in carefully prepared combinations and are almost never used as individual herbs.

+ My herbal formula is so bitter, what should I do?

Herbal formulas do have a distinct taste and vary depending on the therapeutic treatment for your symptoms. As time goes by, you may become more accustomed to your formula’s taste. If the tea is too harsh, however, please notify your practitioner.

+ Can I reheat my herbal formula in a microwave?

Yes, however, a stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic pot on the stove is preferred.

+ When traveling, I will not be able to make my raw herbal formula tea, what should I do?

When traveling, your practitioner can give you herbs in a more convenient form, such as tea pills or granules.

+ Can I cook all my bags of herbs at the same time?

The best way to prepare your herbs is one bag at a time and store in a glass container in your refrigerator.

+ Can I take Chinese herbs during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Generally, Chinese herbs are safe to use, however, there are quite a few herbs that we use with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Your practitioner will always make sure that the herbal formula is specific to your individual needs, and never harmful for you or your baby.

+ Are herbs/herbal formulas safe?

Generally, Chinese herbs are safe to use, however, there are quite a few herbs that we use with caution when taking medications and to be absolutely sure that there are no negative herb-drug interactions.