Your questions, answered
New to acupuncture? Here's what to expect — and a little about the medicine behind it.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest medical systems in the world, practiced in some form since around 2000 B.C. It's based on the idea that body and mind are interconnected with the greater environment, and that an intricate energetic system of pathways (meridians) runs throughout the body to keep it in balance. The vital force or energy — Qi (pronounced "chee") — flows through these meridians and is responsible for the healthy function of body and mind. When there's an imbalance, we experience illness, pain, or discomfort. TCM treats those imbalances to restore organ function, circulation, and Qi flow. A defining aspect of TCM is treating the body as a whole and seeking out the root cause of the problem.
TCM includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, tuina (massage), moxibustion (medicinal heat therapy), cupping, nutrition, lifestyle counseling, meditation, and qi gong (breathing and movement exercises).
Acupuncture is a treatment within Traditional Chinese Medicine in which sterile, solid, hair-thin needles are inserted into specific points along the meridians that course throughout the body. It stimulates the release of endorphins and improves circulation. Endorphins are your body's potent, natural painkillers — they also enhance immunity and reduce the effects of stress.
Acupuncture needles are much thinner than the hypodermic needles used for shots. Depending on the point, you may or may not feel a quick pinch when the needle is inserted. Afterward, you might feel a localized heavy or cramping-like sensation for 2–15 seconds at some points — this is what we call de qi. The needles we use are sterilized, used only once, and disposed of appropriately.
In Chinese medicine, we believe each individual is different, so we begin with a thorough intake and evaluation. The number of treatments depends on your overall health, the duration and severity of your symptoms, the consistency of your treatments, and how your body responds. To start, patients can generally expect 3–10 treatments for acute issues.
It's best not to come in intoxicated, famished, overly full, or extremely weak — having a little to eat beforehand is ideal. Wear comfortable clothes if you can, and make sure your legs are accessible up to the knee. Gowns are available in the treatment rooms.
People respond differently. Many feel relaxed and sleepy; others feel energized — either way, we suggest taking it easy after treatment. If you came in with pain, it may be relieved right away, though sometimes it takes a couple of hours or longer to feel the effects. With certain conditions, you may feel a little worse before symptoms improve.
Medicinal herbs have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Each herb has its own function and properties, and the herbal pharmacopeia includes thousands of herbs from plant, animal, and mineral sources. In a formula, herbs are combined to best suit a person's state and condition.
These days you no longer have to cook your own herbs if you don't have the time, space, or desire — GMP-certified companies produce fully lab-tested herbs in granule, capsule/tablet, and liquid forms.
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which the dried and refined mugwort plant (Ai Ye) is burned. There are many ways the herb is used to generate warmth for therapeutic effect on the body.
If you catch a cold or come down with something before a scheduled treatment, still give us a call. Traditional Chinese Medicine can treat cold and flu symptoms and help your immune system fight the illness faster.
In California, acupuncture is considered an essential health benefit (EHB) under the Affordable Care Act for certain conditions, such as chronic pain and nausea.
We'll need to verify whether your policy covers acupuncture, since policies within the same insurance company can differ quite a bit in deductible, percentage covered, and services included. We're currently in the process of getting credentialed to go in-network; in the meantime, we can still submit claims if your policy covers acupuncture.
If you choose to use your insurance, coverage does not guarantee payment, so please understand that you'll be responsible for all non-covered services and any co-insurance applicable to the visit. Check your benefits here →
Still have questions?
Give us a call or book online — whatever's easiest. We'll make sure you know what to expect before your first visit.