Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture is extremely successful in the treatment of a multitude of conditions.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified approximately 40 diseases that are effectively treated with acupuncture.  However Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system that is capable of diagnosing and effectively treating a wide range of conditions including but not limited to:

Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders

Arthritis
Neuralgia
Sciatica
Back Pain
Bursitis
Tendonitis
Stiff Neck
Bell’s Palsy
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Headaches and Migraines
Stroke
Cerebral Palsy
Polio
Sprains
Muscle Spasms
Shingles

Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders

Sinusitis
Sore Throat
Hay Fever
Earache
Nerve Deafness
Ringing in the Ears
Dizziness
Poor Eyesight

Circulatory Disorders

High Blood Pressure
Angina Pectoris
Arteriosclerosis
Anemia

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Crohn’s
Spastic colon
Colitis
Constipation
Diarrhea
Food Allergies
Ulcers
Gastritis
Abdominal Bloating
Hemorrhoids

Cosmetic Issues

Fine Lines/Wrinkles
Uneven Skin Tone
Improved Texture
Acne

Immune Disorders

Candida
Chronic Fatigue
HIV and AIDS
Epstein Barr Virus
Allergies
Lupus
MS
Hepatitis

Addiction

Smoking Cessation
Drugs
Alcohol

Emotional and Psychological Disorders

Anxiety
Insomnia
Depression
Stress

Respiratory Disorders

Asthma
Emphysema
Bronchitis
Colds and Flus

Acupuncture Also Treats

Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects
Diabetes
Dermatological Disorders
Weight Control
Pediatrics
Prenatal Care
Preventative medicine for the prevention of disease and to promote health, energy and vitality.

Yes.  Each state varies in licensing.  There are four years of study in a graduate degree program and then a National and sometimes State Board Examination.  The L.OM. Dipl.O.M. after my name stands for Licensed Oriental Medicine and Diplomat of Oriental Medicine. .

Absolutely!  I treat children of any age with excellent results.

Typically acupuncture treatments are given 1-3 times per week.  The exact duration of treatment varies case to case but generally depends on the condition, your basic level of health and how well you respond to acupuncture.  Usually frequent treatments are done for the first few weeks; after that, the frequency of treatment may be reduced as wellness is restored.  Average cases take around 6 treatments to resolve, while more challenging chronic cases can take 10+.

Acupuncture needles can have a certain sensation after they are inserted, but few would call it pain.  Unlike hypodermic needles which are used to deliver liquids and have a hollow edge to cut the skin, acupuncture needles are solid and slide through your skins tissue rather than cut it.  Acupuncture needles are also much finer then hypodermic needles.  About 40 acupuncture needles can fit into the tip of one standard 18 gauge hypodermic needle!  Due to the acupuncture needles being so fine and the swiftness of insertion, the pain reflexes on the nerve endings are not even stimulated.  There are some areas of the body that will always be more sensitive including the fingers, toes and palms, but it’s generally nothing more than a quick little prick.  By the time all the needles are inserted, you generally do not feel any of them and are consumed with a sense of calm relaxation.

Systemic balance is critical to one’s health and wellness, in western medicine this is known as homeostasis.  Any imbalance can result in disorders such as pain, injury, insomnia, digestive issues, stress, gynecological disorders, allergies, depression, colds and a myriad of other complications.  Acupuncture helps restore one’s natural balance so organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony.  This sets the stage for the body to repair itself and maintain its own optimal health.
From a Western medicine perspective, research has shown that acupuncture treatment triggers different physiological responses, such as:

• Stimulating the immune system and increasing white blood cells, which defend the body against infection.
• Regulating blood sugar metabolism, to help the body use energy more efficiently.
• Increasing blood circulation and producing beneficial changes in blood pressure; Decreasing cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Increasing stomach peristaltic activity and regulating digestive fluids, thereby improving digestion.
• Regulating and stimulating serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is directly related to sleep, appetite, and moods.
• Increasing the availability of receptors in the brain that process and weaken pain signals.

For your first appointment wear loose comfortable clothing and eat something at least one hour before your session.  Your first appointment will last an hour and a half, and all other appointments last one hour.  The first half of your initial session will be a thorough interview process as we discuss the main reasons for your visit and a detailed past and present history of your health.  I will then take your pulse and look at your tongue, two tools used for diagnostic purposes.  We will end the session with the acupuncture, in which the needles are retained for about 25 minutes.  There’s a heat lamp, music, and dim lighting.  It’s very relaxing and most of my patients fall asleep for a restorative power nap.
The benefits of acupuncture start immediately.  After your first treatment you could experience an excellent nights sleep, higher energy, more focus, less stress and reduction in pain.