What is Acupuncture?
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Acupuncture, which originated in ancient China over 3,000 years ago, is one of the most widespread healing systems in the world.
It improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sites--commonly referred to as acupuncture points, or acupoints. The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin. Pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects. Other acupoint stimulation techniques include: manual massage, moxibustion or heat therapy, cupping, and the application of topical herbal medicines. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe, and the body, in terms of two opposing forces: yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy. Qi or energy flows along specific pathways, called meridians, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture therapy can release blocked Qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being. Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. |
What is a typical acupuncture visit like?
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First, Dr. Tsao will ask about your health history. Then, she will examine your tongue’s shape, color, and coating, feel your pulse, and possibly perform some additional physical examinations depending on your individual health needs. Using these unique assessment tools, she will be able to recommend a proper treatment plan to address your particular condition.
To begin the acupuncture treatment, you lay comfortably on a treatment table while precise acupoints are stimulated on various areas of your body. Most people feel no or minimal discomfort as the fine needles are gently placed. During and after treatments, people report that they feel very relaxed. During follow-up sessions, Dr. Tsao will track your week-to-week progress, note any major changes, and tailor your treatment to those changes. |
How many visits will I need?
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The number of treatments needed varies from person to person and depends on the problem being treated. Some people experience complete relief after one treatment, but most require a number of treatments to resolve their problem. In general, chronic problems require more treatments than short-term illnesses.
Dr. Tsao will suggest how frequently you should receive acupuncture. She may feel you need one or two treatments a week for several weeks at first, and then fewer treatments over time, as "tune-ups" to maintain your health once the major symptoms have disappeared. |
Is acupuncture safe? |
Absolutely. We only uses FDA-approved, single-use, sterilized needles. After your treatment, the needles are properly disposed of and never used again. Acupuncture is safe and effective. Rarely, if ever, are there any "side-effects". At most, a small bruise around a needling site may occur. If you ever have any concerns or questions, please talk to the doctor.
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How much does acupuncture cost? |
Acupuncture is covered by some health insurance plans, but not all. If your plan covers acupuncture, our staff will bill your insurance company for the service and you will be responsible for any co-payments required. If your plan does not cover acupuncture, you may still receive the service for a fee. The preferred methods of payment are cash and check. However, we do accept Visa and Mastercard.
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