Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Approach to Modern Wellness

1) What’s Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?  

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic treatment method with over 3,000 years of history. Modalities and techniques such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas, acupressure, Tai Qi and Qigong exercises, and dietary advice are utilized to address physical, emotional, and mental health.

TCM sees the human body as a self-regulating system that's constantly evolving. It emphasizes all things interconnected and compliance with nature's laws and cycles.

Imagine your body's systems as a complex network of roads (meridians) with energy (qi) flowing through them.  TCM sees imbalances in qi flow (like traffic jams, damaged road signs, or a deficient car engine) as the root of pain and disease.  Acupuncture and herbal formulas act like strategically placed signs to reroute the flow and restore balance, promoting overall health (smooth traffic flow).  It plays a vital role in preventing and treating diseases, boosting immunity, and extending lifespan.

TCM has been widely practiced and accepted in China/Taiwan, Japan, and Korea.  Since TCM was introduced to the US in the 1970s, over 15 million Americans have utilized it. It has shown positive results for many people, and the potential benefits far outweigh the low risks.

2) What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture, rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, uses thin needles inserted at specific body points to stimulate healing.

In Western medicine, it's recognized for influencing the nervous system by triggering the release of painkillers like endorphins and immune system cells at certain body points. Research suggests it can alter brain chemistry by regulating neurotransmitters and neurohormones, affecting sensation-related areas and involuntary body functions like immune responses, blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature.

Dry needling has been adopted by physical therapists outside of CA.  Like a reset button for tight muscles, dry needling stimulates blood flow and releases muscle tension. This can ease pain, improve range of motion, and accelerate healing

Electroacupuncture (EA) uses specific electric current frequencies, intensities, and pulses between acupuncture needles. It helps to relieve pain and decrease inflammation. It works by blocking pain signals and stimulating the release of natural painkillers.

Acupuncture offers benefits including pain relief, mood improvement, and relaxation. Studies suggest it can reduce inflammation and chronic pain (headaches, back pain, arthritis), influence the nervous system, release endorphins to ease pain and stress, and affect blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. It may also enhance gastrointestinal and endocrine function, increase circulation, reduce stress and anxiety, and stimulate relaxation hormone production.

Acupuncture is a safe, effective treatment for numerous conditions. Always consult your doctor or acupuncturist before starting a treatment plan.

3) What can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is a comprehensive medical system that stimulates the body's healing mechanisms. It can manage various health problems, and prevent pain &  illness.

Acupuncture is effective against chronic pain, headaches, allergies, and chronic illnesses like digestive problems, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It also addresses women's health issues, such as PMS, menopause, and fertility issues. Additionally, it helps with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. It provides relief for neurological issues and improves life quality for cancer patients.

Even if you're healthy, acupuncture can still enhance your life. It improves mood, energy, and sleep, handles stress, relieves aches and pains, reduces inflammation, and improves digestion. It can prevent colds, the flu, and allergies, regulate hormonal cycles, and assist in recovery from injuries and surgery.

4) Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is generally safe when a licensed and qualified acupuncturist uses sterile, disposable needles. Minor side effects like bruising or bleeding at the insertion point are usually temporary and mild.

The FDA regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices. Licensed Acupuncturists adhere to Universal Precautions and OSHA Safety Standards like all other medical providers.

Some precautions are advised, like avoiding certain acupuncture points if you're pregnant or have a pacemaker. Cautions are recommended when working around major organs, blood vessels, and nerves. 

5) How does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis work?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis goes beyond simply reporting symptoms. It involves a comprehensive approach based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles.  

Patient Interview: This discussion helps the acupuncturist understand your health concerns and identify potential imbalances in your body's energy systems (qi).  We will also review any relevant imaging and blood work results.  

Pulse Diagnosis: By feeling your pulse at specific wrist locations, the acupuncturist assesses the health of your organs and meridians.

Tongue Diagnosis: The tongue's appearance (color, shape, coating) provides clues about your overall health and energy patterns.

Abdominal Palpation (Japanese style: Fukushin): Feeling certain areas of the abdomen can offer additional insights (used in some acupuncture styles).

This combined approach gives the acupuncturist an overview of the body to create a personalized treatment plan to restore balance in your body's energy flow and promote healing.  After diagnosis, acupuncture points are chosen. The treatment goal often balances the body's yin and yang: managing excessive or deficient patterns, hot or cold conditions, and external or internal patterns. For instance, the treatment might aim to increase someone's energy if it's low. If there's too much energy, the treatment will aim to distribute it. By placing acupuncture needles at the right points, energy flow is encouraged and balance is restored to the body.

6) How many acupuncture sessions will I need?  How frequently should I get acupuncture?

Our approach is to tackle the root cause of your issue, not just the symptoms. The treatment plan is shaped by the complaint's duration, severity, and nature, and is reassessed after each session.

Generally, it usually takes 3-6 sessions to see results.  Manage your expectations.   It takes time to work with us to get to know each other and develop a personalized plan just for you.  If there's no improvement by the 6th treatment, we'll refer you to a different specialist as acupuncture may not suit you.

Chronic or degenerative conditions usually take a 3-month commitment. Treatments are typically done 2-3 times a week for the first two weeks, twice a week for the next month, and weekly thereafter. Once symptoms are managed, treatments become less frequent. Long-standing problems often take more treatments to resolve. 

As your body starts to heal, treatment frequency decreases.  Acupuncture has cumulative effects, so the more frequently you receive it, the faster you'll see results. Like all therapies, commitment to consistent treatment is necessary.

Supplementary TCM therapies and self-care techniques can hasten progress and lessen the need for treatments. These include herbal medicine, dietary & lifestyle advice, nutritional planning, daily exercises, meditation, and relaxation techniques.

7) Why does my acupuncturist recommend herbs?  

We often recommend herbs in addition to acupuncture for a comprehensive wellness strategy.  These herbs are included in proven formulas based on traditional Chinese medicine principles to tackle imbalances from various perspectives. Acupuncture focuses on particular acupoints to direct energy flow, while herbs nourish internally and bolster the body's inherent healing mechanisms. This combined method often improves the efficiency of acupuncture and targets the root of your health issues.

We use a modern approach toward herbal supplements.  We typically use herbal extracts granules from KPC Herbs (https://kpc.com/granules/).  Each patient receives a custom blend of these herbal granules, based on time-tested traditional herbal formulas for their conditions and any existing medications. These granules dissolve easily in hot water and most patients find the taste acceptable.

For those sensitive to taste, we offer capsule alternatives. In the rare instances where granules aren't available, we revert to providing personalized raw herbal prescriptions, which can be filled at the recommended local Chinese herbal dispensaries. This traditional method is also used for prescribing topical toners for various skin conditions.

80% of our patients combine herbs with acupuncture treatment and report that this combination is particularly effective.

8) How is acupuncture different from physical therapy or chiropractic care, and how can it help me?

It's great to have a care team with different specialties because each profession brings something unique.

Acupuncture, for example, can reach deeper muscles and structures that manual therapy can't. It's often said that needles can access areas that hands can't. This makes acupuncture highly effective for improving tissue and muscular quality.

Acupuncture also enhances circulation throughout the body, addressing more than just musculoskeletal issues.  After needles are inserted, patients typically rest. This recovery period, often referred to as an "Acu-nap," helps the body rejuvenate and alleviate pain. All that's required is for the patient to relax while we handle the rest.

9) Can I receive acupuncture if I am pregnant?

Yes.  Acupuncture can be a helpful option for pregnant women experiencing common discomforts like back pain, nausea, anxiety, and sleep problems. Studies suggest it's safe when performed by a qualified acupuncturist using sterile needles, but there are specific acupoints to avoid during pregnancy. To ensure a safe and effective treatment plan, consult with both your doctor and acupuncturist experienced in prenatal care. They can discuss your individual situation and determine if acupuncture is right for you.

10) What are the qualifications of a licensed acupuncturist in California?

A licensed acupuncturist in California requires: 

• Education: In California, acupuncturists must hold a Master's degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (MSTCM) covering diagnosis, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and a working knowledge of Western biomedicine from a program approved by the California Acupuncture Board (CAB). These programs typically involve 4 years of study.
• Licensing Board Examination:  All licensed acupuncturists must pass the California Acupuncture Licensing Examination (CALE) administered by the CAB. This written exam assesses applicants’ competency in diagnosis, acupuncture, Chinese herbology, and Western biomedicine theory and practice.
  Licensure: After passing the CALE, individuals can apply for a license from the CAB. This process involves meeting additional requirements like background checks and paying fees.
• Practice and Continued Education:  All licensed acupuncturists must meet strict practice guidelines issued by the CAB and complete 50 hours of Continued Education every two years.