About Acupuncture

Healthy Green Acupuncture – Rosemead, CA

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a medical therapy developed over 3500 years ago in Asia. Acupuncture stimulates specific points beneath the skin by the insertion of acupuncture needles. This process restores the balance of the body’s energy flow, also knows as “Qi” (pronounced chi). Acupuncture, Acupressure, Herbal Medicine, Tai Chi, and Moxibustion are some of the essential elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Will it hurt?

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin stainless steel. You may feel little or no discomfort as the needles are inserted as the process is typically painless. You may feel different sensations including slight soreness, numbness, warmth, or pressure. These energetic sensations differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and comforting.

It is quite normal that symptoms such as aches, pains and swelling may worsen during the initial treatment phase. This may occur if the body has not yet adjusted to increased blood circulation and blood stimulation. Medically it is called acclimatization.

Is it safe?

Acupuncture therapy has been used for thousands of years in China. Acupuncture is the treatment of choice for one-fourth of the world’s population! The needles are FDA approved, individually packaged, pre-sterilized and disposed after a single use.

What should I expect for my first treatment?

After the first treatment has been administered, depending on the ailment being treated, many experiences may occur. Immediate, total or partial relief from pain or other symptoms may be experienced. Some patients experience a sudden burst of energy while others may feel relaxed. Many people experience a calming satisfaction. Small, localized bruises from minor bleeding under the skin are infrequent, but do occur. These are no cause for alarm, and despite the cosmetic inconvenience, they actually provide a kind of bonus treatment. The reabsorption of the blood continues the stimulation of the acupuncture point even without the needle in place.  

How long do the treatments take?

In most situations treatments take between 20 and 30 minutes but can last longer in certain scenarios. The length of the treatment depends on the individual conditions of the patient. Be aware that on some days, visits may take longer due to the number of clients being treated.

What conditions can acupuncture treat?

Many conditions may be treated. General pain relief and control for arthritis, cervical spondylopathy, knee pain, hand and foot pain, sciatica, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, lower back and neck pain, tendonitis, etc. Other conditions such as circulatory problems with high or low blood pressure, cold hands and feet.

Some nervous system imbalances can also be treated such as anxiety, nervousness, sleeplessness, depression, asthma, allergies and sinus problems; digestive disorders like Crohn’s Disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, and constipation. Other common ailments treated include headaches and migraines or common cold or sore throat; treatments to help stop smoking, weight loss, wrinkle reduction.

How does acupuncture work?

In traditional Chinese Medicine, there exists a meridian system through the human body. In this system, invisible passageways for energy are called meridians. There are certain points on the body (more than 360) that connect with certain organs and bodily functions. Point Groups on the body that apply to a specific organ or function are found along the same meridian. In a healthy, normal functioning body, the energy in these meridians flow freely resulting in a balanced system. When the flow of energy is interrupted from causes such as stress or injury, this energy is reduced throwing your “Qi” off balance. By performing acupuncture using the points associated with the particular meridian involved, this Qi or balance is restored.

Are the needles clean?

Acupuncture needles are FDA approved. These needles are pre-sterilized and individually wrapped. After the needles are used, they are disposed.

How many treatments will I need?

Since every person is unique in their own condition, the numbers of treatments will vary. The nature, severity and history of each patient’s problem, as well as the individual himself or herself, are all factors that are involved in how many treatments will be necessary.

Are needles the only equipment involved?

Acupuncturist may use several techniques such as moxibustion, cupping, electric stimulation, and point stimulation to help with the patient’s treatment.

Will it conflict with my other medications?

Acupuncture will not conflict with any of your medications. Acupuncture is used to complement and supplement your physician’s treatments NOT TO REPLACE THEM. You should discuss this issue with your physician and acupuncturist.

Acupuncture treatment modalities:

Electro-acupuncture refers to the use of mild electric stimulation at acupuncture points in order to reduce pain and increase function.

LED therapy employs a machine that penetrates tissue with a strong light to reduce pain and inflammation.

Chinese herbal medicine constitutes the longest, most documented form of medicine in history. Herbal prescriptions are sophisticated and individualized, and take into consideration the patient’s constitution, medical condition, and potential risks and benefits that may arise from with dietary supplements and other medications.

Manual therapy includes a wide range of bodywork, stretching, resistance, exercise, and massage techniques to reduce pain and stress, and promote healing.

Moxibustion employs the herb mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), burned near specific points of the body, for its warming and blood-invigorating properties, usually in conjunction with acupuncture.

Cupping is a method that uses suction to increase circulation, remove toxin build up, muscle tension and stretch tissue.

Lifestyle recommendations are a key component of many treatment plans. Dietary, exercise, and sleep habits are the cornerstone of health. They can amplify the benefits of any intervention, and help us to take an active role in our physical and emotional well-being.

Treatment Plans

Following an initial consultation it’s difficult to conclude how many treatment plans are necessary but usually after the first 2-3 treatments, your acupuncturist should have a good understanding of your condition and be able to offer you a reasonable idea of how many treatments you will need.

While many people will feel some change in their conditions immediately or within the first 2-3 treatments, sometimes others with more serious chronic conditions will need many months of treatments before a significant change occurs.  Such as those with Sciatica, musculoskeletal nerve damage, or Rheumatoid Arthritis, or Neurological damage.

If you are not noticing any changes it does not mean acupuncture is not benefiting you. Many times the changes are slow and subtle as your entire body begins to re-balance hormones and adjust from your illness. During the examination an acupuncturist can usually tell the relative effectiveness of the treatments through follow up examination and monitoring subtle changes in your tongue and pulse.

Most of the time patients will receive relief about 6-12 treatments but each individual condition is different. Some will require less some will require more treatments depending on their condition.  Usually 1 month of treatment will be necessary for each year you’ve been afflicted with condition.  For example, someone suffers back pain for 2 years, it may be necessary to have treatment for 2 months before you will see any improvement.  Afterwards, it is best to come in for maintenance treatment every 3-6 months.  Not only will it reduce the pain, but will help your tissues regenerate and reduce degeneration in your connective tissues.