Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Over 95% of patients feel no pain at all. This said, there are certain locations on the body that are likely to be more sensitive than others. Most patients will describe the sensation as a small prick or pinch at worst. Often, though, patients report a sensation of slight pressure, tingling, warmth, electrical movement within and many other sensations. The sensations are exclusive to each person with the degree or level of intensity depending on the health condition of the patient. Weaker people due to  the severity of their condition or length of sickness, generally tend to be more sensitive to their specific sensation.

How Big Are The Needles?

The needles will vary in length, anywhere from half an inch to three inches, depending on the location where they are to be used. Longer needles will generally be used in thicker fatty tissue that, oddly enough, tends to be in the least sensitive areas of the body. More importantly is not the length of the needles but the thickness that determines the desired sensation for an effective treatment. Often compared to the thickness of a human hair Acupuncture needles are thin enough that 35 - 40 of them can fit into the shaft of a hypodermic needle, like those used to draw blood.

If I don't like needles can I still use Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Yes, Acupuncture is only one of many treatments used by practitioners of Chinese Medicine. While Acupuncture is the most widely recognized treatment method, it is not the only one. Other treatments include Herbal Prescription, Cupping, Tui Na massage, Gua Sha, Moxibustion (Moxa), Nutritional advise, Qi Gong and many more.

How long does a treatment last?

Typically, the average treatment lasts 45-50 minutes, with 25-30 of those minutes spent with needles in place. Other single treatments will vary in duration depending on which type of treatment is requested.

How long will it be before I feel better?

This will depend on the nature and severity of your condition. Another contributing factor will be how long you've had this condition. The longer you've had it, the longer it may take to resolve it. The recommended amount of visits to see any substantial change is 4 - 6 visits.

Are the needles reused again?

Never. The needles are manufactured for single use only. If a needle falls out of a patient it is still replaced by a new one. They are made from stainless steel and disposable after every use.

Are there side effects?

The most likely side effect from Acupuncture is the possibility of creating a small bruise. Trained and experienced practitioners, like the ones at Eastern Medical Health Group, can be trusted to provide health care without side effects.

How many needles do they use?

This will depend on the practitioner and his or her preferred method of needling. Some practitioners feel they can successfully treat different conditions with few needles and some with many needles. This will depend entirely on the individual practitioner and his or her training.

Can I get refills of my herbal prescription without seeing my practitioner?

No. The herbal prescriptions are custom made for your body at the time of your examination. As your condition improves or does not improve quickly enough, modifications to your formula may need to be made to address the changes in your condition since the time of your last visit.

How long do the marks from Cupping last?

One of the resulting effects from Cupping are circular bruise-like markings on the area treated. The amount of time they last will depend on the amount of stagnation that was present at the time of treatment. On an average, Cupping marks will last several days to a week at most. If the stagnations were minimal, markings may be gone by the time you arrive home from the clinic. Greater stagnations will develop darker circles that will last a few days longer.

Can I receive treatments of Chinese Medicine while I'm pregnant?

Yes. Because treatments are custom designed for each individual at that given moment, protocols can be tailored to make sure your pregnancy is not affected. But it's important to let your practitioner know if you are pregnant on any visit.

Can I stop taking medicines prescribed by my M.D. because I'm using Chinese Medicine?

Yes and No. We cannot recommend you stop taking MD prescribed medications. We can help you improve enough that you might be able to reduce your dependency on these medications or reduce the dosage amounts and, possibly, even remove the need for them. However, that is a decision best made by your attending MD and you after their examination of your progress. Never stop taking prescribed medications from your MD without discussing it with them first.

Is Traditional Chinese Medicine's Acupuncture the same as the ones offered by other Western Doctors and Physical Therapists?

No. What many Western Doctors and Physical Therapists are offering as Acupuncture is only information learned after a weekend seminar or similarly short timed course.

Many of these practitioners offer these treatments under the title of "Dry Needling" or "Medical Acupuncture" and they are not the same as Chinese Medicine Acupuncture. Do not be fooled. In order to be certified by the State of California as a Licensed Acupuncturist, thousands of hours must be spent in a fully accredited school of Chinese Medicine awarding, no less than, a Master's degree.

The average program consists of at least four years of study ...not a weekend seminar. Following this course of study graduates must then pass vigorous testing before they are allowed to be licensed to practice this medicine.

If your medical practitioner claims to provide Acupuncture or Acupuncture-like services, ask about their training.  Seminars do not provide the same understanding and principles applied behind the physical needling as Chinese Medical schools provide.