What are acupuncture needles?
Modern acupuncture needles are from one to three inches long, ultra-fine and quite flexible stainless steel. They are pre-sterilized, non-toxic and disposable. When the needles are tapped into the skin, there may or may not be any sensation. Much depends on the location (hands and feet tend to be more sensitive), the condition being treated and the acupuncturist’s technique. Typically ten to twenty needles are used each session. Stimulation can be done by rotating the needles manually or attaching electrodes to send a weak electric current through the needles.

Does it hurt?
Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are solid and hair-thin, and they are not designed to cut the skin. They are also inserted to much more shallow levels than hypodermic needles, generally no more than a half-inch to an inch depending on the type of treatment being delivered. While each person experiences acupuncture differently, most people feel only a minimal amount of pain as the needles are inserted. Some people reportedly feel a sensation of excitement, while others feel relaxed. If you experience significant pain from the needles, it may be a sign that the procedure is being done improperly. Always tell your acupuncturist if this occurs.

Is it safe?
When practiced by a licensed, trained acupuncturist, acupuncture is extremely safe. As a system of health care, acupuncture already has some inherent safeguards. Because the treatment is drug-free, patients do not have to worry about taking several doses of a medication or suffering a possible adverse reaction. Properly administered, acupuncture does no harm. However, there are certain conditions you should notify an acupuncturist about before undergoing treatment. If you have a pacemaker, for instance, you should not receive electroacupuncture due to the possibility of electromagnetic interference with the pacemaker. Similarly, if you have a tendency to bleed or bruise easily, or if you are a hemophiliac, you may want to consider a different type of care.

How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depends upon the duration, severity and nature of your complaint. Two or three treatments may be sufficient for an acute condition, while a series of 5 to 15 may be needed to resolve chronic conditions. Some degenerative conditions may require ongoing treatments over a long period of time. Results can very from patient to patient due to different physiological reactions to acupuncture and herbs. If your response to treatment is not satisfactory, we may need to consider further diagnostic exams, modification of the treatment plan, or referral.

What can I expect at my first visit?
As with most health practitioners, the first visit to an acupuncturist usually begins with the practitioner taking a detailed history. Since traditional Chinese medicine takes a more holistic approach to patient care than Western medicine, you may be asked questions that appear unimportant (questions about your sleep habits, your ability to tolerate heat or cold, your dietary habits, etc.) but are actually vital to the type of care you will receive. After reviewing your history, the practitioner will begin diagnosing your ailment. Depending on your condition, you may be subjected to an examination of the tongue, as well as an examination of the pulse – a major diagnostic technique in traditional Chinese medicine. Using all of the information obtained during the history and diagnosis, the practitioner will then determine the cause of your symptoms. Depending on the condition, needles will be inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body. The acupuncturist may use moxa or electrical stimulation to enhance acupuncture's therapeutic effect. Depending on the seriousness and the length of your condition, your first visit may take between 30-60 minutes. It may take several visits to see significant improvement or cure your condition. As with any treatment plan, however, make sure that your questions are answered completely, and that the treatment plan seems viable and reasonable. If you don't understand a particular technique or type of treatment, make sure to ask.

What modalities are used besides needles?
Other methods may be used to enhance the effectiveness of your treatment. These methods are: moxibustion (burning herbs), cupping (suction), auricular therapy (ear acupuncture), tui na (manipulation), acupressure, massage and electrotherapy. Some acupuncturists will include physical therapy exercise training, hot/ cold packs, electrical stimulation with movement, tens and/ or Russian stimulation.

What conditions does it treat?
In the late 1970s, the World Health Organization recognized the ability of acupuncture and Oriental medicine to treat nearly four dozen common ailments, including neuromusculoskeletal conditions (such as arthritis, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness, and neck/shoulder pain); emotional and psychological disorders (such as depression and anxiety); circulatory disorders (such as hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis and anemia); addictions to alcohol, nicotine and other drugs; respiratory disorders (such as emphysema, sinusitis, allergies and bronchitis); and gastrointestinal conditions (such as food allergies, ulcers, chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, intestinal weakness, anorexia and gastritis). In 1997, a consensus statement released by the National Institutes of Health found that acupuncture could be useful by itself or in combination with other therapies to treat addiction, headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and asthma. Other studies have demonstrated that acupuncture may help in the rehabilitation of stroke patients and can relieve nausea in patients recovering from surgery. Because there are so many conditions treated by acupuncture, several have chosen to specialize in a specific area.

What is an Oriental Medical diagnosis?
An acupuncturist’s diagnosis is determined in part using methods similar to other health care practitioners: asking patients for a thorough history of their health and chief complaints, performing a physical exam, and ordering laboratory tests, x-rays and MRI’s if necessary. However, the acupuncturist also has unique diagnostic techniques, such as taking the patient’s pulses on both wrists and observing the tongue, complexion and other signs. These are ways in which the body "tells" the acupuncturist what is happening inside the body and aids in diagnosis. Using all the information gathered, the acupuncturist decides which "pattern" the patient may fit into. Chinese "pattern" diagnosis is based on natural phenomena – heat, cold, wind, damp and dryness.

What is a Licensed Acupuncturist?
The state of California has led the nation in the field of acupuncture, becoming the first to license qualified practitioners as primary health care professionals in 1978. T qualify for licensure in California, a student must attend a California Board-approved school to receive theoretical and practical training, and then graduate with a Master’s level degree. Upon graduation, qualifying candidates must pass a comprehensive state licensing exam. All acupuncturists practicing in this state will have the letters "L.Ac." for "Licensed Acupuncturist" after their name.

Will my insurance cover acupuncture?
More and more insurance companies are including acupuncture treatment in their policies. Ask your insurer about coverage or reimbursement. Some plans that normally don’t cover acupuncture will pay for treatments if a physician recommends them. Acupuncture is covered under California State medical and Workers’ Compensation.