FAQ’s

​1. What is Yin/Yang?

The philosophical basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine is the existence of duality in the universe, symbolized by Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang is perhaps the most known and documented concept used within Taoism.

​The word Yin comes out to mean “shady side” and Yang “sunny side”. Yin Yang is the concept of duality forming a whole. We encounter examples of Yin and Yang every day. As examples: night (Yin) and day (Yang), female (Yin) and male (Yang). The symbol for Yin Yang is called the Taijitu. Most people just call it the yin yang symbol in the west. The Taijitu symbol has been found in more than one culture and over the years has come to represent Taoism. Yin and Yang need to be balanced in their natural ways.

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​2. What is Acupuncture and what are its treated conditions? Why does it work?

Acupuncture (from Latin, 'acus' (needle) + 'punctura' (to puncture)) is a form of alternative medicine and a key component of traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional acupuncture involves needle insertion, moxibustion, cupping therapy and also acupressure.

​Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of more than 250 of medical problems. Our services’ Treated Conditions are all within this list.

Current theories on the mechanism of acupuncture:

​1. Neurotransmitter Theory: Acupuncture stimulates the secretion of beta-endorphins and enkephalins in the brain and spinal cord. The release of neurotransmitters influences the immune system, the antinociceptive system and other bodies’ systems.

2. Autonomic Nervous System Theory: Acupuncture balances the release of norepinephrine, acetylcholine and several types of opioids, affecting changes in their turnover rate, normalizing the autonomic nervous system, and reducing pain.

3. Vascular-interstitial Theory: Acupuncture affects the electrical system of the body by creating or enhancing closed-circuit transport in tissues. This facilitates healing by allowing the transfer of material and electrical energy between normal and injured tissues.

4. Blood Chemistry Theory: Acupuncture affects the blood concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, and phospholipids, suggesting that acupuncture can both raise and diminish peripheral blood components, thereby regulating the body toward homeostasis.

5. Gate Control Theory: Acupuncture activates non-nociceptive receptors that inhibit the transmission of nociceptive signals in the dorsal horn, “gating out” painful stimuli.

​3. What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Chinese herbs have served as the foundation for "Traditional Chinese Medicine", or TCM, for over 5,000 years. The fundamental idea of living in harmony with nature and the environment forms the basis for the use of Chinese herbs as well as the traditional Chinese approach to health. Knowledge of the healing power of Chinese herbs and herbal remedies has been passed down from generation to generation, and today represents one of China’s greatest gifts to mankind.

​Traditional Chinese Medicine is very different from the western scientific approach we are accustomed to. Chinese medical experts promote a healthful balance of yin and yang – two forces present in all of nature. When yin or yang forces or qi/energy levels are off-balance in the body and spirit, health problems arise. Chinese herbs and herbal remedies are used to help realign an individual’s yin and yang balance in order to improve overall well-being.

​4. What is Massage? Why does it work?

Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, decrease muscle reflex activity, inhibit motor-neuron excitability, promote relaxation and well-being.

​Peer-reviewed medical research has shown that the benefits of massage include pain relief, reduced trait anxiety and depression, and temporarily reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and state of anxiety. Theories behind what massage might do include blocking nociception (gate control theory), activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which may stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin, preventing fibrosis or scar tissue, increasing the flow of lymph, and improving sleep.

​​5. What is Qi (CHI)?

Qi (CHI)(pronounced “chee”), or vital energy, or life power, or Yin and Yang forces, is the driving force behind the vitality and functioning of the body as a unified whole, In other words, “life” in all its forms and activities is “Qi”. Qi animates the body and protects it from illness, pain and disease. A person’s health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. Illness equals disharmony of Qi-flow (disrupted Qi).

​Qi flows through Channels and their Collaterals called Meridians. The pathway of the fourteen meridians innervate the entire body. Along these fourteen meridians there are a lot of acupoints, sticking needles (Acupuncture) into these specific points can harmonize the Qi and regain health.

​6. Do massage and Acupuncture hurt?

Definitely massage does not hurt, because sometimes it is also known as a recreational activity.

​As fro Acupuncture, the answer is also “no”. This is not to say however, that sensations are not experienced. The Qi of an acupuncture point is activated by the insertion and stimulation of a needle. When this occurs, a person may feel a dull ache, a swelling, a tingling sensation, or an electrical sensation to name a few of the most common feelings. These sensations indicate that “De Qi” of the point has been accessed. Painful sensations can be experienced at more “nerve sensitive” spots, such as the palms of the hands, toes, and fingers, etc. Any such sensation usually fades quite quickly, however. As far as needle phobia, the acupuncture needles are the width of a human hair, solid, sterilized, and disposable.

​7. How safe is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects just feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.

​8. Is acupuncture safe for children?

Yes. In some instances children actually respond more quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, your acupuncturist may massage the acupuncture points. This is called acupressure or Tui Na.

​9. How to prepare for the treatment of acupuncture and massage?

The following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment. a) Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the possi¬bility of bacterial infection. b) Wear loose, comfortable clothing. c) Do not be excessively fatigued, hungry, or full before or after treatment. d) At the first visit, avoid alcohol, tobacco, food or drinks, keep relaxation, and keep calm, because these factors all will influence your therapists’ diagnosis.

​10. How many? How often? What I can expect after the treatment?

One of the central tenets of Tradition Chinese Medicine is that each person is unique; this includes how a person will respond to acupuncture. There are three general factors that will affect how frequently and how many treatments a specific condition will take. First, how long have you had the medical condition? Secondly, how acute is the current problem or flare-up? Thirdly, are there known structural caused to the aliment? For example, someone with lower back pain for fifteen years, with pain of “8” on a 1-10 scale, and with a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease may require more frequent treatment than someone who twisted their ankle two days earlier.

​Patients often experience the most dramatic results after the first treatment. Some patients experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain or other symptoms. This relief may last or some pain may return after a day or so. In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief, but patients notice the diminishment of pain over the next couple of days. Generally, you should expect to feel better, but in some small percentage of cases, the treatment provokes a "healing crisis"; in such cases, the pain actually increases as a result of the treatment. This is actually a positive sign and usually indicates that relief will follow subsequent treatments. One explanation of this phenomena is: after treatment, the blocked Qi is moved but it is not completely going through, just like moving kidney stones in the urinary tract out of body, before the secretion of these kidney stones, most patients always experience their sharp pain.

​11. Does insurance pay for these services?

Because of the growing body of research and scientific evidence that supports acupuncture/ massage/Chinese herbs as safe and effective treatment for many health concerns, many insurance providers are offering coverage for these services. Whether or not you have coverage depends on the benefits in your individual plan. For the patients whose insurance policy covers these services, we will provide you insurance claim forms and help you complete the forms with proper codes and explanation, so that you can file with the insurance companies on your own.

​12.What if I don't have any health problems? Can acupuncture enhance my health or prevent future problems?

Yes. Acupuncture has traditionally been used as a preventive medicine. Recent research has now verified that acupuncture stimulates immune function, which increases resistance to bacterial and viral infections. Acupuncture can dramatically increase overall vitality and energy. It treats underlying causes, resulting in a deeper kind of healing. It brings about profound changes in peoples' lives on the emotional level as well. Many people find that occasional acupuncture tune-ups are the best medicine to feel "in sync" and insure continuing health.

Balance   Your   Body