Below you will find answers to some common patient questions about acupuncture, herbology, and traditional Chinese medicine.

Don't see your question answered? Drop us a line and we will add it to the list.

How does Acupuncture work?
What does modern science have to say about how it works?
What are the needles like?
Does it hurt?
What's with the Herbs?
How old is Chinese Medicine?
Can Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prevent illness?
How quickly can I expect to feel better? How often should I come? When should I come?
Can I receive acupuncture and herbal therapy if I am under the care of a M.D. or other health professional?
What should I wear for the treatment?
Does my insurance cover acupuncture?
Why do you stare at my tongue? Why do you take my pulse for so long?
What are some conditions that can be treated with Chinese Medicine?
Do I have to follow the Lifestyle/Nutrition/Exercise recommendations?
Is acupuncture helpful in alleviating conditions associated with cancer and cancer treatment?

How does Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture uses tiny, FDA approved, sterilized needles, as well as herbs, heat therapy, and other adjuvant modalities to help nurture the body to health by helping resolve energy imbalances in the body. It is now recognized that the body, as well as all life forms, are comprised of electro-magnetic energy. The classical theories of Chinese medicine are concerned with restoring balance of "Qi" in the body's energetic meridians (aka channels) as the means to restoring health.

The ancient Chinese observed a vital energy in all living things, which they named "Qi" (pronounced "chee"). Through thousands of years of observation and inquiry, ancient doctors from various parts of China began to notice that this Qi traveled along certain predictable channels, or meridians. Acupuncture points are specific key locations along the meridians. These ancient doctors also noticed that certain predictable diseases seemed to develop when certain blockages and imbalances developed in particular meridians. In Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) theory, each pathway, or meridian, is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ.

What does modern science have to say about how it works?

Scientists today have been able to measure the electrical charge at certain points on the body, and these recent findings corroborate the locations of the meridians mapped thousands of years ago. A Researcher by the name of Pierre de Vernejoul used radioactive isotopes and a gamma-imaging camera to prove that the meridian system exists by injecting radio-labeled isotopes into specific acupoints on humans. His findings demonstrated that the isotopes traveled thirty centimeters within four to six minutes along the exact meridians described by the ancient Chinese thousands of years ago.

To support his findings, Vernejoul injected radio labeled isotopes into blood vessels not associated with established meridians. In doing so he found that "...the isotopes did not travel in the same manner at all, further indicating, that the meridians do indeed comprise a system of separate pathways within the body." (Burton Goldberg Group 1995, 37)

Robert Becker, M.D. (author of The Body Electric), and Maria Reichmanis, biophysicists, performed studies in the 1970's to prove that electrical currents did in fact flow along the Chinese meridian system. Based on the presence of electrical charge, Becker and Reichmanis found that the total number of acupoints believed to exist, did indeed exist along these established meridians.

Due to advances in modern medicine, as well as consumer demand, there has been more money pumped into researching the mechanisms and "scientific explanations" of how Traditional Chinese Medicine works. Acupuncture has been used with dramatic success for anesthesia and pain control, and is thought to stimulate the release of known pain-relieving compounds such as dynorphins, endorphins and endogenous opioids.

A modern study in which patients were given drugs to prevent the release of endogenous (naturally occurring in the body) opioids demonstrated, with statistical significance, that the analgesic benefit of acupuncture was lost in patients receiving the opiod-blocking drug. In another study, cerebrospinal fluid from acupuncture-treated rabbits was infused into recipient rabbits. Because the analgesic effect was observed in the recipient rabbits as well, this suggests that substances released in the cerebrospinal fluid may mediate acupuncture-induced analgesia. Animal studies like this also help to demonstrate that acupuncture pain control cannot be entirely due to a placebo effect.

Research on electro-acupuncture has shown that both low frequency and high-frequency stimulation of needled acupoints induced analgesia, and that different types of endorphins were released depending on frequency used in treatment.

A study using P6 (a point on the wrist often used for motion sickness, heart and stress conditions) showed that low-frequency electro-acupuncture, protected the myocardium by inhibiting sympathetic presser response and increasing myocardial oxygen demand.

PET scan studies have shown that asymmetry in the thalamus, which is often present among patients suffering from chronic pain, was reduced after the patients underwent acupuncture treatment. MRI studies by Dr. Zang-Hee Cho, a medical physicist and professor at the University of California, have demonstrated relationships between particular acupoints and visual-cortex activation.

Additional research shows immune function enhancement from acupuncture and herbal treatments, most likely via autonomic nervous system mechanisms.

See our research links for more information.

What are the needles like?

Only FDA approved single-use disposable, sterile, stainless steel needles are used, so there is no risk of infection.

Acupuncture needles are small, solid, flexible and approximately the size of a human hair; approximately 16 acupuncture needles fit into the hollow of a hypodermic needle commonly used in Western medical practice. The end of an acupuncture needle is smooth and rounded so they do not cut the skin but rather push the tissue and structures aside. In heavily vascularized areas, you may occasionally get some small bruising, although this is infrequent.

For those who just cannot take the thought of needles, there are several other non-invasive methods in Asian medicine that may help your condition. In fact, most pediatric treatments do not utilize needles at all.

Does it hurt?

While some points are more sensitive than others, and while you will likely experience some sensation at the point, most people do not experience pain. Different people experience the needling sensation in different ways. Some of the most common sensations described are a feeling of electricity, distention or heaviness around the point, and some people can feel the path of the channel. Treatments tend to be more effective when the patient has some sensation, but does not experience pain.

Following treatment it is common to feel a tremendous sense of relaxation and calm, so it is best to avoid strenuous activity directly after a treatment.

What's with the Herbs?

Chinese herbal therapy has been around as long, if not longer, as acupuncture and has been an important part of the medicine of many ancient cultures. Many cultures around the globe use some sort of herbal therapy to this day, and many, if not most, modern pharmaceuticals are based on extractions of commonly found herbs. The herbs include vegetable sources, barks, twigs, stems, flowers, buds, roots, leaves and tubers as well as animal and mineral sources.

If you are opposed to consuming animal products, please make this clear before your formula is constructed.

An herbal formula may consist of up to 15 different herbs in various combinations. The formula is created according to patient constitution, diagnosis and treatment plan. Each herb has a specific purpose within the formula and the effect of some herbs change when used in combination with other herbs. It is therefore not advised to self-prescribe herbal remedies unless you have extensive, formal herbology training.

The herbs can be consumed in several ways: raw; powders/granulars; tinctures; and pill form. The raw herbs require cooking into a tea, but some companies can pre-cook them for you. Raw herbs are not delicious like a latte, but provide the greatest therapeutic results by far, and can be specifically tailored to the individual presentation of symptoms. There is great power in this, as TCM does not view the patient's condition static, but as a fluid and evolving process. Therefore, your formula may change daily, weekly or monthly depending on the condition and it's development over time.

Powders have the next best treatment outcome and can also be tailored to the individual. They do not require cooking; you simply dissolve them into water. Tinctures and pills cannot generally be tailored to the needs of the individual and are considered "patent" formulas. These kinds of herbal formulas are usually "one size fits all," much like modern pharmaceuticals. Still, they can work just fine for conditions that are "textbook," acute, or for weak patients with poor digestion.

For some conditions, like women's health and fertility, herbal therapy is the cornerstone of treatment with acupuncture used as an adjuvant therapy. For conditions such as pain, the cornerstone of treatment is acupuncture, exercise, ergonomics and manual therapy, and herbs can be used to support the aforementioned.

We will discuss the best plan for you during your intake.

How old is Chinese Medicine?

Chinese medicine has been practiced without interruption for well over 3000 years, and some ancient texts are believed to be over 5000 years old.

Can Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prevent illness?

Although Chinese Medicine can treat thousands of diseases and syndromes with great success, it is best utilized as prevention. In ancient times, the Emperor's Physician was paid when the Emperor was well and not paid when he was ill. This puts an entirely different emphasis on the practice of medicine and patients' attitude toward the part they play in maintaining their health. Imagine the changes that would develop in our present health care system if emphasis (and financial gain) were placed on prevention and a state of health, rather than on sickness and a state of disease.

Melissa's goal is to encourage her patients to move towards a preventative health care mentality and to participate fully in maintaining their health to the best of their ability.

How quickly can I expect to feel better? How often should I come? When should I come?

Typically, for a preventative course of treatment, it is best to come in for a few treatments at the change of season. The number of treatments required would depend on the individual, their current state of health, and any underlying issues they may have. People who have recently recovered from a long, chronic illness may come more regularly for a certain length of time to prevent relapse. Some over-worked people like to come regularly or semi-regularly for stress-reduction treatments. It all depends on the individual. We can discuss the appropriate course of treatment for you at your first visit.

Frequency of treatment for pain and neuro-musculo-skeletal injuries and other illness varies widely and is dependent upon several factors such as duration and severity of the condition, level of the injury/disease, adherence to lifestyle recommendations and the patient's overall state of health. In general, acute pain patients should start to feel the benefits from acupuncture in 1-6 treatments, receiving 2-3 treatments per week for 2-4 weeks, at which point the condition is reassessed. Chronic pain patients will usually require, at the very least, 10-12 treatments with treatments 2-3 times a week in the initial stages. Again, this is dependent on many factors.

Many people think of acupuncture as a weekly therapy, but in most cases, weekly treatments are not going to yield the greatest result. It is similar to physical therapy or exercising in that once a week is probably not enough to advance one's level of fitness, range of motion, tissue healing etc., although it may be enough to prevent deterioration once an initial gain is achieved. In general, people need fewer treatments overall if they concentrate the treatment frequency in the beginning of the course of treatment. I recommend receiving treatment until the problem is alleviated, and then remaining on a "management program" for a short time. The management program (which can be once a week, bi-weekly or monthly depending on the individual) focuses treatment on the root of the problem, so that you do not suffer a recurrence.

For fertility and other internal medicine issues, a consultation will be required to discuss the course of treatment since this varies widely for each individual and depends on the presentation of your symptoms. Again, concentrated treatments tend to be more successful, and we will discuss how best to utilize your time and finances for successful treatment. For instance, for PMS, 2-4 treatments in the days right before and after the menses begins, as well as patient compliance to lifestyle recommendations, are generally going to yield far greater results than weekly treatments for a month.

Some people expect acupuncture to work immediately, and in some cases it actually does. This is not, however, always the case. One must remember that just like one pain pill or physical therapy session is not going to "cure" someone, so it is with acupuncture. Many people have been on pain medications, or other medications for some time with no result. The advantage with acupuncture is that not only do you avoid drug side effects and potential of polypharmacy, in the long run, it is far more cost-effective.

Can I receive acupuncture and herbal therapy if I am under the care of a M.D. or other health professional?

Generally, yes. Please be sure to inform Melissa of what other treatments you are undergoing and of all medications you are taking. This is very important information that can radically change your treatment plan. For some cases it is best to use Chinese Medicine in conjunction with western medicine, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, chiropractic care etc. And for some patients, one of these other branches of medicine is better suited to treat their particular health problem for a certain phase in the progression of disease. Melissa is quick to let you know if she feels you would benefit from any of the above and can provide referrals if necessary.

What should I wear for the treatment?

If possible, wear loose fitting clothes that can be easily rolled up above your elbows and knees. If this is not possible, you will be provided with privacy so that you can change into a gown or drape a sheet over the exposed area.

Does my insurance cover acupuncture?

Some insurance plans do cover acupuncture for some conditions. Most plans do not cover fertility treatments. You can check with your plan to determine if yours provides coverage and fill out an Insurance Verification form to see if you qualify. If you are covered by insurance, but Melissa is not in your network, she can provide you with a Superbill so that your insurance company can reimburse you. If you are not covered by insurance or are under-insured, Melissa can offer you a "Payment at time of Service" rate. Herbal remedies and supplements are generally not covered by insurance, but are usually not cost-prohibitive.

Why do you stare at my tongue? Why do you take my pulse for so long?

Chinese Medical Theory uses an intricate system of pulse and tongue diagnosis, palpation of points and meridians, medical history and other signs and symptoms to arrive at diagnosis. A treatment plan is then formulated usually incorporating acupuncture, herbs, and lifestyle recommendations such as exercise, diet and sleep recommendations. The tongue is believed to give a "preview" of the interior conditions of the body, and these conditions are then treated so that they do not develop into more serious conditions. For instance, a tongue that is very red in the center would indicate a lot of heat in the stomach. While a person may live with a red tongue temporarily without any problems, it is known that heat in the stomach eventually can lead to GERD, ulcers, belching and other more serious problems. So, we treat the heat in the stomach before it becomes a more serious problem.

If your chief complaint is one of acute pain, Melissa may skip this step. When your pulse is taken, Melissa is feeling for 9 different pulses on each side, each of which provides different information regarding the interior landscape of the body. Speed and quality of the nine pulses are taken into account when forming a diagnostic picture.

What are some conditions that can be treated with Chinese Medicine?

According to the WHO, and the NIH, acupuncture can effectively treat many health conditions as well as provide preventative care. They believe the following disorders may benefit from acupuncture treatment:

Musculoskeletal Injury and Pain Ear, Nose and Throat:
allergies, asthma, bronchitis, common colds and flu, emphysema, eye diseases, tinnitus, vertigo, sore throat, sinusitis

Cardiovascular:
angina, atherosclerosis, anemia, hypertension, palpitations, and coronary artery disease

Gastrointestinal:
motion sickness, anorexia, constipation, colitis, Crohn's disease, diarrhea, food allergies, gastritis, IBS, nausea, peptic ulcers, vomiting

Urogenital and Reproductive:
endometriosis, infertility, menstrual problems, menopause, morning sickness, PMS, prostate problems, sexual dysfunction, UTI, vaginitis, yeast infections

Dermatological:
acne, dermatitis, eczema, herpes, hives, warts

Emotional and Neurological:
anxiety, Bell's palsy, depression, insomnia, headaches, migraines, MS, neuralgia, paralysis, stress, tremors

Other Disorders:
diabetes, fatigue, hypoglycemia, hepatitis, HIV and related conditions, relief from polypharmacy and the side effects of other therapies (i.e. chemo, radiation, surgical)

There are many other conditions that can be treated as well.

Do I have to follow the Lifestyle/Nutrition/Exercise recommendations?

Yes! If you want to get better! These recommendations are, frankly, the most important part of the treatment plan. The primary goals of treatment are to educate the patient about their condition, teach them the steps to take to alleviate the symptoms and how to prevent the condition from negatively affecting their life. Some people could completely eliminate their condition, and prevent relapse, simply by changing diet, movement and sleep patterns etc.

This is great news, because it gives you the power to be in charge of your state of health! Melissa's goal is to lead you to a place where you do not need her help to "get you well," but to help "keep you well." No offense, but the less she sees you in the office, the better.

Is acupuncture helpful in alleviating conditions associated with cancer and cancer treatment?

Acupuncture is strongly linked to alleviating the nausea associated with chemotherapy and the pain incurred from the constant surgeries that cancer patients undergo. When it comes to the treatment of malignant mesothelioma cancer, acupuncture is one of the most widely accepted alternative therapies. Those coping with asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, can use acupuncture to treat symptoms of pain and stress. In addition to reducing nausea and vomiting and improving the immune system, acupuncture can also help to improve appetite, relieve pain, ease insomnia, and reduce depression and anxiety associated with cancer. Acupuncture treatments are particularly desirable because when practiced by a skilled acupuncturist, there are virtually no harmful side effects in most cases. To learn more, visit the Mesothelioma Center, who offers the most comprehensive and current information on asbestos exposure and provides a complete list of mesothelioma symptoms. They have a complete list of doctors, cancer centers, and alternative treatment facilities in the US.