Acupuncture has been used for over 2,000 years to treat many different types of problems. In the United States the number of people that incorporate acupuncture as part of their healing process has been steadily growing especially since 2006.
Here are many frequently asked questions that many people ask:
Can getting acupuncture treatments be combined with visiting a regular physician?
Acupuncture is a therapy developed more than 2000 years ago in Asia that consists of stimulating designated points on the skin by the insertion of needles in order to restore and balance the body's energy or "Qi" (pronounced "chi"). It is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which also includes the application of heat, shiatsu massage, and herbal medicine.
All natural - All healing is done by the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Even the greatest surgeon can’t heal the smallest cut. Only the body can do that.
Acupuncture works with your body instead of against it. Modern medicine is miraculous, but your body’s self-healing abilities are even more so. Most modern drugs work by preventing symptoms instead of helping to bring your self-healing abilities into play. Often these symptoms (such as fever, inflammation, etc.) are actually your body’s attempt to heal itself. Blocking these symptoms can give relief, at the cost of true healing.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is outstanding for chronic conditions - Modern medicine is exceptional at acute conditions - health problems needing immediate attention, such as infections, broken bones, trauma, and anything requiring surgery. It’s not as good at chronic conditions - health conditions that just don’t go away on their own. These persistent conditions are where acupuncture is especially effective
This is the most common question asked, and the answer is “no.” There is a big misconception that the needles will hurt, but the needles are hair-thin, and generally you will not feel a thing.
Some patients experience a burst of energy while feel relaxed or even tired. Many people experience a sense of calm and well being. Occasionally a patient may feel euphoric or lightheaded, especially after the first treatment.
A typical visit with Dr. Zhang lasts about 45 mins to 1 hour.
Dr. Zhang has used acupuncture to treat many conditions such as:
No. When treated by a licensed acupuncturist there are no side effects and is a very safe process.
The entire visit lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour.
Initially, Dr. Zhang will spend 10-15 minutes with you to get an exact diagnosis such as what is the problem, how long you’ve had it for, your health history, your current eating and exercise habits, along with a few other questions.
From there, you will lie down and between 4-12 acupuncture points are selected. From there the areas are swabbed with alcohol and the acupuncture needle is gently inserted.
Once that is complete, Dr. Zhang will then allow you to rest for 20 minutes to allow the healing process to begin. Once that is complete, he will ask how you are feeling and give you further instructions from there.
Acupuncture is extremely safe and has been administered for over 2,000 years. If it didn't work, people won't continue to use it.
Yes! The needles are single-use needles that are sterile and approved by the FDA.
This depends on what you are being treated for. The more severe and chronic the concern, the more treatments will be needed. Most people come in between 1-3 times a week. Generally speaking, the total number of treatments is usually between six to twenty-five total treatments.
There is a big difference. A licensed acupuncturist has at least 3,000 hours of acupuncture-specific training and knows every single detail of Chinese medicine and acupuncture techniques.
A physician who is certified to practice acupuncture only knows the very basics and has only 300 hours of training, some of which include watching videos.
Yes. Acupuncture is safe to be combined with regular checkups as well as medication you may be taking.
Yes, but be sure to let Dr. Zhang know.
For any additional questions please feel free to contact us.