MD Physicians performing acupuncture have little if any training. Referred to as “medical acupuncture“, they need only 200 hours of training of which 80 hrs of clinical is required for a Certificate. On the other hand, Licensed Acupuncturist with a designated degree of L.Ac. undergone at least 4-5 years of extensive training in the complete system of Chinese medicine of which acupuncture is just one modality of natural & holistic medicine. L.Ac.are also required to be tested for competency (classroom and internship) through a medical school of Oriental medicine (again referring to a professional degree and not racial descent), then is required to pass California State Board examination.

There are many conditions other than pain that acupuncture can help with. Since the early 1970’s many studies have revealed acupuncture’s ability to relieve pain. Because of this fact, the established medical community stereotyped acupuncture as a treatment only for pain. Those who studied and practiced Traditional Chinese Medicine knew otherwise. Both the National Institute of Health and World health Organization have recognized the efficacy of acupuncture other than pain relief.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
• Please do not come with an empty stomach but avoid large meals just before your visit.
• Refrain from overexertion, heavy workouts at the gym, or alcohol for up to six hours after an acupuncture session.
• Schedule your chiropractic or physical therapy session on non-acupuncture days.
• Avoid stressful situations. Drink water and make time to relax and rest. Prepare your herbs prescribed by your acupuncture doctor.
• Between sessions/ office visits, take notes of any changes that may occur such as alleviation, changes in frequency, changes in duration, decrease in severity, changes in affected areas and so on.
• Read section on Partnership to Better Health for more information

Upon insertion of the needle/ pin by the acupuncturist/ TCM doctor, the arrival of “De Qi” or Qi sensation will vary depending on the patient. The feeling can be described as a feeling of energy spreading from the needle. Others may feel minor distention, numbness, slight heaviness, tingling or a temporary dull ache. This is normal and considered a good reaction to the acupuncture session. The treatment is working at this time. After the acupuncture session, you may feel energized or may feel a deep sense of relaxation or well-being.

Those that come in for pain relief may experience a temporary increase in pain after the session which will go away. This healing crisis occurs because the bodily functions are trying to balance itself and to rid of toxins/ congestions/blockages. If this happens, the patient is encouraged to drinks lots of water, get plenty of sleep, and allow the body to recover.

The number of sessions will vary from person to person. Some experience immediate relief while others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions require many more sessions. In general, plan on at least one course of treatment to see significant changes. A course of treatment is 10-12 sessions. After a course, your TCM doctor/ Acupuncturist may want to reassess your holistic imbalances/diagnosis.

Frequency of treatments depends on a variety of factors. Some include your constitution, severity, and duration of symptoms, quality and quantity of your holistic imbalance(s). Your TCM medical practitioner may suggest one or two treatment sessions per week for acute cases, monthly visits for health maintenance, or seasonal tune-ups.