Why Use Traditional Chinese Medicine?
• LONG HISTORY OF SUCCESS:
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been in
development and use for over 5,000 years.
• TARGETS SYMPTOMS AND CAUSE:
We treat the whole individual and work with you
to alleviate the root cause of the illness, as well as the symptoms.
• REFINED DIAGNOSIS:
Chinese Medicine has a well developed diagnostic system
to determine why a particular condition is present. Patients with the same Western Medicine diagnosis, often have different patterns in Chinese Medicine diagnosis, and therefore treatment is individually tailored to you. One size does not fit all.
• MANY TREATMENT TOOLS:
Many treatment tools are available. Methods may include:
acupuncture, herbs, nutritional supplements, moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, electro-stimulation, medical qi gong, acupressure, and diet and lifestyle recommendations.
• "SIDE EFFECTS" ARE INTENDED:
Relief is often experienced in areas other than the primary complaint because Chinese Medicine aims to rebalance your system as a whole.
• WE LISTEN:
There is ample time built in to address thoughts, concerns, and questions from you.
We are partners in your healing.
• IT WORKS!
The effectiveness and safety of TCM has been documented through patient testimonials, thousands of scientific studies, and the fact that humans have been using Chinese Medicine for thousands of years.
Try it and see for yourself!
What about the needles?
Acupuncture needles are thinner than a human hair.
The average size needle used in our clinic is 0.18 mm. (About thirty acupuncture needles could fit into the hole of the average hypodermic needle used for drawing blood.)
Acupuncture needles are sterile, single-use medical devices. After use, they are disposed of in a medical waste container and never re-used.
They are made of surgical-grade stainless steel and come packaged and sterilized, in compliance with strict government regulations.
Does it hurt?
The benefits of acupuncture far outweigh any discomfort. The majority of people find an acupuncture treatment relaxing and even enjoyable. Of course, people have varying degrees of sensitivity and fear. Needle placement is quick and often painless. Upon insertion there may be a little tingle or pinch, depending on the points selected.
I have treated patients with heightened sensitivity, and have experienced needle sensitivity myself, and understand the importance of being mindful of sensitive patients.
Is it safe?
In the hands of a well-trained practitioner, acupuncture is safe and pleasant.
The most common adverse side effects of an acupuncture treatment are minor bruising or bleeding at the site of the needle.
All licensed acupuncturists in the state of California are required to complete over 3,000 hours of training in Chinese Medical school (approximately 4 years of schooling), and must gain approximately 1,000 hours of clinical experience prior to graduation. Upon graduation, we must pass a rigorous state licensing exam.
Coursework includes training in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and western biomedicine in addition to the training in oriental medicine (points, techniques, diagnosis, herbs, etc.). In California, acupuncturists are considered "Primary Care Providers."
Licensed acupuncturists are required to complete fifty continuing education units every two years in order to maintain their license, so the learning never stops!