Questions
What is TCM?
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive medical system that can safely and effectively improve many of your health concerns and quality of life. It is also one of the oldest continuous systems of medicine, with over 3000 years of written history. TCM includes the use of acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet, physical movement, and topical treatments such as moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, and acupressure. Today’s providers of this traditional medicine help patients with many conditions for which our modern medical system has no treatment.
Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of tiny, disposable, sterile needles. Acupuncture points are selected in order to regulate the vital energies of the body. What do we mean by regulate? Many health problems manifest as excess or deficient, with symptoms of heat, cold, dryness, excess phlegm or fluids, stagnation, or pain. Acupuncture treats symptoms while getting to the root of the problem as well.
Topical treatments such as fire-cupping, gua sha, and the use of moxa (aka the herb artemis vulgaris or mugwort) are used in conjunction with acupuncture. Cupping and gua sha are topical treatments of deep seated obstructions within the muscles and adjacent tissues to help eliminate pain, expand movement, improve blood circulation, and improve organ function.
Fire-Cupping involves applying a glass cup to the skin with suction over an area where there is muscle pain, decreased sensation, coldness, or limited movement. Cupping moves blockage in the tissues that have built up as a result of injury, illness, or poor circulation. The suction action restores adequate blood flow to the area, accelerating the healing process after an injury or illness. Cupping is also used in early stages of colds and respiratory infections to assist in clearing the pathogen from the body.
Gua Sha is a technique in which an oil is applied to the skin over an area where pain or limited function occurs. Then a flat edged gua sha tool is rubbed over the area with pressure, releasing tight, painful, numb, contracted muscles and tendons. Gua sha can also be used to release congestion and toxins from the lungs.
Moxa is used externally to warm the body, invigorate blood flow, and dispel dampness and cold. Two forms are used: the smokeless stick, and indirect moxa applied to the needle handle.
Electro-Acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture is the application of a pulsating electrical micro-current to acupuncture needles. It was developed in China as an extension of hand manipulation of acupuncture needles around 1934. It is described, though only briefly, in most comprehensive texts of acupuncture. The benefits of using electrical stimulation are:
- It substitutes for prolonged hand maneuvering. Electro-acupuncture may also help reduce total treatment time by providing continued stimulus.
- It can produce a stronger stimulation without causing tissue damage associated with manual manipulation of the needle. Strong stimulation may be needed for difficult cases of neuralgia or paralysis.
- It is easier to control the frequency of the stimulus and the amount of stimulus than with hand manipulation of the needles.
Herbal Medicine is the use of plant seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, flowers, mineral, and animal objects for medicinal purposes. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine usually consists of combining two or more herbs into formulas instead of using single herbs. While the scientific study of herbs began just over two centuries ago, TCM formulas have been used to treat a wide range of health problems in Asia for thousands of years. Modern doctors of TCM use herbal formulas which were created, recorded, and effectively used thousands of years ago and today.
We order organic and lab tested herbs as much as possible. Lab tested herbs are tested for heavy metals, pesticides, preservatives, and micro-bacteria. They are processed using Traditional Methods at PIC/S-GMP certified plant (Pharmaceutical Inspection Cooperation Scheme-Good Manufacturing Practice).
We provide herbal medicine in the form of bulk herbs which must be cooked into the form of a tea, capsules, and granular formulas to which hot water is added to make tea. Teas are the oldest way of ingesting herbs besides cooking with them in daily meals. We make custom herbal formulas for our patients.
How many visits are necessary and how often?
The number and frequency of visits varies depending on your condition and your body’s response to treatments. Most patients typically receive one to three treatments per week for 8-12 visits.
In our first appointment we will discuss your ideal treatment plan. Once your condition has improved, we recommend acupuncture periodically as follow up.
Women or men having acupuncture in order to restore reproductive health for fertility often receive treatments for four months to a year.
Will the treatments be painful?
Acupuncture is ultimately very relaxing and restorative. Our providers have a gentle acupuncture technique; with that said, we can briefly feel needles when they penetrate the skin! The sensation varies from person to person, but most commonly you may feel a slight sharpness or ache with needle insertion. In our humble opinion, the benefits of treatments far outweigh any initial discomfort.
Can I have massage, chiropractic, or a trip to my dentist on the same day as acupuncture?
Yes
Will insurance cover or reimburse me for my acupuncture visits?
Many health insurance plans will reimburse the member (you) for acupuncture services. Please contact your insurance provider to inquire if acupuncture coverage out of network is covered. We provide you with receipts by request. Fees for services are due at the time of visit, and we accept check, credit card, or cash. Kim is a network preferred provider with Cigna, United Healthcare, and Optum Health.
