A c u p u n c t u r e   .   C h i n e s e  H e r b s   .   A c u p r e s s u r e

Chinese Herbs

NeckEase

Chinese 

Natural Acupuncture &
Wellness P.C.
1 West 34th Street,
Suite 903 (near 5th Ave),
New York, New York 10001

212.564.3324

>> FAQs About Acupuncture

Q 1. What is acupuncture?

A: Acupuncture is a very effective therapy for over 500 kinds diseases and conditions. We use very fine acupuncture needle (thin as a hair ), or heat, or cupping, etc. to stimulate the points for promoting the body's natural healing ( rebalancing ) and improving the body's functioning. The yin and yang are eventually rebalanced and the patient will be back to normal again.

Q 2. What is Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM)?

A: CHM is another type of therapy used in Chinese Medicine. We use Chinese herbs to treat patients. So far in China, we find this herb therapy can affect all the diseases and conditions. Ninety nine per cent of patients get very good results.

Q 3. What is traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

A: TCM has been practiced in China for more than three thousand years. It uses unique theories to direct its clinical application effectively. It includes Chinese Herbal medicine (CHM), acupuncture, moxibustion, disease prevention, personal hygiene, diet therapy, Qigong, Taiji and health preserving etc. It has same branches like internal medicine, surgery ... ... etc. as modern western medicine.

Q 4. What is the situation of TCM in China now?

A: TCM in China now is very popular. Practically, every province, city, county have their own TCM hospitals with as many as 1500 beds. Scenically, tremendous numbers of researches have been done annually by institutes, hospitals and universities. Educationally, there are twenty eight formal-full-time-five-year TCM universities with national enrollment. If you want, you still have another two three-years programs with different degrees to complete as long as enrolled again nationally.

Q 5. What should I look for in a good acupuncturist?

A: There are three things considered very important: education, background and experience. Of course they should havew a formal education, highestdegree is a Ph.D. Background must combine knowledge of Western Medicine and TCM. Look for an experienced practitioner with at least 10 years practice in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

Q 6. Why some of my favorite food is forbidden by my TCM doctor or my acupuncturist?

A: In TCM, the food are divided into different natures: cold, cool, warm, hot, generate sputum, generate dryness, generate stagnation (obstruction), etc. So if you are a cold type person or your problem is cold by nature, the TCM doctor will suggest you avoid the cold or cool food but encourage you eat warm or hot food etc. Generally, spicy food is warm or hot by nature, many vegetables are cold or cool, some fruits are warm or hot etc. That is why.

Q 7: What should I do before acupuncture or herbal treatment?

A: Avoid alcohol, food or drinks which color your tongue (such as coffee or orange juice) immediately prior to treatment. If you are visiting after a meal, make sure it is light; digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse.

Q 8: What will I feel like after the treatment?

A: Relaxed and calm. Occasionally you may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours if the treatment has been particularly strong. We will give you time after your treatment to relax and find your center.

Q 9: Are the needles sterile?

A: Absolutely. Only the highest quality stainless steel disposable needles are used. These come in pre-sterilized sealed packets and are discarded after use.

Q 10: How many treatments are necessary and how often will I have to visit?

A: Most patients feel relief after 8-10 visits. Visits last about 1 hour.

Q 11: Can acupuncture treatment help with non-physical problems?

A: Of course it can. We believe that the body is both spiritual and physical. Acupuncture treats both sides of the issue, whereas traditional western medicine only treats one.

Q 12: Should I tell my doctor that I am going to acupuncture?

A: If you are receiving treatment from your doctor; tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture. Most doctors feel that acupuncture is a well time tested method that works well with Western medicine. Please tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.

Q 13: I am taking prescription medication, should I keep taking it?

A: Yes, at least until a careful conversation is had with your doctor or the practitioner who prescribed the medication. Many people seek the help of an acupuncturist because of disappointment with drug based treatments. Sometimes drugs may not work or the side effects are unacceptable. DO NOT stop taking any medication without professional supervision.

Q 14: Do the needles hurt? Will I feel pain?

A: Because the needles are about the thinness of a hair, insertion is often hardly felt at all. There may be an intermittent sharpness or a dull twinge, but these feelings are only momentary and far less unpleasant than a Western (needle) injection. The needles are not inserted deep into the skin. When considering acupuncture, my patients often tell me they were most apprehensive about the needles. They were reassured to learn that the needles are FDA approved as medical devices and are individually wrapped, totally sterile, and disposed of after one use. Those patients also discovered that the treatment was virtually painless because acupuncture needles are extremely thin and flexible -- approximately 16 acupuncture needles together equal the thickness of a pin. Most importantly, my patients come to realize that the needles are simply tools to help them move through the process of healing and balance.

Q 15: What will I feel during the treatment?

A: Of course, it's normal to feel somewhat nervous before your first treatment. However afterwards you should feel very comfortable. Many patients have felt things ranging from energy moving to total relaxation at the end of a treatment.

Q 16: What will I feel after the treatment?

A: Most people often feel rejuvenated and relaxed with an alleviation of their symptoms. Other bodily functions that weren't part of your chief complaint may also improve. For example, you might find that you are sleeping better and your anxiety is reduced or that your digestion is improved or that your stress level is lowered. Returning to work after a treatment is not a problem.

Q 17: How long will my course of treatment last?

A: It depends on what the problem is and how long you have been dealing with it. The general rule is the longer you've been out of balance, the longer it takes to resolve. But in practice, individuals respond at different rates. You will know quite soon how you're responding to acupuncture. For example, chronic pain might need 10-20 acupuncture treatments, acute pain may only need 3-5 acupuncture treatments

Q 18: Can acupuncture help me prevent sick?

A: Acupuncture is wonderful for general well-being, stress-reduction and boosting immunity. Acupuncture and herbs can help strengthen you again. Some people, once their problem has resolved, come monthly or seasonally to prevent allergy flare-ups, for example.

Q 19: Is it necessary to have maintained treatment?

A: Once you are completely cured or feeling much better, we suggest that you continue acupuncture treatment at least once a month to keep you body and immunity system stronger, and prevent your disease from coming back or getting a new disease.