FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM)?
This theory is based on ancient Chinese Taoism, views a person as an energy system in which body and mind are unified, each influencing and balancing the other. In TCM, a person's health is influenced by the flow of Qi (energy) in the body, in combination with the universal forces of Yin and Yang. If the flow of Qi is obstructed, deficient, excessive, or just unbalanced, Yin and Yang are said to be thrown out of balance causing pain and illness to occur. TCM includes Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion, Qigong, Tai Chi, and diet therapy.
WHAT ARE CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES?
They consist of more than 5,000 substances derived from flowers, plants, and mineral sources. The use of these substances can be traced back to 1,000 BC. They are used together with Acupuncture for chronic, hard to cure conditions. Herbal treatments are usually used for internal and immune conditions.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WESTERN HERBS AND CHINESE HERBS?
Western Herbal Medicine tends to use one or two herbs to treat just one specific symptom. A Chinese Herbal formula has as many as 20 different herbs. A carefully balanced recipe of several different herbs is specifically tailored for each person's health condition. Herb formulas are developed to use each herb to its greatest advantage, adjust and increase the treatment by combining different herbs together. It makes it possible to treat complicated diseases at the same time. Chinese Herbs offer internal support to one's immune system.
ARE CHINESE HERBS SAFE?
Unlike medications that have multiple side effects, one of the most appealing qualities of Chinese Herbal Medicine is the low risk or side effects. Herbal medicine uses all the constituents of the flower, plant and mineral sources. The herb is completely balanced, and therefore has minimal side effects. If you do notice any undesired effects, please stop taking your herbs and consult your herbalist right away.
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
It is a traditional Chinese medical technique that is used to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well-being. Acupuncture originated in China more than 3,000 years ago. Acupuncture frees up chi (energy) by inserting needles at particular points on the body to balance the opposing forces of yin and yang. It is believed to flow through the body along 14 main pathways called meridians. When yin and yang are in harmony, chi flows freely within the body and a person is healthy. When a person is sick, diseased, or injured, there is an obstruction of chi along one of the meridians. The effectiveness of acupuncture is well documented and extends far beyond the conception that it is only effective for pain management.
WHAT IS COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE?
It is becoming very popular: Acupuncture can promote the face blood circulation by stimulate particular points and effective eliminate the aged skin cell, help supplies and maintain the nutrient for? new born cell needs and reverse the full range of aging effects diminish fine lines and wrinkles, refine texture, and even skin tone for an overall more youthful appearance.
HOW DO I CHOOSE A GOOD ACUPUNCTURIST?
Mastering full range of acupuncture remedies requires many years of study and practice. Find a practitioner who is specialized in acupuncture therapy, with many years’ studies in acupuncture and extensive practicing experience in treating your ailment. In China, it requires 5 years studies in traditional Chinese Medicine in medical school.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
It will vary from person to person depending on your age and health conditions being treated and your response to acupuncture treatments. You should notice the changes of your condition after 4 - 6 treatments. Generally, acute problems require a few treatments. For example, an acute sprain may require only one or two treatments, whereas a more chronic or severe ailment may require two treatments a week for several weeks.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
People experience differing sensations with acupuncture. Most people find the treatments to be very relaxing, feel no discomfort or a little stinging sensation, like a pinprick, during the insertion of the needles. Others experience a dull ache around the needle after it goes in. Rarely does anyone describe it as 'painful'. Acupuncture needles are also extremely thin—about 20 times thinner than a typical injections needle.
WHAT ABOUT THE NEEDLES USED?
All acupuncture needles (disposable needles taken from a sealed package) are sterilized by manufacturers and for single use ONLY.
ARE THERE RISKS OR SIDE EFFECTS TO ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a very safe method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve function. When performed by a properly trained practitioner, acupuncture is safe and effective. Many people feel a brief stinging sensation, like a pinprick, during the insertion of the needles. Others experience a dull ache around the needle after it goes in. Some rarely seen documented side effects or risks such as dizziness, sweating, nausea, bruising, minimal bleeding.