Question 1

What is acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is the insertion of hair-thin, solid, filiform needles into specific points on the body in order to cause a physiological change. While the existence of acupuncture dates back to 250BC evidenced by the classical text, Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic), modern research also supports the use of acupuncture for a variety of conditions.

Question 2

How does Sports Medicine Acupuncture differ from traditional acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Sports Medicine Acupuncture is a comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation that blends ancient practices with modern research from the fields of sports medicine, physical therapy, kinesiology, and biomechanics as well as conventional care methods to address dysfunction before, during, and after injury occurs. The approach uses western anatomical perspectives for assessment, diagnostics, and acupuncture therapy in order to relieve pain, treat postural imbalances, control inflammatory processes, and decrease rehabilitation time for acute and chronic injury and for athletic performance enhancement.

The practice of Sports Medicine Acupuncture requires additional education after licensure, beyond the scope of general acupuncturists.

Question 3

How does acupuncture actually work?

Accepted Answer

While research on the mechanisms of acupuncture continues today, there are several known mechanisms for acupuncture that differ based on the acupuncture technique and insertion location utilized. During motor point needling, the needle is placed at the site of muscle innervation by the motor nerve from the spinal cord that activates the muscle. When a motor point is stimulated by an acupuncture needle, the motor nerve signals the muscle to return to neutral positioning from an excessively shortened or excessively lengthened position, which helps restore range of motion and reduces tightness and pain.

Acupuncture also affects prostaglandins, diverse hormone-like compounds that play keys roles in a variety of conditions such as inflammatory processes and fevers, menstrual cramps and digestive health. Studies also indicate that acupuncture can induce analgesia through modulation of neurotransmission within the central nervous system.

Question 4

What can traditional acupuncture treat?

Accepted Answer

The World Health Organization lists 28 disorders for which there is sufficient research through controlled trials to indicate acupuncture as an effective treatment modality, and an additional 63 more conditions for which acupuncture is recommended because trials have indicated therapeutic effect, but for which further investigation is needed.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION RECOMMENDATIONS 
Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and or chemotherapy, allergic rhinitis, biliary colic, depression, dysentery, dysmenorrhea, epigastralgia (peptic ulcer, chronic gastritis), facial pain, headache, essential hypertension, primary hypotension, labor induction, knee pain, leukopenia, low back pain, malposition of the fetus, morning sickness, nausea and vomiting, neck pain, pain in dentistry, shoulder periarthritis, postoperative pain, renal colic, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, sprain, stroke, tennis elbow.

Question 5

Does acupuncture hurt?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin (hair-like) and therefore do not hurt like the hypodermic needles used during injections or having blood drawn. During needle insertion it is common to feel nothing at all, but you may also experience fleeting moments of mild discomfort, such as a dull ache, soreness, or heat sensations. The overall treatment is designed with your comfort and relaxation in mind and if you have ever experienced deep tissue massage, acupuncture will be a breeze for you!

Question 6

How many acupuncture sessions are required to see results?

Accepted Answer

Many patients see results after the first treatment, however treatment outcomes and treatment plans are individualized based on overall health condition, chief complaint, and level of injury. For pain and injury, the majority of patients experience results within the first 2-3 sessions, with older injuries requiring 5-6 treatments to see results. For non pain-related complaints, treatment may be required for a longer period of time.

Results are likely to increase with frequency, so for many conditions (especially acute conditions) it is better to come more often over a shorter length of time. Think of acupuncture as a dose--you want to return for treatment before the "dose" (treatment effect) wears off in order to see the best results over time.

Question 7

What are those marks left by cupping and gua sha treatments?

Accepted Answer

Because cupping and gua sha increase blood flow to an area, skin discoloration may occur due to broken blood vessels to the area, similar to a bruise. Unlike a bruise however, these marks are not usually accompanied by soreness and generally fade within 1-7 days after treatment. The marks may vary in color from nothing at all, light pink to dark purple and are an indication of the condition of the underlying treatment area.

Question 8

What should I wear to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Comfortable, loose clothing is recommended in order to adequately squat, twist, and move during assessment and treatment but is not required. If a practitioner needs to access a part of the body covered by clothing, you will have the opportunity to undress privately and will be provided with a drape to maintain your privacy.

Question 9

How much training is required to become an acupuncturist?

Accepted Answer

In California, acupuncturists must attain a Master's degree or Doctoral degree in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine from an accredited college. Programs must include a minimum of 3,000 hours of training, which typically takes 4 years to complete. Acupuncturists must also pass licensing exams regulated by the California Acupuncture Board under the Department of Consumer Affairs in order to gain eligibility to practice, and after doing so may be considered primary care providers.

Question 10

Are acupuncture needles sterile?

Accepted Answer

YES. All acupuncture needles are single use sterile needles that are placed into a sharps container immediately after use for disposal. All licensed acupuncturists are certified in Clean Needle Technique from both the state and national governing agencies.

Question 11

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

We do not bill insurance and are an out-of-network clinic. If your insurance policy covers out-of-network acupuncture visits, you may receive partial or full reimbursement directly from your insurance provider using an itemized receipt (Superbill) from our office. However, we do not submit this receipt for you, communicate with the insurance company, or navigate the insurance process for you in any way.

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