What is Acupuncture?

Chinese medicine is an intricate health system aimed at bringing the entire body into balance. It includes the use of acupuncture, herbs, and dietary therapies to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Acupuncture is the insertion of tiny needles into specific points on the body. Disease in Chinese Medicine is said to take place as soon as qi or life force gets “stuck” or “stagnates” in the body. A skilled acupuncturist carefully chooses points that will help move the qi in its proper direction and allow healing to take place. Acupuncturists in the state of California are recognized as Primary Care Physicians.

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

Traditional Acupuncture has been used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Here are some of diseases that the World Health Organization says acupuncture is suitable for:

Pain

migraine headache, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, injury, back and neck pain, arthritis, sciatica, nerve pain, facial neuralgia, knee pain, shoulder pain

Mental Health

depression, emotional problems, stress management, anxiety

Women’s Health

menstrual irregularities, PMS, painful cramps, menopause, infertility, morning sickness

Digestion

IBS, ulcerative colitis, crohns disease, constipation, diarrhea, ulcers

Addiction

cigarette smoking, alcoholism, drug abuse

Respiratory

allergies, common cold, flu, asthma

Hormones

hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, weight changes, diabetes

Circulatory

hypertension, hypotension, stroke, irregular heart beat

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

nausea, vomiting

Does Acupuncture Hurt? No

Some patients report that they occasionally experience a slight prick at the time the needle is inserted. Keep in mind that the needles used in acupuncture are ultra fine and coated at the tip to make insertion painless. It is common to experience a dull ache, numbness, tingling, or a feeling of warmth at the insertion site during the treatment. All these sensations are normal and are a good sign the healing process has begun.

Is Acupuncture Safe? Yes

By law, acupuncturists in the state of California must use sterile, stainless steal, non toxic, disposable needles. This means the needles are not used more then one time are are disposed of after each use. This practice helps to keep infection rate low and practically eliminates the spread of disease. A licensed acupuncturist knows the human body well. Before becoming licensed in the state of California, an acupuncture student must undergo 4 years of intensive education and training program before being allowed to sit for the state licensing exam. The education consists of 3,000 hours of instruction and 1,000 clinic hours. Once licensed, an acupuncturist must complete 50 hours of continuing education every 2 years in order to keep their license current.

Is Acupuncture Effective? Yes

Acupuncture is endorsed by both the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization as being a safe and effective procedure. Modern research studies are validating to the scientific community what the Chinese have already known for the past 3,000 years. Acupuncture works!

What To Expect On Your First Visit

As a new patient the first thing you need to do is download the New Patient Forms, fill out, sign, and bring them with you to your first appointment.  During the appointment Dawna will ask you a series of questions and perform diagnostic procedures and tests that will help lead to a diagnosis. Once this is done, Dawna will explain the nature of your condition and discuss a treatment plan with you. Needles will then be inserted into specific areas of the body and left in place for approximately 30 minutes. While the needles are in it is best to lay still to avoid any unnecessary pain from needles shifting from the movement. If necessary, herbs, massage, cupping, or other modalities may be used to augment the healing process.

For appointments please use the automated online booking