“The wise stand out because they see themselves as part of the Whole.  They shine because they don’t want to impress. Their wisdom is contained in what they are, not their opinions.”   Lao Tzu
 

Index of Questions:

Is acupuncture safe?

Does acupuncture hurt?

How does acupuncture work?

What conditions does acupuncture help?

How many treatments will I need and how often?

What can I expect with first and subsequent visits?

Do I need to do anything special before or after my treatments?

How can I tell if it’s working?

What training and credentials do acupuncturists have?

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

Are there different styles of acupuncture?

What is 5-Element acupuncture?

Should I come for acupuncture even when I don’t feel sick? 

What conditions can Chinese herbs treat?

Are Chinese herbs safe?

Are herbs safe to take during pregnancy?

What if I am taking medications from my doctor – can I still take herbs safely?

Are there any adverse side effects from taking herbs?

Do I have to take my herbs as a tea, or can I take them as pills?

How long will it take for me to know they are working?

Are herbs something I take only when I’m sick, or can they be used for wellness also?

I’ve read that herbs should be discontinued before surgery – is that true?

What training and credentials do herbalists have?

Why can’t I just buy Chinese herbs myself?  A friend of mine has herbs – can I take the same ones?

 

Common Questions About Acupuncture:

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a competently trained, licensed professional.  Today, licensed acupuncturists use individually wrapped, sterile, disposable needles, so the risk of infection is minimal. You should let your acupuncturist know if you are pregnant or if you have been diagnosed with cancer.  Acupuncture is safe in either case, but your acupuncturist may choose different points to treat you in this circumstance.

Does acupuncture hurt?   

Sometimes people who have never had acupuncture before are concerned about having discomfort during their session. They don’t realize that the needles are so thin they are barely noticeable, especially when you have chosen a practitioner who uses gentle technique – some points may not even be felt at all. After the needles are in place, you may feel a spreading sensation of warmth or other relaxing feelings as the tension releases and your energy begins to flow more smoothly. Most people relax so completely during a treatment that they fall asleep or feel as if they had just meditated. You may even feel more energetic after the session. The effects of Chinese medicine are gentle and free of side effects when administered by a trained professional.

Talk to me if you have any concerns – I am here to answer your questions – I will take as long as you need to address any concerns you have, and will provide a soothing experience so that even the most sensitive person can be comfortable and relaxed.
 

How does acupuncture work?

“There is evidence that acupuncture influences the production and distribution of a great many neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, and that this in turn alters the perception of pain.”

David Eisenberg, MD, Clinical Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School


What conditions does acupuncture help? 

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture’s effectiveness for over 40 common disorders, such as:

How many treatments will I need and how often?
The number of treatments varies, depending on the duration and severity of your condition.  Acute injuries may resolve as quickly as 1-2 sessions, while older injuries may take 5-10 sessions or more before you notice improvement, depending on your health and how well you take care of yourself between sessions. Some conditions require treatment over a period of time to completely resolve.  Commit to the frequency of treatments specified. Treatments build on each other – even if improvement seems to be slow in the beginning, the cumulative effect of acupuncture will kick in, and results will progress more quickly with additional treatment. You may feel short-term relief initially, and then the benefits stay with you progressively longer between treatments.  Waiting between sessions longer than recommended will not provide the full benefit. Treatment will be spaced out as your condition responds appropriately. When the treatment benefits hold between sessions, we can begin to change frequency.

What can I expect with first and subsequent visits? 

Your first visit will be 90 minutes, to allow enough time for me to talk with you about your objectives, and to get a health history, followed by your first treatment.  Before beginning a series of treatments, I will determine your state of health and devise a program specifically for you, based on your objectives.  This will be based on your health history, and what your current symptoms are, as well as pulse and tongue diagnosis. I am here to listen to your story about how you came to this point, as this discussion will help me to learn about the root causes of your concerns, so that I can treat you more effectively.  By getting to know you better, I can address your constitution and predisposing factors, which leads to much more lasting results than simply temporarily relieving symptoms. 

Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes, and include a review of how you have responded so far, before you settle in for another treatment.  My goal is to work in partnership with you during this process – in working toward the objectives you set for your health – to help you engage in your own healing process. The more you participate, the faster and more complete your progress will be.

Do I need to do anything special before or after my treatments?  

On the day of your treatment, do not include any intense physical exertion – you can do your usual exercise routine if you are accustomed to exercising regularly, and if it’s not too intense, but don’t start anything new on the day of your first treatment. Plan your activities so that after treatment you can get some rest and thus allow your body to gain the maximum benefit.

Wear comfortable clothes and allow yourself to relax.  Avoid having acupuncture on a completely empty stomach (don’t skip breakfast before your session).  Do not schedule any other healing session for the same day. Preferably, a day between healing sessions is best. This allows each healing to have a full day to integrate into your being. An acupuncture session continues to shift your energy for 24 hours after you leave.

How can I tell if it’s working?
Tune into your body so that you can notice any changes that may begin as your treatments progress.  You may initially feel some relief of your symptoms for a few hours or a few days, and then they may come back.  As you stay with the program, you will notice that you feel better for longer and longer periods of time.  Sometimes one or two symptoms will resolve before others – the shift to wellness is like peeling an onion – when you get past the first layer, then the next layer can resolve.  This is normal – don’t be discouraged by small changes initially.  The process accelerates as you progress.

What training and credentials do acupuncturists have?

Licensed acupuncturists (L.Ac.) in NY state must complete a minimum of a 3-year master’s professional training program, including 1725 hours of theory and 500-1000 hours of hands-on clinical practice.  The accreditation exam given by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) is accepted by NYS as proof of competency in acupuncture.  Continuing Education (CEU’s) of 60 credit hours in acupuncture and other areas of Chinese medicine are required by the NCCAOM every 4 years, to maintain active registration, which is accepted by New York to renew licensing once every 3 years.  You can check the NCCAOM website to determine whether your acupuncturist maintains a diplomate in acupuncture.  www.nccaom.org

NY state also recognizes other health care providers (physicians and dentists) as certified acupuncturists (C.A.) after completion of 300 hours of training.

Does health insurance cover acupuncture?  

Many plans are beginning to cover acupuncture, but most of them are specific about which diagnoses they cover.  You can find out from your insurance company whether your visits would be covered - I would be happy to give you a properly coded receipt so that you can seek reimbursement. Health savings plans often will reimburse for acupuncture treatments as well.  Payment is due at the time of your treatment – I accept cash or checks as forms of payment.

Are there different styles of acupuncture?

Yes, there are several different types of acupuncture, and all of them work equally well - Chinese acupuncture, Japanese acupuncture, TCM, 5-Element, etc.   Practitioners may be trained in more than one type, and even then, personal style may vary from one practitioner to another.  Some may use gentler technique, while others may feel that strong stimulation yields better results.  You can find a practitioner who resonates with you – just talk to them on the phone or ask if you might meet them in person to talk for a few minutes – you will get a sense of whether that person is right for you.

What is 5-Element acupuncture?

Chinese Medicine (5-Element tradition of acupuncture and Chinese medicine) is based on the idea that we are born with a deep innermost self –who we are meant to be--and that all illness is a result of having lost our deep connection with that identity. 5-Element treatment is designed to bring us back to harmony with our deepest self – imagine your body as a musical instrument – acupuncture or herbs that match the frequency that keeps you “humming” along will increase the strength of your body’s response, as it recognizes the true note of that acupuncture point or herbal formula.

The 5 elements or phases are simply directional movements of our ENERGY – a healthy balance of all 5 phases allows for all of them to be expressed appropriately, at the right time, and in the right circumstances – these relate to our physical well-being, as well as emotional and spiritual wellness. 

Constitution: all of us have a tendency to react to life circumstances in a particular way, based on which phases or elements are stronger in us, and which ones are weaker.  Even in good health.  The body compensates until it exhausts its ability to do so – this compensation takes a great deal of energy to maintain.  Eventually, the body can no longer keep up the energy required to keep the “status quo”, and we start to notice we tire more easily, don’t sleep as well, and begin to feel unwell.

5-Element acupuncture merely re-tunes our entire being and rebalances the phases of our energy movement, so that we can feel stronger, healthier, more vital, to live our lives at our best.

 

“Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind, and spirit.  When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.”  
B.K.S. Iyengar

 

Should I come for acupuncture even when I don’t feel sick?

Our primary focus in Chinese medicine is health, and health is easier to maintain than to regain. You do not have to have a specific illness to benefit from acupuncture. Once you are feeling better, you may want to have treatments less frequently (once a month or once a quarter) for health maintenance, so that your condition does not recur, or because you want to be healthier.  Investing in your health is the most important investment you can make.

Patients who receive regular, ongoing acupuncture treatment for health maintenance and health promotion often experience:

• Being sick less often and recovering more quickly;
• An improvement of vitality and stamina;
• The ability to take care of their own health more effectively;
• More harmonious relationships with others;
• A reduction in long-term health care costs.
   

Common Questions About Chinese Herbal Medicine:

What conditions can Chinese herbs treat?   

Chinese herbal formulas have been designed to address the same issues that acupuncture does.  The two modalities, when combined, can achieve much more powerful results than either of them alone (the effect is synergistic). Furthermore, some formulas, especially those containing adaptogenic herbs, are highly effective at promoting wellness - strengthening the immune response or regulating normal hormonal activity (adrenal, thyroid, reproductive glands, etc.), promoting better energy levels while helping you to feel well rested, and regulating the smooth flow of emotions so that you feel calmer and better able to make focus.

Because traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis is based on identifying a pattern of disharmony, herbal medicine formulas can simultaneously address multiple symptoms within the pattern, while also treating the underlying cause of the illness, and restoring normal body functions.

Are Chinese herbs safe? 

Chinese herbs are much gentler in action than prescription medications; many of them are either foods or herbs and spices that are also commonly used in cooking, such as ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, black pepper, turmeric, fennel seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, dates, and watermelon, to name a few.  Many others are the roots or leaves of plants that are found in our perennial gardens and shrubs. Herbal formulas are safe and effective when taken under supervision. One should not try to self-medicate with single herbs and should always consult an experienced herbalist before taking any Chinese herbal formulas.      

Are herbs safe to take during pregnancy?  

As a general rule, your doctor will want you to avoid taking most substances other than your prenatal vitamins. However, if you are very sick, they will often make exceptions in the interest of keeping you healthy during your pregnancy.  Chinese formulas have been designed to treat morning sickness or to prevent miscarriage – these herbs are to be used only as appropriate when specific patterns are recognized by your practitioner.  If you have severe morning sickness, talk to your practitioner to find out what you can do to keep both you and your baby safe and healthy.

What if I am taking medications from my doctor – can I still take herbs safely?

That depends on how many medications you are taking and which ones. A fully trained herbalist will know which herbs can be safely combined with your medications. Certain medications require extreme caution when taking herbs or other medications.  For example, the blood-thinner Coumadin generally should not be combined with other meds, foods, or herbs that also have blood-thinning properties, since they may interfere with the balance of your blood-clotting ability.  Another example is combining herbs with diuretic properties with a diuretic medication – the effect of the two together may be too much for your body to handle. 

It is very important, before you take herbs, that you give your herbalist a complete list of everything you are taking – prescription medication, herbs, vitamins, and other supplements – so that your herbalist can decide whether you can safely take Chinese herbs, and which ones are appropriate for you.

Are there any adverse side effects from taking herbs?

Do I have to take my herbs as a tea, or can I take them as pills?

Many of the traditional Chinese formulas are available in pill or capsule form, or powder made exactly to a predetermined recipe. They can also be made available in raw format (to be cooked before use) or in a cooked form that is evaporated, producing granules to be dissolved in water – in either case, the herbs are consumed in liquid form.  The advantage of this format is the ability to modify the formula when needed. Liquid format also has the advantage of more rapid and more complete absorption, especially in patients who have compromised digestion.  However, a custom granular formula can be made available in capsules for those who prefer this format.

How long will it take for me to know they are working?

Herbs are much more subtle in effect than prescription or OTC medications, so you may not notice right away that they are working.  Although some herbs (especially formulas for colds and flu, or for sinus congestion) are noticeably effective within a couple of hours after taking them, it could take a few days or longer to feel different, especially when a formula is addressing the reasons behind why you got sick, rather than the treating the symptoms.

“Adopt the pace of nature:  her secret is patience.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Are herbs something I take only when I’m sick, or can they be used for wellness also? 
It depends on the formula.  There are different types of formulas for you to take when you feel sick – for example,  the formula you’d take for an early-stage cold might be different than you’d take for a later stage when your symptoms are different (because Chinese medicine is based on pattern diagnosis, and the pattern would have changed).  Formulas for prevention of illness would also be different than what you’d take during an illness.  Many formulas are designed to strengthen your body so that you do not get sick as often.

I’ve read that herbs should be discontinued before surgery – is that true?

Yes, it is recommended to stop taking your herbs a week to 2 weeks prior to surgery as a precautionary measure, just to be sure that nothing interferes with anesthesia, or in the case of herbs that can thin the blood (ginseng, for example), anything that might contribute to greater blood loss during surgery.  Your surgeon may also recommend that you avoid certain foods/spices that are known to thin the blood, for a few days prior to surgery – ginger, turmeric, garlic, are examples of such foods.

What training and credentials do herbalists have?  

Prescribing herbal formulas is a rich tradition in Chinese medicine, and requires several years of study for a practitioner to become proficient.  A fully trained herbalist will often modify the original formula to address more than one therapeutic strategy at once. This is beneficial, first because the formula can be tailored to the individual patient, and second because it can address changing symptoms as the patient’s condition progresses toward a more healthy balance. I am fully trained in Chinese herbal medicine (3 years at the graduate level, plus ongoing postgraduate study) – some acupuncturists choose to study acupuncture only. Choose someone who has NCCAOM certification in Chinese Herbology, as they will have passed minimum requirements for the national exam in Chinese herbal medicine.  You can check the NCCAOM website to determine whether your acupuncturist maintains a diplomate in herbology.  www.nccaom.org
 

“May the sun bring you new energy by day;  May the moon softly restore you by night. 

May the rain wash away your worries; May the breeze blow new strength into your being.

May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.”

Apache blessing