What is Acupuncture?
     Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that can be traced back to at least 2,500 years in China. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this non invasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people to get well and stay healthy.
     An acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body. It is a time-tested, safe, natural and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.

What is Qi and how does it relate to acupuncture?
     Qi (pronounced "chee") is the energy that circulates throughout the body. It circulates through a series of pathways called meridians. When Qi flows freely through the body, one enjoys good health mentally and physically. However, when the disruption of Qi occurs, illness, pain, or disease can set in. Some of the factors that disrupts the flow of Qi are: stress, lack of exercise, over working, seasonal changes, diet, accidents, physical and emotional trauma.
      Acupuncture works directly with Qi by placing needles at specific points on meridians. Treatment is effective in removing energy obstructions and restoring the balance of Qi.

What will my acupuncturist do?
     During the initial exam, a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health, and lifestyle. The acupuncturist may also check pulses and your tongue and may conduct a physical exam. This information is then organized to create a complete accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked or imbalanced.

Why does an acupuncturist want to feel my pulses and look at my tongue?
     There are 12 pulse positions on each wrist that the acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ. The acupuncturist will be looking for 27 individual qualities that reflect overall heath. If there are any problems, they may appear in the pulse.
     The tongue is a map of the body. It reflects the general health of the organs and meridians. The acupuncturist will look at the color, shape, cracks, and coating on your tongue.

What should I expect during treatment?
     Where the acupuncture needle has been inserted, you may experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling or dull ache, Some times people experience a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needle. This is called the “Qi sensation”. Al these reactions are good and a sign that the treatment or may experience a deep sense of relaxation and well–being.

What should I do before and after the treatment?

• Eat first before the treatment
• Come with any questions you have.
  Dr. Zhang is an experienced acupuncturist and she is here to help you.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
• Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
• Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.

Do the needles hurt?
     The sensation cause by an acupuncture needle varies. The needles are hairlike-thin. Some people feel a little pain as the needles are inserted, but most people feel no pain at all. You may also experience a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needle.

How safe is acupuncture?
     Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all natural, drug free therapy, yielding no side effects except feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.

Is Acupuncture safe for children?
     Yes. In some cases, children actually respond more quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles the acupunctrist may massage the acupuncture points. This is called acupressure or tuina.

What is cupping?
     Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. The acupuncturist places small glass or plastic cups over specific areas on your body, and a vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction. They may be moved over an affected area or left in place. It may leave some slight redness on the skin but it will quickly dissipate.

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What is Gwa Sha?
     Gwa Sha is another technique used to release muscle tension. A specialized tool is used to gently scrape or tub the skin over a problem area. Gwa Sha feels a bit like deep massage. This too may leave some silght redness that will quickly dissipate.

What is Moxibustion?
     Moxibustion is a treatment that uses an herb called mugwort. It may be burned on the handle of the needle, above the skin, on salt or a slice of ginger. This is used to warm acupuncture point or area in order to quicken the healing process.