Q: How old is acupuncture and Chinese medicine?
A: At least 5,000 years old!
Q: Can acupuncture help me?
A: While Westerners are most familiar with the use of acupuncture for pain control and anesthesia, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can also be effective in treating a wide variety of conditions. The Sage Acupuncture practitioners have long and rich clinical experience helping patients in both China and the United States. Patients always get help and have good experience from practitioners in our clinic.
Q: How will I know it works?
A: Often, you may notice a reduction in adverse symptoms. You may experience a change in your activity, energy, mood and feeling of well-being. Some changes may be subtle; others dramatic. Expect good things…
Q: Will I have to take any herbs?
A: Your practitioners may prescribe some herbs that would enhance the treatment and help to build the energetic force of your body. This enables your body to return to harmony and balance. Combining the herbs with acupuncture can strengthen the therapeutic effects.
Q: Do I need to bring anything with me for my first visit?
A: You can bring your recent tests if you like. You also can fill out the new patient intake forms before your visit and bring them with you.
Q: How do I prepare for the treatment?
A: Not really. But you are not be hungry when you come for your treatment. Your energy help you heal.
Q: How long does an appointment last?
A: It depends on your condition and the treatment plan. Acupuncture treatment takes about 50-90 minutes. Herbal treatment is slightly shorter, about 45 minutes. As a new patient, you should be aware that your first treatment, with its careful diagnosis and interview process, may take as long as 120 minutes.
Q: Are they any side effects to the treatments?
A: The treatments will give you a sense of relaxation, and generally help you feel energized. Occasionally, a patient might feel tired after a treatment. Feel free to share this, or any other changes you have noticed, with our practitioners at your next visit. You may also notice some slight redness or swelling at the site where the needles were placed. This is normal and you don’t need to be concerned.
Q: How many treatments will need?
A: To be effective, acupuncture requires a series of several, regularly scheduled treatments. Usually one or two treatments per week, but that depends on the duration and severity of your condition. Many conditions can be alleviated very rapidly with acupuncture and herbal treatment. Chronic illnesses may require treatment for several weeks, months or even years. Acute problems generally respond much faster. As in any form of medical care, the patient’s attitude, determination, and lifestyle will affect the outcome and course of treatment.
Q: How much will it cost?
Fees are set at community standards and payment is expected at the time of service. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted. We just collect standard co-payment if you have health insurance which covers acupuncture treatment.
Q: What can I expect from my first treatment?
A: After comprehensive consultation, our clinical practitioners will decide how to best treat your condition. Acupuncture and/or herbal formulas are the usual treatment. Additional methods may be considered necessary. If so, we will explain these to you as needed.
Q: What kind of questions will I be asked in the consultation?
A: The diagnostic process of Chinese medicine uses skills and techniques with which you may be unfamiliar. Careful visual inspection of the tongue, and detailed reading of wrist pulses are two examples of highly developed diagnostic arts in traditional Chinese medicine which allow the practitioner to understand many aspects of your physiological processes. Even the type of questions asked by your practitioner may be a new experience for you. However, you can be assured that each question is asked, and each diagnostic step performed, to gain important insights and perspectives, and to help determine the best therapeutic approach for you as a unique individual. The commonly asked questions include your sleep, appetite, energy level, and many other various questions relating your daily life and life style.
Q: Will my medical records be kept confidential?
A: Yes. Our practitioners and staff adhere to the strictest confidentiality requirements.
Q: What is the good time to take Chinese herbs?
A: Generally, the best time to take Chinese herbs is half an hour to one hour before meals. Herbs for tonifying and killing worms should be taken on an empty stomach. Herbal formulas with pungent and bitter herbs and with potential to irritate the gastrointestinal tract should be taken after meals. Herbal formulas with sedative or calming functions should be taken before sleep. Herbal formulas for critical and emergent conditions may be taken at a draught or even several doses a day.
Q: Are acupuncture needles sterile and safe to use?
A: Yes. For your safety, our practitioners use pre-sterilized and disposable acupuncture needles exclusively. Pre-sterilized acupuncture needles are manufactured, packaged, and shipped in sterilized containers to ensure compliance with strict sterilization requirements.
Q: Do all acupuncturists work the same way?
A: There are many different acupuncture points, point combinations, needling techniques, and most importantly so many different patterns of diseases. Different acupuncturists work differently. Even the same acupuncturist working with the same patient at a different time may work differently. But all treatment’s goal is the same: to return free and smooth flow of Qi, regain equilibrium between Yin and Yang, and restore harmonious and healthy functioning of patient’s body, mind and spirit.
Q: Is acupuncture treatment painful?
A: Acupuncture needles are very fine, 0.12 mm to 0.35 mm in diameter. There should be very little or no discomfort with needle insertion. Most patients are surprised to find acupuncture treatment is a pleasant and very relaxing experience. Some patients even fall asleep during treatment.
Q: What does “arrival of Qi” during acupuncture treatment mean?
A: You may feel different sensations when the needles are in place, such as tingling, distention, heaviness, numbness, a cold or a warm feeling. Effective treatments will create sensations. These are normal sensations. It means your body has some responses to the treatment.
Q: What is the acupuncture treatment procedure?
A: Acupuncture is usually administered with the patient laying comfortably either face-down or face-up on the treatment table. For the treatment itself, you will be asked to change into a provided gown. If you should experience any undue discomfort, please be sure to let your practitioner know immediately. After the needles are inserted, you will rest quietly for twenty to forty minutes, depending upon your condition. During this time, it is common for your acupuncturist to leave you resting alone in your room, periodically returning to check on your treatment.
Q: Is there scientific proof that indicates acupuncture works?
A: Much research has been done to determine the efficacy of acupuncture. Acupuncture has proven effective for pain relief, improving immune function, regulating the endocrine system, and regulating various other systems of the body, such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes over two hundred common clinical diseases that can be treated effectively with acupuncture. Chinese medical doctors have reported approximately 1,000 diseases that can be treated with acupuncture.
Research has shown that acupuncture releases endorphins, serotonin, and endogenous morphine-like substances. This explains how acupuncture can help with pain and have an analgesic effect. Acupuncture promotes nerve regeneration, which is why it can be used effectively for stroke and Alzheimer’s. Cancer and diseases of immune deficiency, such as AIDS, can be treated with acupuncture because of its ability to regulate T-lymphocyte levels and enhance the immune function. Research has confirmed that acupuncture triggers the release of hormones which allows it to effectively treat menopause, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. Acupuncture has been shown to regulate blood flow, allowing it to treat hypertension and coronary heart disease.
A: At least 5,000 years old!
Q: Can acupuncture help me?
A: While Westerners are most familiar with the use of acupuncture for pain control and anesthesia, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can also be effective in treating a wide variety of conditions. The Sage Acupuncture practitioners have long and rich clinical experience helping patients in both China and the United States. Patients always get help and have good experience from practitioners in our clinic.
Q: How will I know it works?
A: Often, you may notice a reduction in adverse symptoms. You may experience a change in your activity, energy, mood and feeling of well-being. Some changes may be subtle; others dramatic. Expect good things…
Q: Will I have to take any herbs?
A: Your practitioners may prescribe some herbs that would enhance the treatment and help to build the energetic force of your body. This enables your body to return to harmony and balance. Combining the herbs with acupuncture can strengthen the therapeutic effects.
Q: Do I need to bring anything with me for my first visit?
A: You can bring your recent tests if you like. You also can fill out the new patient intake forms before your visit and bring them with you.
Q: How do I prepare for the treatment?
A: Not really. But you are not be hungry when you come for your treatment. Your energy help you heal.
Q: How long does an appointment last?
A: It depends on your condition and the treatment plan. Acupuncture treatment takes about 50-90 minutes. Herbal treatment is slightly shorter, about 45 minutes. As a new patient, you should be aware that your first treatment, with its careful diagnosis and interview process, may take as long as 120 minutes.
Q: Are they any side effects to the treatments?
A: The treatments will give you a sense of relaxation, and generally help you feel energized. Occasionally, a patient might feel tired after a treatment. Feel free to share this, or any other changes you have noticed, with our practitioners at your next visit. You may also notice some slight redness or swelling at the site where the needles were placed. This is normal and you don’t need to be concerned.
Q: How many treatments will need?
A: To be effective, acupuncture requires a series of several, regularly scheduled treatments. Usually one or two treatments per week, but that depends on the duration and severity of your condition. Many conditions can be alleviated very rapidly with acupuncture and herbal treatment. Chronic illnesses may require treatment for several weeks, months or even years. Acute problems generally respond much faster. As in any form of medical care, the patient’s attitude, determination, and lifestyle will affect the outcome and course of treatment.
Q: How much will it cost?
Fees are set at community standards and payment is expected at the time of service. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted. We just collect standard co-payment if you have health insurance which covers acupuncture treatment.
Q: What can I expect from my first treatment?
A: After comprehensive consultation, our clinical practitioners will decide how to best treat your condition. Acupuncture and/or herbal formulas are the usual treatment. Additional methods may be considered necessary. If so, we will explain these to you as needed.
Q: What kind of questions will I be asked in the consultation?
A: The diagnostic process of Chinese medicine uses skills and techniques with which you may be unfamiliar. Careful visual inspection of the tongue, and detailed reading of wrist pulses are two examples of highly developed diagnostic arts in traditional Chinese medicine which allow the practitioner to understand many aspects of your physiological processes. Even the type of questions asked by your practitioner may be a new experience for you. However, you can be assured that each question is asked, and each diagnostic step performed, to gain important insights and perspectives, and to help determine the best therapeutic approach for you as a unique individual. The commonly asked questions include your sleep, appetite, energy level, and many other various questions relating your daily life and life style.
Q: Will my medical records be kept confidential?
A: Yes. Our practitioners and staff adhere to the strictest confidentiality requirements.
Q: What is the good time to take Chinese herbs?
A: Generally, the best time to take Chinese herbs is half an hour to one hour before meals. Herbs for tonifying and killing worms should be taken on an empty stomach. Herbal formulas with pungent and bitter herbs and with potential to irritate the gastrointestinal tract should be taken after meals. Herbal formulas with sedative or calming functions should be taken before sleep. Herbal formulas for critical and emergent conditions may be taken at a draught or even several doses a day.
Q: Are acupuncture needles sterile and safe to use?
A: Yes. For your safety, our practitioners use pre-sterilized and disposable acupuncture needles exclusively. Pre-sterilized acupuncture needles are manufactured, packaged, and shipped in sterilized containers to ensure compliance with strict sterilization requirements.
Q: Do all acupuncturists work the same way?
A: There are many different acupuncture points, point combinations, needling techniques, and most importantly so many different patterns of diseases. Different acupuncturists work differently. Even the same acupuncturist working with the same patient at a different time may work differently. But all treatment’s goal is the same: to return free and smooth flow of Qi, regain equilibrium between Yin and Yang, and restore harmonious and healthy functioning of patient’s body, mind and spirit.
Q: Is acupuncture treatment painful?
A: Acupuncture needles are very fine, 0.12 mm to 0.35 mm in diameter. There should be very little or no discomfort with needle insertion. Most patients are surprised to find acupuncture treatment is a pleasant and very relaxing experience. Some patients even fall asleep during treatment.
Q: What does “arrival of Qi” during acupuncture treatment mean?
A: You may feel different sensations when the needles are in place, such as tingling, distention, heaviness, numbness, a cold or a warm feeling. Effective treatments will create sensations. These are normal sensations. It means your body has some responses to the treatment.
Q: What is the acupuncture treatment procedure?
A: Acupuncture is usually administered with the patient laying comfortably either face-down or face-up on the treatment table. For the treatment itself, you will be asked to change into a provided gown. If you should experience any undue discomfort, please be sure to let your practitioner know immediately. After the needles are inserted, you will rest quietly for twenty to forty minutes, depending upon your condition. During this time, it is common for your acupuncturist to leave you resting alone in your room, periodically returning to check on your treatment.
Q: Is there scientific proof that indicates acupuncture works?
A: Much research has been done to determine the efficacy of acupuncture. Acupuncture has proven effective for pain relief, improving immune function, regulating the endocrine system, and regulating various other systems of the body, such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes over two hundred common clinical diseases that can be treated effectively with acupuncture. Chinese medical doctors have reported approximately 1,000 diseases that can be treated with acupuncture.
Research has shown that acupuncture releases endorphins, serotonin, and endogenous morphine-like substances. This explains how acupuncture can help with pain and have an analgesic effect. Acupuncture promotes nerve regeneration, which is why it can be used effectively for stroke and Alzheimer’s. Cancer and diseases of immune deficiency, such as AIDS, can be treated with acupuncture because of its ability to regulate T-lymphocyte levels and enhance the immune function. Research has confirmed that acupuncture triggers the release of hormones which allows it to effectively treat menopause, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. Acupuncture has been shown to regulate blood flow, allowing it to treat hypertension and coronary heart disease.