If you have any questions not listed below please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
GENERAL
Q. I am terrified of needles! Is acupuncture painful?
A. I use very fine, solid, high grade surgical stainless steel acupuncture needles which are about the thickness of a human hair to stimulate the acupuncture points. These needles are single-use and sterile. Most people find acupuncture generally painless and deeply relaxing.
Q. Will acupuncture work even if I don’t believe in it?
A. Yes. It has been my experience that one does not need to believe in acupuncture in order for it to work. In fact, there is a significant amount of evidence-based research out there that supports the efficacy of acupuncture. However, like most things in life, it is best to go into a situation with a positive and open mind; you will achieve faster and stronger results if you are fully engaged in your treatment.
Q.Do you take insurance?
A. No, we don’t take insurance, but I would be happy to write you up a Superbill which you can then submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Q.How long is each session?
A. The first session is 90 minutes, and following sessions are 60 minutes unless there is a request for further services, such as massage therapy.
Q.How many acupuncture treatments will I need before I can see results?
A. I really don’t have an umbrella answer for this question. Some conditions that have arisen over a course of many years will be relieved only with slow, steady progress. It has been my experience that after four to six treatments one should feel improvement in their condition. However, quite often people report an improvement after the first treatment. As with any form of healing, the patient’s attitude, diet, lifestyle, and dedication will largely affect the outcome of treatment.
Q.Where are you located?
A. We are located in Midtown Sacramento at 1809 19th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
Visit our Contact Us page for interactive maps to our locations.
HERBS
Q. Are Chinese herbs safe?
A.We only use high-grade, non-sulfured herbs in our herbal prescriptions. Since herbs have a balancing or regulating effect on the body, they are gentler than pharmaceutical drugs. It is possible to have side effects from herbs, but they are usually minor. The most common problem one may have is gas and bloating due to difficulty digesting the herbs. If this or any other problem occurs, we may change your formula. Also, we keep up-to-date on any possible herb/drug interactions.
Q. How are the herbs administered?
A. It really depends on your condition. I may prescribe herbs as a tea, a tincture, granules, or tablets. Although the taste is sometimes bitter, most people find this acceptable given the health benefits.
Q. Can I just come in for an herbal consultation without an acupuncture treatment?
A. Yes, I will happily give anyone a consultation and order herbs that will benefit their condition. A consultation is typically 30 minutes in length.
FERTILITY
Q. Can acupuncture help those who are trying to conceive naturally?
A. Absolutely. In my experience, acupuncture can be very effective for women who are trying to conceive naturally. The patient’s specific heath issues, lifestyle, and constitution do play a large part in the frequency and number of treatments. Acupuncture and herbs are a great place to start with fertility management before opting for more expensive and invasive fertility techniques, and can also play a supportive role alongside other methods.
Q. Do you prescribe herbs for infertility?
A. Yes. Herbs, in combination with acupuncture, can significantly benefit your chances of conception and a successful pregnancy. However, I am very cautious of herb-drug interactions and realize that herbs might not be for everyone. In these cases, the focus would be on the use of acupuncture, massage, and diet and lifestyle changes.
Q. Can acupuncture help me after I become pregnant?
A. Yes. Acupuncture is a beneficial and drug-free alternative for a whole array of unwanted symptoms that arise with pregnancy. I also find it is beneficial to receive regular acupuncture treatments in the first trimester if you have a history of miscarriage or have had difficulties getting pregnant.
Q. Can acupuncture help someone over the age of 40 who is having difficulty getting pregnant?
A. Yes, acupuncture and herbs can help to mitigate the effects aging can have on a woman’s reproductive system. However, acupuncture cannot help if a woman has already reached menopause.
Q. How often should I receive treatments to increase my chances of becoming pregnant?
A. There is no single answer to this question. The length, frequency, and effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for fertility support depends on the patient’s specific health issues, lifestyle factors, and constitution. Typically, I create a schedule based around your menstrual cycle that will optimize the effectiveness of your treatments.
Q. I am having difficulty becoming pregnant due to a thin uterine lining. Can acupuncture help?
A. Yes, acupuncture and herbs are extremely effective in preparing the uterus for pregnancy. Acupuncture can be used to help increase blood flow to the uterus and regulate hormone levels. This is useful for all woman trying to conceive.
Q. I am having difficulty becoming pregnant due to PCOS. Can acupuncture help?
A. Yes. For women who have been diagnosed with PCOS, acupuncture and herbs help to treat the root cause(s) of the PCOS-related fertility challenge. Treatment is focused on balancing and regulating hormones related to PCOS, increasing circulation to the uterus and ovaries, as well as address any pain, such as low back pain, that is commonly associated with PCOS. The overall goal for these patients is more regular menstruation, less pain, and increased fertility.
Q. I am having difficulty becoming pregnant due to endometriosis. Can acupuncture help?
A. Yes. Fertility challenges that arise due to endometriosis are from endometrium-like tissue growth on the ovaries, connecting ligaments, and blood vessels. These tissue growths can restrict blood flow to the reproductive organs and can cause tremendous pain and discomfort. The goal of treatment would be to address the root cause of the endometriosis, improving blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, and to reduce any associated pain and discomfort.
Q. I am having difficulty becoming pregnant due to a blocked fallopian tube. Can acupuncture help?
A. This really depends on the cause of the blockage. A blockage due to chronic inflammation or scarring can take several months or even years to be treated effectively. However, if there is no physical blockage of the tube but rather a decrease in the tube diameter due to stress or cramping, then acupuncture will have a much stronger and more immediate effect.
Q. I am having difficulty becoming pregnant due to poor egg quality. Can acupuncture help?
A. Yes, this is a very common issue when it comes to fertility challenges. Typically, in this case the root cause is poor circulation to the ovaries. The goal of treatment is to increase circulation to the ovaries and support any constitutional imbalances the woman may have.
Q. I am having difficulty becoming pregnant due to high FSH. Can acupuncture help?
A. Yes. There are many causes of high FSH, however, it is typically attributed to age and the natural decline of ovarian function. Again, the focus of this treatment is to improve circulation to the uterus and ovaries, and to regulate hormone levels with the use of acupuncture and herbs.
Q. When should I start acupuncture if I am undergoing IVF?
A. For your first IVF cycle I recommend you start at least a month prior to embryo transfer. With one or two sessions per week, we can help you prepare your body for pregnancy. If this is not your first IVF cycle and your previous IVF cycles have failed, I highly recommend that you come in as early as possible before undergoing another cycle so that we can better support your overall constitutional needs and increase your chances of successful conception.
Q. Can acupuncture help even if I am taking fertility medication?
A. Yes. The combination of acupuncture and medication can achieve results that cannot be matched by either one alone. Acupuncture can help increase the effectiveness of the drugs while helping to address their side-effects.