FAQs
Acupuncture
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Non-decocted Herbal medicine granules
Electro Stimulation
Cupping
Moxibustion
Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. As a holistic system, this medicine treats the whole person. chinese figure illustrating meridiansTreatment addresses not only the presenting symptoms, but also the underlying constitution or condition responsible for these symptoms to develop. This system has been refined over the course of 4,000 years, and it has been combined with conventional medicine to provide maximum benefit to the patient. Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. Fine acupuncture needles stimulating the energy pathways (meridians), re-establish the delicate body balance by regulating the body's enzymes, hormones, blood and energy channels. Recently, electromagnetic research has confirmed acupoint locations.
When is acupuncture used?
Acupuncture is known as an effective treatment for the relief of pain. It benefits chronic and degenerative disorders by improving body functions. Many patients seek acupuncture as a last resort after they have exhausted conventional remedies. Patients could be self-referred or referred by physicians and others who are knowledgeable about the favorable results of acupuncture. Acupuncture and Chinese herbology is effective in improving many health conditions.
What conditions will benefit from acupuncture treatment?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as a treatment for over 43 commonly encountered clinical disorders including allergies, asthma, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, colds and Flu, constipation, depression, gynecological disorders, headache, heart problems, infertility, insomnia, pre-menstrual syndrome, sciatica, sport injuries, tendonitis and stress. Pain control, gynecological problems, physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions are among the most common applications. Also, acupuncture is commonly used in this country for detoxification and drug-abuse problems.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Very fine, sterile and disposable, stainless needles are inserted into the skin and muscles to varying depths. Most patients find insertion of needles is painless. A feeling of the "Qi" (flow of energy) is often experienced. How this "feels" will be different for every person. Many describe the feeling of the Qi as distention, pressure, heaviness, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian or energy pathway. The feeling of the Qi indicates a desired effect. Needles are left in place for 15-40 minutes, depending on the condition being treated.
Are there any side effects to the treatment?
Usually not. Occasionally, the original symptoms may worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. However, these should not cause concern, as they are well tolerated by majority of the patients and most of the time simply indicate that acupuncture is beginning to work.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of the treatments depends on the nature of illness/syndrome, duration, and severity. One or two treatments per week is suggested. A course of treatment typically consists of 10-15 visits. Some conditions respond with fewer treatments, and others will need more time. Some chronic degenerative conditions may require a long course of acupuncture to consolidate the treatment effect.
Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture treatment?
The following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from the treatment:
1.Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the possibility of bacterial infection.
2.Wear loose clothing. Women should not wear one-piece dresses. Avoid wearing tight stockings
3.Avoid the following conditions before treatment: excessive fatigue, hunger, fullness, weakness, emotional stress or upset, severe thirst, sweating, bleeding or diarrhea, shortly after sex or strenuous exercise.
Is Acupuncture covered by Insurance?
Most automobile and workman's comp. insurance, and some health insurance companies currently cover acupuncture costs. Each policy should be reviewed individually to determine acupuncture benefits. We take insurances that cover acupuncture services.
Are acupuncture needles safe?
Here at HerbZhang, all of our acupuncture practitioners use needles that are pre-sterilized, pre-packaged, and disposable. Each needle is used only one time and deposited in a hard plastic bio-hazard container, to ensure safe disposal.
Why does my acupuncturist look at my tongue or palpate my abdomen?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine the inspection of the tongue and palpation of the abdomen are very important in helping your acupuncturist to properly diagnose your condition. In tongue diagnosis, different areas of the tongue relate to various organ systems in the body. The color, coating, shape and texture of these areas of the tongue yield information about the state of your health. The tongue shows the depth and nature of an imbalance. For example, a yellow coating indicates internal heat, so appropriate points would be chosen to clear the heat. Practitioners also use the tongue as a measurement tool to gauge the progress of a disorder. Like the tongue, different parts of the abdomen pertain to different internal body functions. Detecting tension in different areas of the abdomen allow a practitioner to correctly choose the appropriate treatment points. Prior to an acupuncture appointment, it is important not to eat or drink anything that will discolor the tongue and give a misleading impression to the practitioner.
How does acupuncture work?
According to Chinese medicine theory, acupuncture works primarily by promoting the free movement of energy, which acts to balance and harmonize the body. Western scientific research has shown that acupuncture causes the production of the morphine-like pain suppressing molecules in the body called endorphins. However, acupuncture is used for many other conditions besides pain. More recent research has provided explanations for how this works. These studies have shown that when an acupuncture needle is inserted into the body, specific regions of the brain are activated. This brain activation then allows regulation of other systems in the body primarily through the modulation of molecules such as neurotransmitters and hormones. Collectively scientific research has shown that acupuncture can modulate all the primary systems in the body including the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. Current research is aimed at understanding exactly how this happens, and the nature and specific usage of the various acupuncture points for different medical conditions.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Chinese herbs have served as the foundation for "Traditional Chinese Medicine" (TCM) for more than 5,000 years. The fundamental idea of living in harmony with nature and the environment forms the basis for the use of Chinese herbs as well as the traditional Chinese approach to health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is very different from the Western scientific approach. Chinese medical experts promote a healthful balance of yin and yang – two forces present in all of nature. When yin or yang forces are off-balance in the body or spirit, health problems arise. Chinese herbs and herbal remedies are used to help realign an individual’s yin or yang balance in order to improve overall well-being. Chinese herbal formulas work in harmony to produce the desired effects in a person’s body. These ingredients are primarily of plant origin, and may include roots, bark, seeds, flowers, and leaves.
What is an herbal prescription?
Rarely does Chinese herbal medicine use only one herb to restore health. Usually, the herbs are combined into formulas or prescriptions that are composed of several herbs. A typical formula may have an average of ten different herbs. The process of combining herbs allows the herbalist to customize a formula that is specific to your particular needs. This ability to tailor a formula to meet the needs of a particular client is one of the unique benefits of Chinese herbal medicine. Herbal prescriptions can come in various forms – pills, capsules, powders, tinctures and raw herbs that you boil at home. At HerbZhang, we use granules that you add to water and drink. These methods of administrating herbs ensure convenience as well as effectiveness.
What are the herbs used in Chinese Medicine?
Chinese Medicine’s pharmacopoeia contains thousands of substances derived from plants, animals and minerals. A typical Chinese Herbal pharmacy in the United States will have about two to three hundred different herbs that are used to combine into formulas. The vast majority of the herbs are derived from the various parts of plants (roots, leaves, stem, bark, etc.). Some are derived from animals such as oyster shells and others are minerals found in nature such as talcum. Many of the herbs are common in a typical home kitchen. For instance, cinnamon, ginger, scallions, cloves, orange peels and licorice are all commonly used herbs in Chinese formulas.
Is it safe to take herbs with prescription drugs?
Yes, in certain instances, depending on the drugs and the herbs that are involved.While drug/herbal safety is addressed on a case by case basis, there are general principles that are followed. Certain classes of herbs are to be avoided with certain classes of drugs. For instance, herbs known as blood moving are to be avoided with blood thinning drugs such as coumadin, because their similar effects could create too strong of an effect. We at HerbZhang are conservative when recommending herbs to patients taking prescription drugs. If there is any reason to suspect a negative drug/herb interaction, we will forego prescribing herbs and address the patient’s health condition in other ways, such as acupuncture, and dietary counseling.
What do herbs consist of? Are they all vegetable in origin?
Chinese herbs are vegetable, animal, and minerals. The majority of Chinese herbs are vegetable based such as foods, fruits, roots, berries, leaves, flowers, stems, rhizomes, and barks are some of the many vegetable parts used.
How are Chinese herbs taken?
We prescribe herbs in granular form. Granule herbs are mixed with a small amount of warm water.
Do Chinese herbs have side effects?
No, not if the formula has been chosen and written correctly. Most of the Chinese herbs used have very low toxicity compared to even common, over-the-counter Western drugs. When they are prescribed according to correct TCM pattern diagnosis, they should have virtually no side effects, only beneficial healing results.
Can pregnant women use Chinese herbs?
Yes, if prescribed by a professional TCM practitioner, Chinese herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years to treat many diseases and symptoms that arise during pregnancy without harm to the fetus. As well, lactating mothers can take Chinese herbal medicine safely as long as they are prescribed by a certified Chinese medicine herbalist.
Can children take Chinese herbal medicine?
Yes, pediatrics is a specialty within TCM and children have to be given reduced doses. There are specially prepared pediatric medicines in pill and granular form. Chinese medicine can treat colic, teething issues, earache, diarrhea, and fever in babies and children.
How long does it take to see results with Chinese herbal medicine?
In acute cases, some results can be seen the same day the formula is taken. In chronic conditions, results should begin to be seen within 2-3 weeks. Although many chronic conditions may require taking Chinese herbal medicine for a longer period of time, signs should be apparent to you and the practitioner from the initial stages of treatment.
How do I know if a practitioner is professionally trained in Chinese herbal medicine?
The National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) has created a certification process for Chinese herbal medicine. Practitioners who have passed this certification process are entitled to add the abbreviation Dipl. C.H. for Diplomate of Chinese Herbal Medicine after their name. A prospective patient should feel free to ask about the training and credentials of the practitioner.
How does traditional Chinese medicine work?
Its inherent principle is balance. Chinese medicine relies upon a unique system that promotes synergism in the body for health and wellness. It works in many ways, on many different levels, and takes into consideration the physical and mental-emotional aspects of an individual. It strengthens the body when weak, and also supports the whole person to maintain health and wellness.
How effective is Chinese medicine?
Chinese medicine is most effective when incorporated on a daily basis. It is through a consistent and cumulative process that the body begins to respond to therapeutic care. Our practice recognizes that you are more than your condition and we don’t just want you to feel better today- but for years to come.
How does Chinese herbal medicine support the healing process?
Our daily health and lifestyle is greatly influenced by habits, diet and routines. Simply put, Chinese medicine is restorative and promotes balance to the mind and body to break the cycles of stress that cause pain, imbalance and disease. Chinese herbal medicine recognizes the value of combining herbs to activate the actions of other botanicals to yield greater therapeutic potency. Unique herbal formulations are designed to focus on the individual aspects of a person’s physical and emotional terrain. It is this adaptability and flexibility that makes Chinese herbal medicine so effective in modern day, busy lifestyles. Ultimately, Chinese herbs aim to harmonize and strengthen the body's foundation and resilience when up against stress and disease.
Can I take Chinese herbs with other medications?
Research has discovered few legitimate herb-drug interactions. Rest assured our herbalists are extensively trained and remain up to date on new findings in scientific studies that examine potential benefits or risks in taking herbal supplements with prescriptions or over the counter medications.
Are there any medications I shouldn't take with the herbs?
There are several contraindications in prescribing Chinese herbs with pharmaceuticals. We collect your list of medications and review them with you in order to avoid negative interactions or outcomes when prescribing.
Do I take them with food or away from food?
Typically you want to take Chinese herbs on an empty stomach. We often recommend thirty minutes before a meal or 1-2 hours after. This improves absorption in the body. In the rare event that your stomach is bothered when doing this, you can take the supplements with a small amount of food or even with a cup of almond or coconut milk.
Is it ?
Yes, in certain instances, depending on
Is it ?
Yes, in certain instances, depending on