Acupuncture
The origin of acupuncture can be traced back to ancient China from around 100 BC. The techniques and treatment protocols in acupuncture have been modified and refined over centuries by many well known practitioners. Its effectiveness, if used correctly, has been proven over the past centuries as well. Today, acupuncture is used by many practitioners all over the world to alleviate pain and prevent illnesses, which leads to a more balanced and healthy lifestyle.
HOW ACUPUNCTURE WORKS
About Acupuncture
From a Western medicine perspective, acupuncture treatments have been clinically proven to trigger the central nervous systems to release endorphins, which are pain-relieving chemicals to help reduce stress and eliminate the recurring pain cycle. The increase in blood flow to the painful areas will also break the cycle of muscle spasms, decrease the build-up of scar tissue, and help to accelerate the healing process. From Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, pain is the result of stagnation or blockage of Qi (vital energy). Qi and blood travel through different meridians in the body to nourish the muscles, tissues, and organs. When the Qi is blocked, then pain along with other adverse symptoms (depending on where the blockage is) will occur. Acupuncture improves circulation and removes these blockages to relieve pain and restore balance.
FAQS ABOUT OUR acupuncture services
What you can expect as a patient
In our clinic, we typically use acupuncture to treat two (2) categories of illnesses: external illness and internal illness. External illnesses include all the external injuries or pain conditions, such as neck pain, back pain, knee pain, etc. Internal illnesses include conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, depression, cold/flu, cough, irritable bowel syndrome, infertility, bell's palsy, etc. Through understanding the history of the patient, taking the pulse, and observing the tongue, we determine the cause of the imbalance or illness. Then, we insert acupuncture needles into different points on the meridians and/or local ashi or pain points to replenish deficiencies, expel the excesses, increase blood circulation, reduce pain and inflammation, and speed up the recovery time. Besides using acupuncture, we also perform Tui Na or manual therapy in the area of pain to further relax muscle spasms.
Do you reuse the acupuncture needles?
All the needles are one time use only. All the needles are disposed of in the sharps container after each use. Historically, acupuncturists in the past did carry their own set of acupuncture needles; they then cleaned the needles in between patients. But, in the United States, there are rules that only allow one time use for the needles.
Do you take insurance? Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Dr. Crystal at the Westmont office does take insurance. Most insurance plans do not cover acupuncture, but some insurance plans do. This would depend on each patient’s individual plan. We can check your coverage information. Master Sheng-Li Wang does not take insurance, however, he can provide receipts for you to get reimbursement from the insurance company if it is a covered service.
How often should I get acupuncture?
The frequency of acupuncture treatments depends on each patient’s specific health concerns, severity, and treatment goals. Typically, a course of treatment involves 2-3 sessions per week initially, and then the frequency will decrease over time as the conditions improve.
