Frequently Asked Questions

• It is incumbent for the patient to check on their health insurance benefits before scheduling a service.
• HSA and FSA are accepted.
• I am considered out-of-network for health insurance.
• It is my understanding Medicare basic coverage in CA does not cover stand-alone Acupuncture services unless under the supervision of a physician. 
• Superbills can be available on request. 

Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this non-invasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy.

An acupuncturist will place fine, sterile, single-use needles at specific acupoints on the body. This activates the body’s energy and promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity, and physical and emotional health. It also can improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.

Here is a common scenario in the TCM clinic: Patient comes in for an initial consult and is asked what made them seek treatment. They answer that they have high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. The TCM therapist is, however, more interested in how these diagnoses affect the patient in their daily life. The patient will be asked a series of questions about their health in all aspects, including: sleep patterns, bowel movements, diet, emotions, etc. The pulses on the wrist will be assessed for its various qualities (not just bpm), as well as the tongue will be examined for color, coat and much more. Patients might not understand why the examination is as thorough as it is or why we speak of Qi, Yin and Yang but one must understand that the methodology used is key in helping us form a complete medical picture of the individual. TCM treats the whole person, not just the disease or disorder. 

Visceral Manipulation (VM) and Quantum Alignment Technique (QAT):

The purpose of VM and QAT is to re-create, harmonize, and increase proprioceptive communication in the body to enhance its internal mechanism for better health, thereby revitalizing a person, and relieving symptoms of pain, dysfunction, and poor posture. These methods aim to treat a person's functional and structural imbalances with an aim to affect their musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive, and lymphatic dysfunction; as well as mental/emotional/spiritual. Both are best suited for complex medical diagnosis’ and have the possibilities of continued self-treatment.

How they differ in treatment: VM is best used as an adjunct in a regular acupuncture or massage treatment and is a manual modality, whereas QAT can be used by itself as a thorough scan to understand the most inner workings of a person’s body and emotional field. VM has its roots in Osteopathy and is used mostly as a physical therapy modality. QAT can be combined with a massage to aid in total relaxation, but otherwise it is a very gentle method on its own with the help of quantum field-infused devices. Emotional, mental and traumatic memory clearings are possible with QAT.

In Chinese Medicine there are twelve pulse positions on each wrist that will be palpated. Each position corresponds to a different area of the body. If there are any problems, they may appear in the pulse. 

The tongue is a map of the body. It reflects general health. It is the same principle of diagnosis as wrist pulses.

Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen a weak bodily system or swiftly move out an invading pathogen. 

Group acupuncture is best suited for individuals who want a lower-cost longer-term option. The standard of care, however, is not compromised in the group setting. In fact, it works in a completely different way. Something quite extraordinary happens when multiple people are healing together in close proximity. Also, this option allows friends and family to come in together!

Acupuncture in the private room is for patients with complex cases and/or who require other modalities such as Chinese medical massage, etc. 

If a patient is unsure about which one is right for them, it is best to contact us. Then, we can assess the right course of action and customize care together.

Cupping is a method of creating a vacuum on the patient’s skin to dispel stagnant blood and lymph, there by improving qi flow to treat respiratory diseases and back, neck, shoulder, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Gua sha is a gentle scraping technique that has similar effects as cupping. They both can cause non-permanent red marks, swelling, and bruising at local areas for a few days to a week. Moxibustion is a technique that involves the burning of mugwort near the skin to facilitate warming healing. The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of Chinese medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health.

• Hydrate!
• One must have something other than coffee in their belly. If it is not possible before arriving, snacks are provided. However, please avoid large greasy meals before and after treatment.
• Please refrain from wearing make-up and body products with heavy scents. 
• People under the current influence of any mind or body-altering substances will not be treated and will be charged a no-show fee. These include but are not limited to: alcohol, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, or any type of drugs used recreationally.
• After treatment it is wise to drink lots of water and wait at least 6 hours before strenuous exercise, excessive activity, drinking alcohol and using drugs recreationally.

It differs for everyone, but generally patients feel elated and maybe a bit tired. Sometimes, patients need to relax in the waiting room with a snack and some tea for a bit. All of this is a normal reaction. In severe cases, however, there can be dizziness, fainting, exhaustion and inability to drive. If you are unsure of how you might react, please arrange transportation. 

The next day one could feel extra tired! If a patient had a pain presentation treated, and it feels worse the next day, that's also normal. This is usually a sign of intense healing and one should take care not to overtax themselves. In any case, please contact us if you have concerns about post-care symptoms.

Very. This is a small business and we survive only with your consistency and support.

Contact the office immediately and discuss options with the therapist.