How often do I need acupuncture?
This varies, depending on the severity of the condition, and the impact the condition has on your day to day life. If you have no had acupuncture before, best to come in once a week for four weeks.
What conditions can acupuncture help?
Pain conditions of all types, usually respond very well to this type of treatment (e.g. headaches, dental pain, sinus pain, neck, shoulder, back, elbow, wrist, knee, ankle pain; also, menstrual cramping, and abdominal pain related to digestion; any type of pain).
Will I need to take herbal medicines?
Herbal medicine is recommended for patients with conditions which need a more powerful boost and quicker recovery acupuncture by itself. Such as Flu, Sinusitis, allergies, cough, gastric pains, diarrhea, constipation, urinary difficulties, organ diseases, anxiety/depression and fatigue.
The herbal medicine I prescribe are formulations of herbs which are custom blended to bring relief to your condition, traditionally served as soups, with several ingredients for a balancing taste and effect. For convenience sake, we use powder form which you mix with water and drink as tea, or capsule form, or tincture form. Usually you take the herbs 2 or 3 times during the day.
What can I expect on the first visit?
First you can expect the charm of a historic South Pasadena cultural landmark building, conveniently located just off of Fremont, with lots of free parking. After you are welcomed into my relaxing office atmosphere, weWe will discuss your purpose for coming in. A teamwork approach is taken to accommodate your goal, and practical situation. And decide to use acupuncture or herbal medicine, or both. For those who have never had acupuncture or herb medicine, it is difficult to take it all in the first time, but you should leave feeling like it was something you would like to do again.
The perspective is new to many, and can take a few times to get the hang of it. It falls into place as we go. Patients find it helpful to arrive early, and sit for a few minutes and collect their questions and thoughts.
We do utilize conventional diagnostic techniques, such as temperature, blood pressure, urine and blood tests, but the approach is holistic. Meaning that restoring balance to your mind/body/spirit is the basic approach. All conditions are evaluated in relation to the patient's energetic presentation. If you need to have a condition diagnosed, and have complications ruled out, that is best served by consulting your primary care physician. An example is if you want to know if you have arthritis, or diabetes, or carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. Often it is important to have a clear diagnosis, before beginning treatment. This helps clarifying the situation.
In practice, most patient relationships begin with a complaint of pain and then patients return for help with other types of concerns, such as nervous disorders, menstrual disorders, and metabolic disorders.
Appointments are usually scheduled on the hour, and the time is set aside for you, One person at a time. One on one.Try to be a few minutes early, to get focused, but don't worry if you are detained on the way in, such as traffic, phone calls , directions, etc. we will utilize the time available for your treatment hour. If you can't make your appointment for any reason, you are welcome to cancel at any time. Best to do this 24 hours before your appointment time, to avoid a late cancellation fee $40.
What about insurance? Do you take insurance?
Yes, insurance is accepted with verification prior to your visit. A co-payment is often required.
Is Acupuncture helpful for "pinched nerves"?
Pinched Nerve usually refers to the kind of pain that emanates from a fixed place (where the nerve is pinched with pain radiating from that place). Usually from the neck or low back, but it can be anywhere. This is an energy blockage (like a traffic jam) for which acupuncture has been shown to work quite well in relieving the pain and restoring the natural free-flow of natural energy.
Can Chinese Medicine help with Anxiety and Depression?
Patients with Anxiety and Depression often come in for Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs to restore balance to their system. In most cases, patients have too much energy in one part of their body, mind, "spirit-self", while another area is weak and not able to balance the overly active area. Restoring balance is what this medicine specializes in. With this balance restored, patients get to feel like their "Ol' Self".
Can Acupuncture be helpful for Musicians?
Musicians' pain: Musicians (especially violin and viola players) hold their bodies in an awkward position for hours on end, practicing and performing. Tension builds in a variety of areas, in a kind of sneaky fashion (over time). The term "repetitive strain" says it. Again, acupuncture is ideal for restoring the free- flow of natural energy to the affected areas.
For over twenty-five years, it has been a delight to provide pain relieving and health enhancing acupuncture in South Pasadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre, and I look forward to doing the same for you.