Insurance

Chinese medicine generally includes five major branches: acupuncture, herbal medicine, tui na (Chinese acupressure), qi gong (energy cultivation), and dietary therapy. Any or all of these modalities might be utilized in treatment.

Acupuncture is the insertion of thin, single-use, filiform needles into points found along particular body pathways known as “channels” or “meridians.” There are 12 acupuncture channels and eight “extraordinary vessels” that run through the body; while these channels might be found near blood vessels, nerves, or elements of the lymphatic system, they are distinct from those other pathways and follow fascial pathways more closely than anything

Acupuncture is generally painless although you may feel some sensation with the needles known in Chinese as de qi, or “the arrival of qi.” Some people describe feeling heaviness, distention, tingling, or warmth at the insertion site, or even a traveling sensation along the acupuncture channel; this phenomenon is temporary and lets you know the needles are having an effect. If you feel a burning or stinging sensation, we have most likely hit a tiny blood vessel, and it’s best to re-insert the needle and maybe apply a little moxibustion to resolve the discomfort. This is distinct from what we call a “qi burst” which is a momentary sensation or twinge at the needle site that can indicate an active point. In general, we expect acupuncture to be painless and want to know right away if you experience any discomfort with the needles, or any other modality, during your treatment.

No. We use only single-use, sterile, disposable needles which are discarded in a sharps container after each treatment.

Many people feel relaxed during the treatment and often take a nap. It is best to wear loose-fitting clothing in preparation for a treatment so that you are comfortable and the acupuncture points are easily accessed.

For the most part, you can expect to go about your day as usual although you may feel unusually relaxed or even a little tired post-treatment. After treatment with acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, or gua sha, the acupuncture points of the body are open, and it is important not to let exterior pathogens like Wind, Cold, or Damp in. For this reason, avoid taking a shower directly after treatment, and also avoid wind and cold drafts, including being directly in front of an air conditioner.

This varies and can be discussed with your practitioner. It could take anywhere from a single visit to several sessions to resolve a complaint, and depends on the person, circumstances, and condition or conditions being treated. We know more after completing the first treatment and are better able to gauge your response to acupuncture at that point.

No. Many people use Chinese medicine in conjunction with Western medical treatment as well as other modalities, and we welcome a collaborative relationship with your other healthcare providers.

For acupuncture to be covered, you must have acupuncture benefits as a part of your plan. Read more about insurance coverage under “Insurance” or reach out so we can help check benefits for you.

Chinese herbs can be plant, animal, or mineral substances although we rarely use animal substances—and certainly nothing endangered. The strongest form is raw herbs boiled into a tea although Chinese formulas can be delivered as liquid extracts, tinctures, powders (loose or in a capsule), tablets, or teapills. They can also be applied externally as liniments, salves, or poultices. Chinese formulas probably do not taste like anything you have had before, and the flavor can range from fairly bland to bitter. Don’t let this dissuade you from taking them—they can be amazingly effective.

The biggest difference between Chinese and Western herbal traditions is that Chinese herbs are almost always delivered as a formula. Rarely would someone be given a single herb. Most of the formulas we use have been around for hundreds or thousands of years. Formulas can be modified or combined, and the largest formulas might be comprised of several smaller formulas.

We only use products from companies that are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified, so you can be assured that they are safe and of the highest quality. Most herbs and herbal products are presently imported from China or Taiwan although there is a movement to grow herbs domestically—a movement spearheaded in part by our own Jean Giblette of High Falls Gardens in Philmont, NY. Most of our raw herbs come from Spring Wind in Berkeley, and no one tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and other adulterants more than Spring Wind. The prepared form we are most likely to use is Classical Pearls capsules; we love this brand for the high quality of the herbs, amazing classical formula-based remedies, and the fact that the capsulized powder is a simple combination of herbal formula extract mixed with a single natural excipient (originally bentonite clay and now moving to bamboo powder)—no other ingredients. You might also spot some Griffo brand tinctures on our shelves; know that they are made with Spring Wind herbs and are of the highest quality. We are also fans of the cute medicine bottles. We love and stock Spring Wind ointments as well as the Evil Bone Water pain-relieving trauma liniment. We tincture several herbal formulas in-house using Spring Wind herbs and organic cane alcohol from The Organic Alcohol Company based in Ashland, OR.

Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture and Microneedling both build collagen in the face and help to address fine lines and wrinkles, but you might think of Microneedling as resurfacing and acupuncture as stimulating and toning the major muscles of expression. The timing and use of these techniques is also different: Microneedling is performed once a month for 4–6 treatments with results that last 3–5 years, while we recommend starting with 10 weekly treatments for Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture, then moving to once-monthly maintenance.

Microneedling promotes the absorption of topicals by up to 3000%, so there is an opportunity during the treatment and in the week following to make the most of serums and high-quality topicals. We use only hyaluronic acid-based serums in the Microneedling treatments, whereas we use a wider variety of topicals in our Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture treatments—primarily hydrosols to hydrate the skin and facial oils to provide the glide for the post-treatment cupping or gua sha that augments the effect of the acupuncture.

A “shorter session” return visit is appropriate if we can address your main complaint from one side of the body: face up, face down, side-lying, or seated. It allows time for one set of needles on one side of the body with time to rest. A “regular return” is modeled on the Japanese style of treatment where a root treatment is performed on the front with tight and tender areas addressed on the back. It allows more time to get to more areas of the body and incorporate multiple modalities. One is not better than the other; feel free to choose the one that is right for you, or discuss it with your practitioner. You can also mix it up and choose the right return for your particular situation.