Acupuncture FAQ

Common Questions about Acupuncture and our Center

Below you will find answers to the most common questions asked about acupuncture and our center. You should feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an essential part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It involves inserting extremely thin hair-like needles into the body. These needles are inserted into chosen points along fourteen major energy channels, called meridians, in order to stimulate the body’s vitals’ energy, called Qi (Chi), into balance.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the essential cause of illness is imbalance in the body’s Vital energy. By stimulating certain acupoints on the body, the acupuncturist restores balance and allows the body to regain its health. Each acupoint corresponds to an organ, a limb, or a bodily function. Diagnosis can be made by examining these acupoints – when a certain part of the body is out of balance, tenderness can be detected at the corresponding acupoint.

Acupuncture has a history of over three thousand years. It has successfully been used to treat a wide variety of conditions, injuries, and diseases. Also used in traditional Chinese medicine are the techniques of moxibustion, acupressure, vacuum cupping, and herbal treatments. Moxibustion involves the burning of herbs at one end of an acupuncture needle while the other end is inserted into the skin. Acupressure relies on pressure from the fingertips of the practioner instead of needles. Cupping creates vacuums at particular acupoints, which draws circulation and energy. Herbs are usually ingested, like pills or syrups in Western medicine, but can also be applied to the skin.

Why should I see an acupuncturist?

There are four main reasons patients consider acupuncture treatment:

(1) Most commonly, patients have a condition that does not respond to conventional care. They seek a treatment option that can effectively provide a solution to their healthcare issue.
(2) Conventional treatment often requires drugs with undesirable side effects or an unwanted surgery to treat the condition; therefore an alternative medical option is sought.
(3) Patients are taking many western drugs that are expensive, have side effects or interfere with one another. Often Chinese medicine can treat these conditions so that the drugs can be withdrawn.
(4) Patients seek a natural, holistic medical approach to healthcare.

NY Times on Why Patients Choose Alternative Medicine

How does Acupuncture work?

This highly effective system of medical care is based on natural movement of vital life-giving Qi (Chi) energy, both in nature and in the body. The Qi moves through the body in precise channels supporting functions of the body, mind and spirit. When the Vital Energy is moving disharmoniously, imbalance begins to surface in the form of specific symptoms. To address the underlying cause of a condition, these symptoms are viewed in relationship to the totality of a person. The gentle insertion of hair thin needles at specific points along the channels of vital energy helps restore harmony. In the presence of this subtle yet profound intervention, symptoms are often resolved and patients frequently experience renewed vitality.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

Patients experience needling differently, Acupuncture needles are rarely described as painful, and can be quickly adjusted if the patient does feel discomfort. If any sensation is experienced during insertion, it is often compared to a mosquito bite and disappears very quickly. Once the needles are inserted, they may be manipulated to obtain a mild "Qi" sensation. This is how an acupuncturist engages the energy in your body in order to help balance it. Often people describe their sensations as warming, heavy, numb or tingling. The more you relax during an acupuncture treatment, the better the results. Many people even fall asleep during treatment.

Following treatment, it is common to feel a tremendous sense of relaxation and calm.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Some patients respond quickly to treatments, and others respond more slowly. Generally speaking, the longer a person has had a condition, the longer it might take for it to reverse. Occasionally, a patient with a long term problem may respond very quickly. You should plan on three to five acupuncture treatments to either affect a cure, relieve symptoms partially or totally, or to see no response at all. After this initial course of acupuncture treatments, the treatment plan will be reassessed.

What are maintenance tune-ups?

Some patients like to come on a monthly or quarterly basis for preventative care. These types of treatments are nicknamed ‘tune-ups'. Just as we get regular maintenance on our cars, our bodies need regular maintenance to keep them healthy, too. Acupuncturists see subtle signs of disease processes and can address these issues in a few number of treatments, thus avoiding the development of more serious health problems that require a longer series to treat. These preventative care visits are especially important for patients with long-standing, chronic conditions that tend to recur, such as back pain or allergy problems . Because acupuncture treatments are so deeply relaxing, many patients find regular maintenance treatments beneficial for stress relief.

Are the needles safe?

Yes, Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible; each needle is about the diameter of a thick hair. Treatment with the finest quality solid stainless surgical steel, sterilized, single-use acupuncture needles is used in our clinic. They are used once and then disposed of in biohazard containers. These containers are sent to a medical waste management company for proper disposal according to federal laws and regulations.

How are herbs used in Chinese medicine?

Plants and other natural substances have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It is from this practice that modern day pharmacology has emerged. In Chinese herbology, herbs are used in specific, individualized formulations containing anywhere from two to twenty different herbs that work together synergistically (unlike western herbology which commonly uses one herb alone).

Herbs are powerful medicinals which offer extraordinary results - when prescribed by a trained medical professional. When used properly, there are little to no side-effects.

Do you accept insurance?

The majority of insurance companies do not cover acupuncture and those that do only cover certain conditions or reimburse low amounts. In an effort to keep our treatment fees low and provide you with the best service, we do not directly bill insurance companies. We will, however, provide you with a receipt with the required medical coding so that you may submit it to your insurer for a reimbursement - which some offer. If your insurance does not cover acupuncture, you may be able to use a health savings account or Flex Spending account which will allow you to save money tax free and use it for medical expenses outside of your coverage such as acupuncture, eye care, etc. You should contact your insurance company and/or banking institution with questions about these plans.

What kind of Disorders can Acupuncture Treat?

The United Nations World Health Organization recognizes Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine's ability to treat over 200 commonly encountered clinical disorders. Among these are:

Respiratory Disorders: Asthma, Allergies, Sinusitis, Bronchitis, & Emphysema

Gastrointestinal Disorders : Food Allergies, Constipation, Chronic Diarrhea, Gastritis, Peptic Ulcer, Anorexia, Gastrointestinal weakness.

Disorders of the bones, Joints, & Nervous System: Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Neuralgia, Migraine Headaches, Insomnia, Vertigo, & Bell’s Palsy
& Many other disorders.

中醫針灸診所
Peter Ling Acupuncture
&
OMD Clinic

Westchase Central
9700 Richmond Ave Suite 104
Houston, TX 77042
office: 713-952-6768
OMDClinic@gmail.com

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Saturday (By Appointments Only)

Call For Free Consultation!