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Frequently Asked
Questions
Acupuncture FAQ
What is
Acupuncture?
Acupuncture consists of stimulating points on the skin by the
insertion of
needles, application of heat (moxibustion), Tuina (massage),
Meridian Scraping, Cupping or a combination
of these.
How does
it work?
For thousands of years,
Chinese medicine has recognized that energy
imbalance is the root of illness. By treating certain skin
points, sometimes
located far from the site of the symptoms, the acupuncturist
can treat diseases
by balancing body energy. This adjusts blood flow, nervous
tone, hormone
level and the functions of the organs.
How
is it done?
Acupuncture uses extremely thin, flexible sterile needles made of
stainless
steel. There is nothing special in the needle- it is a tool to balance
body energy. There is often brief pain like a mosquito bite) as the needle
passes through the skin. As the needle begins to work and the energy changes, there may
be numbness, heat, dull aching or tingling.
Is it safe?
Acupuncture bas
been used for over 3,000 years in China. It is still the
treatment of choice for one-fourth of the world’s population despite 40 years
of comparison to Western medicine. Most side effects are minor and may include
occasional dizziness, especially during the first treatment, or slight bleeding
after the needles are withdrawn.
How
long do treatments take?
Treatments usually lasts from 30-60 minutes. The first visit consists
of the initial
intake (history of your condition, oriental medical exam and treatment
plan).
Subsequent visits consist of ongoing evaluation and treatment.
What
conditions does it treat?
The World Health
Organization recognizes acupuncture and traditional Oriental medicines
ability to treat over 43 disorders including:
- Respiratory Disorders asthma, emphysema, bronchitis sinusitis
and
allergies.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders food allergies, peptic ulcers,
chronic diarrhea,
constipation, indigestion,
gastrointestinal weakness, anorexia and gastritis.
- Gynecological Disorders irregular, heavy or painful menstruation,
infertility
in women and men, and premenstrual syndrome.
- Urogenital Disorders stress incontinence, urinary tract infections,
and sexual
l dysfunction.
-
Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders arthritis, migraine,
headaches,
neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness and lower
back, neck and shoulder pain.
- Emotional and Psychological disorders depression and anxiety.
- Addictions Including alcohol, nicotine and drugs.
- Eye,
Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders
- Supportive Therapy for other chronic and painful debilitating
disorders.
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Chinese Herbology FAQ
What is Chinese Herbology?
How do I know which Chinese Herbs are good for me?
In what form do Chinese Herbs come?
Are Chinese Herbs good for everyone?
Can I take Chinese herbs with my regular medication?
Is taking daily vitamins which contain Chinese Herbs a good idea?
Who practices Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Chinese herbology is a system of herbal
treatment, it is not applied in the way that most herbs and medicines are
used in our Western world. For example, all medicines (including herbal
medicines) under western schools of thought are used because they are known
to produce certain effects. St. John's Wort and Prozac are used for
depression because they are both known to counter depression in the human
body. Chinese Herbal Medicine was developed as an integral part of Chinese
Medicine. It is used to re-harmonize imbalances in the body. Therefore, a
cough would not be treated by choosing an anti-tussive alone. It must first
be determined where the cough is coming from, and then the appropriate group
of herbs would be combined to treat the problem.
How do I know which Chinese Herbs are
good for me?
If you are considering taking Chinese
herbs, you should consult a Licensed Acupuncturists who specializes in
Chinese Herbology. This is a very important step as the practice of Chinese
Herbal Medicine is a complex system which is dependent on the knowledge and
experience of a skilled practitioner.
Chinese formulas are comprised of herbs designed for each individual
patient. This special formulation is crucial because these formulas must be
delicately composed for the purpose of achieving balance in each
disharmonious state of being. Any deviation in dosage or herb composition
can change the entire focus of the formula and therefore, the results.
In what form do Chinese Herbs come?
Chinese herbs may be taken in any of the
following forms:
Raw Formulas
A raw formula consists of
carefully individually weighed unprocessed herbs placed together in
individual bags. One bag is boiled for either one or two days. These
formulas are best boiled in a clay herb pot which assists in even cooking
and the the preservation of the medicinal properties of each herb formula.
There are different cooking instructions for different formulas, so you
should consult your doctor on your specific cooking instructions.
Patent Medicine
This term is used for famous formulas used for generations for common
illnesses. They are tiny herbal pellets which are taken tow to three times
daily. A standard dose may be as high as 8-10 pills three times per day. The
reason for this is because these pills are so tiny. Taking herbs in this
form is sometimes more practical for the patient who does not have as much
time. However, they are pre formulated based on a specific problem. If your
problem does not fit the specific indication, your practitioner may choose
to give you a raw or powdered formula.
Freeze Dried or Freeze Dried Pills
These are raw formulas cooked and freeze dried. The benefit of using
this method is the same as the raw formula itself less the cooking time
involved. However, as effective as these formulas are, raw formulas are
still the strongest method for taking Chinese herbs.
Tinctures
Tinctures are available in pre-packaged form and on special order. This
method is comparable to the freeze-dried method.
Topical Liquids and Creams
There are numerous topical creams and liquids for many different
medicinal uses such as athlete's foot, burns, hemorrhoids, bleeding, and
bone problems to name a few. These are highly effective when used under the
appropriate circumstances.
Are Chinese Herbs good for everyone?
There is never one answer for every
problem. Oriental Medicine is based on the foundation of this philosophy. A
person's underlying condition must be taken into account in the treatment of
his or her problem. With all of the attention that herbal medicine is
receiving these days, the impression is given that if you hear that an herb
is good for a certain problem then it must be good for everyone for that
problem! THIS IS NOT TRUE! A single herb is almost never prescribed for any
patient within the scope of Chinese Herbal Medicine. Formulas must always be
delicately composed to protect the patient's constitution against the
possible unwanted effects of the herbs he or she needs to take. This is the
way side effects are avoided and higher results are achieved.
Can I take Chinese herbs with my
regular medication?
Your healthcare. provider should be
aware of all medications, vitamins, herbs, and recreational drugs you are
taking. Combining any of these substances may or may not be a good idea. It
is important to rely on the advice of your healthcare. provider.
Is taking daily vitamins which
contain Chinese Herbs a good idea?
Vitamins often contain Chinese Herbs. As
we stated above, one herbs or one group of herbs is never good for all
people. Using vitamins which contain herbs is not a good idea in our opinion
unless you have been advised by your healthcare. provider to do so. A good
example of this are diet product which contain vitamins and mineral designed
to burn fat. These products very often contain a Chinese Herb, Ephedra (Ma
Huang). This herb has been shown to stimulate the metabolism. However, in
Chinese Medicine it is used as an acute anti-asthmatic for immediate
treatment only. If this herbs is used long-term it can have damaging effects
on the body's state of health and if taken in a high enough dose, it could
stimulate the body so much, it could possibly produce a heart attack. This
is a very clear example of a good thing which can potentially save a life
being used for an incorrect set of circumstances creating the potential for
taking a life. This is why Chinese Herbal Medicine needs to stay in the
hands of the professionals who have been trained to use it. Another example
is Ginseng. Everyone knows what this is. The problem is everyone THINKS they
know what it is good for! The media describes it as something which is good
for your immune system, something which is good for energy. While this is
true, if we understand Oriental Medicine, then again we know that what is
good for one is not good for all. Ginseng in the wrong hands or taken long
term can actually produce extreme lethargy and fatigue! This is the
important part of the message that is not being communicated to the public.
Who practices Chinese Herbal
Medicine?
Licensed Acupuncturists in the State of
California (L.Ac.) have passed the minimum educational and board testing
requirements necessary to practice Chinese Herbal Medicine. There is an
additional test which may be taken by the National Commission for the
Certification of Acupuncturists and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). There are
two parts to this certification. The first is the acupuncture portion (Dipl.Ac.)
and the second is the Chinese Herbal Medicine portion (Dipl. C.H.). Further
to these two part certifications there is the all inclusive (Dipl. O.M.)
which includes Acupuncture, Herbal and Oriental Bodywork. These
credentials also indicate that the National standards for Acupuncture and
Chinese Herbology have been achieved. Health care providers without an
education and licensing in Oriental Medicine are not necessarily qualified
to practice Chinese Herbology or may be practicing herbal medicine from a
different viewpoint. The requirements vary from state to state, the
following is an explanation of credentials.
C.A. Certified Acupuncturist.
L.Ac. Licensed Acupuncturist.
D.O.M. Doctor of Oriental Medicine.
D.A, Doctor Of Acupuncture.
Dipl.Ac. Diplomat of Acupuncture (NCCAOM)
A National Certification required by 37 States.
Dipl. C.H. Diplomat in Chinese Herbology
(NCCAOM) A National Achievement Certification not required at present.
Dipl O.M.
Diplomat in Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) A National Achievement Certification
not required at present.
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Reflexology
FAQ
What
is Reflexology?
The
art of working specific areas of the hands or feet that relieves
stress and
pain of the body. It is like acupressure but only on the
hands or feet.
What
is the Moyshan Method?
The
Moyshan method uses an ancient age old chinese technique which
uses a wooden tool similar to the stone needle “Bian Stone” used
by the chinese thousands of years ago. The treatment also involves
stimulating acupoints and reflex zones and a combination of relaxing
techniques both old and new to rejuvenate the body and stimulate the
glands and improve circulation.
How
does it work?
The
wooden tool stimulate the nerve endings on the feet, send messages to
the brain that in turn produces endorphins, the body’s own pain
killers. Then the
endorphins are sent through the blood stream to the
related area of the body.
It also breaks down toxins such as uric acid
crystals and flushes them out
through the kidneys with the help of
warm water during the session.
How
does it feel?
Wonderfully
relaxing, as if your whole body has been relieved off tension.
There
can be a feeling of “tingling” and “warmth” in related parts
of the body.
This is caused by the increased circulation of blood due
to the nerve ending stimulation.
How
long is the relief?
The
length of time varies. The production of the natural pain killer is
only
temporary, but with every Reflexology session, the body can have
longer and
longer periods of relief.
How
often?
To
receive the maximum relief, two reflexology session per week initially
for 3
weeks or once a week for 5 weeks, regular exercise and
once a month to
maintain good health. If regular exercise is not
possible a once a week
maintenance is a excellent strategy to help
reduce and keep stress at bay.
Is
this a medical treatment?
No, The AMA says
“seventy-five per cent of all illnesses are due to stress.
“Reflexology is a form of stress management”. Relief the stress and
the body
will respond. If the cause can be eliminated, then most of
the related conditions
should be gone.
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Chair Massage
FAQ
What is a chair massage?
Chair
massage is a 15-20 minute massage that focuses on the high tension
areas of the neck, back, shoulders, arms & hands. Chair massage is
performed on a specially designed portable massage chair. Chair
massage is especially effective at producing therapeutic results in
a brief period of time by concentrating the massage on the areas of
greatest tension.
Do I remove my clothing?
No,
chair massage recipients remain fully clothed. At most, you may be
asked to remove any jacket or obstructive jewelry during the
massage.
Do you use oils?
No oils are used
in chair massage. Sometimes lotion is applied during hand massage.
Please let your therapist know if you prefer no lotion.
What about hygiene?
The therapist
will clean & disinfects their massage chair and hands between each
massage. Each massage recipient also receives a fresh face-rest
cover to ensure cleanliness.
What if I want more or less pressure?
Just ask! Our therapists are trained to adapt to a wide variety of
body types and sensitivities to pressure. The therapist will check
in with you during the massage, but never hesitate to let them know
your preference.
I'm sensitive to fragrances, can I exclude
aromatherapy?
Just let the therapist know. The aromatherapy
diffuser can be easily removed.
What can I expect in a 15-minute chair
massage?
During the 15 minute session, the therapist will
focus on relieving muscle tension in your neck, shoulders, and back.
If you'd like work on your arms and hands please let the massage
therapist know, but keep in mind that this will mean less time on
the other areas.
What can I expect in a 20-minute chair
massage?
During the 20 minute session, the massage
therapist will work on your neck, shoulders, back, arms & hands. If
you'd like more time spent on one specific area, just let the
therapist know.
What can I expect in a 30-minute chair
massage?
A 30 minute session allows the massage therapist
do in-depth work on your neck, shoulders, back, arms & hands. Also
any specific areas of concern can be thoroughly addressed.
Can I have the therapist work on just one
area?
If you'd like the massage therapist to focus on one
specific area just let them know. At the beginning of the massage
they will ask if you have any specific concerns. Keep in mind, that
the more time spent on this specific area, the less time spent on
the other areas..
Will I be tired afterwards?
It's
easy to mistake a sense of relaxation for fatigue. In our
experience, however, after a few minutes needed to "re-adjust" to
the surroundings - massage recipients are more alert and focused
then ever. In fact, research has shown chair massage recipients to
be even more alert than before. See the chair massage benefits page for more details.
Am I expected to tip?
Gratuities
are not expected or necessary but they are appreciated by our
therapists. If you choose to tip, the average amount is 10-20%.
I'm pregnant. Can I still get a chair
massage?
Massage can be very beneficial for women during
pregnancy. However, be sure to let the massage therapist know you
are pregnant in so they can assure your safety and comfort.
Are there contraindications for chair
massage?
Yes. Medical contraindications include but are not
limited to: uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes,
fractures, herniated discs, malignancy, numbness or tingling in any
part of the body especially the hands and feet. Please inform your
massage therapist of any acute or ongoing health conditions before
the chair massage.
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