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ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most
commonly used medical procedures in the world, originating
in China more than 2,000 years ago. The term acupuncture
describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of
anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques.
American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions
from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The acupuncture
technique that has been most studied scientifically involves
penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles
that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.
The bodies own electromagnetic energy is used as the needles
stimulate that energy to promote healing.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
The FDA approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed
Practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires that sterile, non-toxic
needles be used and that they be labeled for single use
by qualified Practitioners only. At Pacific Center of Health
we have only ever used and will only ever use single use,
disposable needles. It is unethical to re-use needles and
we have very strict guidelines about needles in our office.
All acupuncture needles are disposed of in biohazardous
waste containers, as also required by law, and are disposed
of on a regular basis.
Do the Needles Hurt?
First of all, acupuncture needles are a fraction of the
size of a hypodermic (typical “shot”) needle.
Five acupuncture needles can easily fit inside the hole
of a typical hypodermic needles. Insertion of the needles
is basically painless, but sometimes a slight sting can
occur (like a mosquito bite) when they are stimulated
to release the energy.
How long does a typical treatment take?
The first treatment always takes longer because, like any
health Practitioner, the Patients history must be taken
and condition assessment must be performed. The first treatment
usually takes about 1 ˝ hours. Follow-up treatments
generally last from 45 minutes to 1 hr.
How are Acupuncturists Licensed?
The California Acupuncture Board is responsible for licensing
Acupuncturists. Once a Practitioner has completed many
years of Acupuncture schooling and have graduated, they
sit for the State exam, which includes both a practical
and clinical component. Upon successful completion, Acupuncturists
are licensed. Like other medical Providers, Acupuncturists
must complete CEU’s (continuing educational units)
to stay current in their field. They must renew their
licenses bi-annually and must possess malpractice insurance.
Acupuncturists are primary treating physicians for workers
comp patients and are contracted with many insurance companies
and are therefore considered to be a Patients primary
healthcare provider.
Commonly Treated Conditions:
Allergies/asthma
Anxiety/Depression
Arthritis/joint issues
Back pain/sciatica
Bladder/kidney problems
Constipation/diarrhea
Colds/influenza
Cough/bronchitis
Dizziness/Vision problems
Drug/Alcohol/Smoking addiction
Fatigue and Fatigue Syndromes
Gastrointestinal disorders
Gynecological disorders
Headaches/migraines
High blood pressure
Infertility
Immune system disorders
Insomnia
Knee pain
Menopausal discomfort
Musculoskeletal disorders
Neck pain/stiffness
Sexual dysfunction
Sinusitis
Skin Problems
Stress/Tension
Tendonitis
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