Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
What is Acupuncture? What conditions does it help with?
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 Acupuncture incorporates 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 body's own electromagnetic energy is used as the needles stimulate that energy to promote healing. Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain such as: back pain, neck pain, knee pain, and arthritic joint pain. It is also used for neurological issues such as: headaches/migraines, stroke recovery, and even some side effects of cancer treatment such as nausea and general malaise. Acupuncture can treat almost any condition. Inquire with our office if you have any questions about if Acupuncture can address your health concerns.
What does an Acupuncture treatment consist of?
Anywhere between 5-20 needles are inserted shallowly into various points on the body. Patients most often lie down for the procedure (but can sit up, if needed). Needling time lasts about 15-30 minutes. In addition to the needling, other modalities are often used to enhance the treatment such as: castor oil heat packs, a brief massage where liniments may be used, brief CranioSacral Therapy, Visceral or Neural Manipulation, cupping, gua sha, and ear tacks or seeds. The entire treatment lasts about an hour unless an abbreviated treatment without additional modalities is done. Most people find Acupuncture treatments to be very relaxing and “float” out of the office after treatment.
What are Acupuncture needles like? Do they hurt?
Acupuncture needles are solid and hair-thin, not hollow like needles used for blood draws. 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 needle. Insertion of the needles is basically painless, but sometimes a slight sting can occur (like a mosquito bite) when they are stimulated. All needles are single-use only and are properly disposed of in biohazard containers after each treatment.
How does Acupuncture work?
The Western answer is that Acupuncture stimulates nerves and helps the body achieve balance, also known as homeostasis. Acupuncture improves circulation and reduces pain and inflammation while facilitating communication between various body systems, such as the hormonal and neurological systems. The Chinese answer is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced "chee"). Qi is most closely translated into Western thought as "vital energy." We can sense this energy as heat and movement -- it is similar to electricity. Acupuncture balances and moves the Qi, which allows the body to function optimally. Chinese Medicine uses tiny needles to access and activate Qi, which helps nurture the body back to health by helping resolve energy imbalances.
I'm afraid of needles. Can I still get Acupuncture?
Many people who are afraid of needles are able to get Acupuncture with ease. The needles used are tiny -- the size of a hair. We have even thinner needles that are used for children and those who are needle sensitive. Needles are not deeply inserted, and most people don't even feel them going in. Some practitioners are gentler in their needle technique, and are sometimes trained in more gentle Japanese styles of Acupuncture. In our office, Marina Moura has been specially trained in Japanese Acupuncture and has many regular patients who are needle phobic but still able to successfully receive Acupuncture treatments. When calling to schedule your appointment, we recommend asking our front desk staff about which practitioners have a gentler needle technique. You should always discuss your concerns directly with your practitioner as well, and they will take extra care during your treatment to make you comfortable.
Massage
Therapy
What are the benefits of Massage Therapy?
Massage is beneficial for both the body and mind. Massage Therapy can help reduce muscle tension, promote relaxation, and alleviate pain as well as increase blood flow to muscles and improve flexibility and range of motion. Massage stimulates circulation, which can help reduce swelling, improve muscle recovery, and boost the immune system. Mentally, Massage Therapy can promote relaxation, reduce stress hormones, and improve mood.
How will I feel after a massage?
This answer depends on the type of massage given. Most massages leave a person feeling very relaxed. For others, it can provide a burst of energy. It's best to talk with your therapist after the massage to see how your body responded and what to expect over the next couple of days. Much like lifting weights for the first time, if you haven’t received a massage before or very often, you may experience some muscle soreness following a massage. This will dissipate after a few days.
Does Massage Therapy help with headaches?
It can! There are specific techniques that relieve cranial, neck, and shoulder tension. Since this muscle group is known to cause headaches, by relieving tightness in these areas, many people have obtained headache relief.
CranioSacral
Therapy
What is CranioSacral Therapy?
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of increasing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system. This system is made up of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. With a soft touch, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system, which can improve the functioning of the central nervous system, as well as many other systems of the body, such as digestive, musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory, and more.
How does CranioSacral Therapy differ from other modalities offered at Pacific Center of Health?
CranioSacral Therapy is most similar to Neural and Visceral Manipulation. All are manual manipulation of targeted areas, however CranioSacral Therapy specifically targets the craniosacral system, which is at the base of the spine and skull. Treatment time typically lasts 30 minutes.
What is Pediatric CranioSacral Therapy?
Since CranioSacral Therapy is gentle and non-invasive, it is both relaxing and soothing for infants and children. It uses targeted manipulations to encourage the release of tension in the child's body. This therapy can address birth trauma: during birth, an infant's head bones naturally overlap to fit through the birth canal, and lingering compression or misalignment from birth can interfere with nerve function. Realigning the cranial system after birth can help the child's body grow unencumbered. By releasing tension in the head, neck, and jaw, Pediatric CranioSacral Therapy can help with proper coordination and efficiency for breastfeeding and latching as well as tongue-tie issues. Pediatric CranioSacral Therapy helps plagiocephaly by using light-touch manipulation to release tension and restrictions in the infant's skull and neck, allowing cranial bones to shift back into their proper position, improving head shape symmetry, and alleviating discomfort from underlying issues like torticollis. Treatment can help avoid needing a helmet to correct skull symmetry in many cases.
Neural &
Visceral
Manipulation
What is Neural Manipulation?
Neural Manipulation is a gentle, hands-on manual therapy that targets the nervous system (which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves throughout the body) to release restrictions and improve function. This therapy uses gentle pressure and stretching techniques to restore the nerve's ability to glide and move freely within its surrounding tissues. Nerve movement can be restricted by injuries, surgery, or repetitive strain. Neural Manipulation frees up the nerves by improving the nervous system's ability to communicate and facilitate healing. This can help alleviate various conditions such as chronic pain, headaches, back and neck pain, sciatica, and post-concussion syndrome.
What is Visceral Manipulation, and how does it differ from Neural Manipulation?
Much like Neural Manipulation, Visceral Manipulation is also a gentle, hands-on manual therapy, but it specifically targets the internal organs and tissues of the body. It releases restrictions in the surrounding tissues and fascia, thereby restoring organ mobility and improving bodily function.
Facial
Acupuncture
What is Facial Acupuncture?
Facial Acupuncture uses tiny needles in the face to stimulate collagen production, improve circulation, and address underlying imbalances, leading to healthier, more youthful-looking skin. Other therapies such as gua sha, facial cupping, massage, and serums are also utilized during Facial Acupuncture.
How many sessions does it take to see results?
Most practitioners recommend 1-2 sessions per week for the first couple of weeks to maximize progress and allow for skin healing and rejuvenation between treatments. Depending on your skincare goals and condition of your skin, the practitioner will recommend 6-12 treatments initially before going on a maintenance schedule which is typically 1 session per month.
What are the benefits of Facial Acupuncture?
Facial Acupuncture stimulates your own collagen and elastin production, which helps keep skin firm and elastic. This can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It can also increase blood circulation in the face leaving it fresher and brighter looking. Facial Acupuncture can also improve lymphatic drainage and reduce fluid retention under the eyes.
What should I expect from my first appointment?
Following Facial Acupuncture, you may experience immediate feelings of relaxation and a complexion that’s brighter and glowing due to improved circulation. You may sometimes have temporary redness or mild bruising, or increased skin sensitivity for a few hours to a few days. Reduced fine lines, improved skin texture, and increased collagen production develop gradually over several weeks to months with consistent treatment.
General Clinic FAQs
How do I book an appointment?
You can book an appointment by calling us directly at (619) 542-0884. You can also fill out the New Patient Inquiry Form on our website on the "Book an Appointment" page and we will reach out to you to schedule. We do not have online scheduling.
Do you take health insurance?
Yes, we do! Please note that insurance only covers Acupuncture, and not Massage Therapy or any of our other services. Please visit our dedicated insurance page for more information or call our office to speak with us directly. You can also upload your insurance information on the New Patient Inquiry Form on the "Book an Appointment" page so that we can verify your coverage.
Do you take workers' compensation cases?
Yes, we do! We treat a lot of workers' compensation patients through Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, and even sometimes CranioSacral therapy. We are providers for all major workers' compensation providers and are well versed in the authorization and treatment process. We have a designated Workers' Compensation Coordinator here in our office to streamline the process.
What are your hours?
We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm. On Saturdays, we are open from 8:30am to 1:00pm. We are closed on Sundays.
How do I find the clinic?
Our address is 9150 Chesapeake Drive Suite 120, San Diego, CA 92123. We are conveniently located in Kearny Mesa, right off the 52 and 163 Freeways. We have plenty of free parking.
"Adrian and his staff are the kindest group of people, and really go out of their way to make sure every appointment is relaxing and helpful. This will be my first stop moving forward for all pain and illnesses."
Elizabeth S.