Acupuncture & Herb

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the belief that our bodies are regulated by an energy force called Qi or Chi; both are pronounced "chee." On a healthy body, Qi flows freely through the energetic pathway known as “meridians.” The air we breathe, foods we eat, emotion and how we deal with daily stress will all affect the state of Qi. When Qi is blocked or unbalanced, our body will give us signs in the form of “pain,” “illness” or often just “not feeling right”.

Acupuncturists stimulate specific acupoints along the meridians, by inserting the acupuncture needles. Most patients are surprised that the acupuncture needles are extremely thin as they imagine they will be like hypodermic (injection) needles which are much bigger, thicker and hollow. Acupuncture needles are fine, sterile and disposable. Acupuncture is gentle and safe process without unwanted side effects and discomfort. If you experience any sensation, it is often described as a mosquito bite and disappears very quickly. Acupuncturists make sure that their patients are very comfortable and relaxed while the needles are in place. The more you are relaxed during the acupuncture treatment, the better the results. Many patients fall asleep during the treatment as they feel a tremendous sense of relaxation and calm.

At your first visit, acupuncturists will ask numbers of questions which could take up to 30 minutes as they need to understand a person as a big picture. Instead of treating only the local pain and specific problems, their approach is to bring you back the natural state of balance and harmony and the pain or other specific problems will be taken care of.

Acupuncturists select points according to the symptoms as well as your body’s constitution and the underlying problems (root of the disease). Treatments are tailored to individual needs. At the first visit, acupuncturists will give you a treatment plan, the numbers of treatment required depending on your condition.

Acupuncture is often incorporated with a number of different healing modalities of Traditional Oriental Medicine although acupuncture alone has been utilized for some thousands of years. Other modalities include cupping, moxabustion, electroacupuncture, auricular (ear) therapy, gua sha and acupuressure. They also customize and prescribe herbal formulas as concurrent treatment with acupuncture.