What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the practice of penetrating the skin with thin, solid needles which are then activated through gentle specific movements of the practitioner’s hands or with electrical stimulation.

Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This traditional medicine modality is a highly effective, affordable, low risk treatment option for a multitude of health issues and chronic conditions. It is one of the most requested complementary and alternative medicine choices in the U.S. today. To learn more about acupuncture, check out Acupuncture: In Depth from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is based on an ancient and empirical system of medicine founded on the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”), meaning energy/life force, and its flow through the body along channels or meridians. Acupuncture works by balancing the body’s Qi, which can be described as a form of bioenergy that runs through the body. Disruption of this energy flow results in illness and disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, Qi flow is improved and energetic balance restored, thereby improving health.

From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture appears to work by stimulating parts of the brain, as well as by triggering the release natural neurochemicals in the body that will bring about desired physiological changes. While the exact biomechanisms are unknown, the clinical effects are measurable.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is widely acknowledged as one of the safest forms of medicine. Acupuncture needles are sterile, disposable and used only once. Acupuncturists undergo extensive training and are regulated by state acupuncture boards. In California, all acupuncturists are licensed and regulated by the California Acupuncture Board.

What does acupuncture feel like?

Acupuncture is done using hair-thin needles. Most people barely feel needles when inserted, some may feel a slight pinch as the needle is inserted. The needle is inserted to a point that produces a sensation of pressure or ache. Needles may be heated during the treatment or mild electric current may be applied to them. Some people report acupuncture makes them feel energized. Others say they feel relaxed.

There are certain sensations associated with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. These may include slight cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling or electric sensation traveling along a meridian. If any discomfort is experienced, it is usually mild and temporary.

How often do I need to come in for treatment?

It depends on the condition that is being treated and how the patient respond to the acupuncture treatment. Some patients / conditions respond well with a few treatments, while others need long-term acupuncture care. Occasionally, you may see some results in as little as 2-4 visits; typically, it will take up to 8-12 visits for definite changes to set in.

What conditions may benefit from acupuncture?

Some of the diseases, symptoms, and conditions recognized by World Health Organization (WHO) for which acupuncture has been proven to be an effective treatment or for which therapeutic effects of acupuncture have been demonstrated include:

Allergic rhinitis (Hay fever)
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Back Pain
Bell’s palsy
Cancer-related pain
Chemical dependency
Chemotherapy side effects
Common colds
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Endometriosis pain
Erectile dysfunction
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia
Gastritis
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Headache / Migraine

Hepatitis
Herpes-related pain
Hypertension
Infertility (male and female)
Inflammatory bowel disease
Insomnia
Irritable bowel syndrome
Menstrual pain
Menopausal symptoms
Muscle pain and weakness
Nausea and vomiting
Neck Pain
Neurogenic pain
Postoperative pain
Premenstrual syndrome
Psoriasis
Rheumatological pain
Sciatica
Sinusitis
Stroke rehabilitation

Do I need to do anything to prepare for my first appointment?

If you’re new to the Yo San University Blount Community Clinic, please arrive 20 minutes prior to your appointment time to fill out the necessary new patient forms. Your first visit to the Clinic for an Intern appointment will be for 2 hours. Appointments for Specialty Clinics and Licensed Practitioners will be for 1-hour. 

Avoid coming in for an appointment immediately after a large meal, or on an empty stomach. Wear loose fitting cloths to facilitate access to acupuncture points on the body; in some cases, you will need to change into a patient gown.

What will my first treatment session be like?

The initial consultation includes a thorough medical intake that covers all aspects of your health. Some questions may seem unrelated to your current medical condition, but remember that our treatment philosophy is designed to treat you as a whole person – body, mind and spirit. Your treatment session may include acupuncture and other TCM modalities such as cupping, acupressure/tuina, guasha, etc. Your acupuncture care team may also recommend an herbal prescription and/or lifestyle recommendation for diet and exercise.

Do you accept insurance?

If you have health insurance that pays for acupuncture, we can provide an ‘insurance superbill’ to you that provides all the information you need to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. It is a standardized form which health insurance plans accept. At this time, we do not directly accept insurance.

How can I pay for my acupuncture treatments and herbs?

All payment for services (treatment and/or prescription herbs) will be collected at the time of your appointment. Payment can be made with cash, checks, credit cards (Visa and MasterCard), and health saving account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo. At this time, we do not accept American Express or Discover cards.

Can I return my herbs for a full refund?

Only patent herbs that are unopened can be returned for a full refund. Any customized herbs and/or special herbal formulas that are created specifically for you are not refundable. Please check with you practitioner about the uses of herbs during your treatment session if you have any questions.

How do I cancel or reschedule my appointment?

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment for any reason, please call the Clinic at (310) 577-3006 at least 24 hours before your appointment.  Appointment cancellations made less than 24 hours before your appointment are subject to cancellation charges.

If you’re new to the Community Clinic, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to fill out the necessary new patient forms below.

Your first appointment with a Master’s Intern will be for 2 hours. Appointments for any of the Specialty Clinics and private practitioners will be for 1 hour. The initial consultation includes a thorough medical intake that covers all aspects of your health. Some questions may seem unrelated to your current medical condition, but remember that our treatment philosophy is designed to treat you as a whole person – body, mind and spirit. Interns will use acupuncture during the treatment and may recommend an herbal prescription and/or lifestyle recommendation for diet and exercise.

If you are a new patient to the Yo San University Community Clinic, please arrive 20 minutes prior to your appointment time to fill out the New Patient Forms.

Please fill out the following forms and bring along the completed forms to your appointment:

• • Patient Medical History
  • YSU Teaching Clinic Office Policy
  • YSU Clinic Payment Policy
  • Patient Personal Data
  • Notice of Privacy Practice
  • Notice of Privacy Practices Patient Acknowledgement
  • Authorization to Treat A Minor (if applicable)*
  • Informed Consent to Treat

*For the treatment of minors, the parent or guardian must be present in the treatment room with the minor and practitioner at all times during the appointment.