Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions and answers offer detailed information about Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, and describe some of the ways I use the modalities in my practice.

What is acupuncture?
How does it work?
Is acupuncture safe?
What conditions does acupuncture help?
Do the needles hurt?
What can I expect on my first visit?
How are acupuncturist's trained?
What is a Chinese Herbalist?
What kinds of conditions are treated with herbs?
What is the difference between the Chinese Herbs and the herbs I can buy over-the-counter?
Can pregnant women and lactating mothers take Chinese herbs?
How are the herbs taken?
How do I cook the fresh herbs?
Which form do you prescribe most often?
How soon will I see results form Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Are Chinese Herbal prescriptions included in the price of the office visit?
Should I tell my regular medical doctor that I am seeing you?

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture was originally developed in China, where it has been practiced for over 3500 years. Acupuncture is part of the holistic system of Oriental Medicine. Oriental medicine views health as a constantly changing flow of energy, or "QI", (pronounced "chee"). It is believed that an imbalance in the natural flow of energy result in disease. Keeping Qi in balance maintains health.

How does it work?

Practitioners of Oriental Medicine believe that Qi flows through the body in twelve specific channels, or meridians. Qi provides energy and balance to the body. An acupuncturist inserts sterile, flexible needles at specific points along the channels to strengthen the flow of Qi or remove any blockages. This process is believed to stimulate the body's natural healing response.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. Acupuncture needles are sterile and disposable. They are used only once and then discarded in a biohazard container.

What conditions does acupuncture help?

Acupuncture has many possible uses including general health maintenance. The World Health Organization lists 40 medical conditions that acupuncture may help, including digestive disorders, control of nausea, symptoms of menstruation and menopause, musculoskeletal problems and respiratory disorders.

Acupuncture is effective for fatigue, stress management, infertility, and substance abuse. You can read about more about this on www.acupuncture.com.

In November 1997, a National Institutes of Health (NIH) advisory panel concluded that acupuncture is an effective treatment for postoperative pain and nausea induced by chemotherapy.

Do the needles hurt?

Generally no. Acupuncture needles are very thin, and much finer than the hypodermic needles that clinicians use for injections. The needles are about three times the thickness of human hair and are designed to enter the skin with little resistance. Different people experience different sensations from acupuncture. Some describe a tingling, a slight pinching sensation upon insertion or a heavy feeling. Most people find the sessions relaxing, and many fall asleep during treatments.

What can I expect on my first visit?

On your first visit, I will take a thorough medical history and ask you to sign a consent form for the acupuncture treatment. I will take your pulse, examine your tongue, and palpate areas of your body where you are having pain. You will then have your first acupuncture treatment. Some people notice rapid improvement after just a few sessions. In other cases, conditions that have taken years to develop may take longer to improve.

How are acupuncturists trained?

Training in acupuncture requires three to four years of postgraduate study. In the State of Massachusetts, acupuncturists must be licensed (under the Board of Registration in Medicine) and certified. They are required to pass a national licensing examination given by the national Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

What is a Chinese Herbalist?

Some acupuncturists are also trained in Chinese Herbal medicine. Herbal training requires additional course work. As part of my Oriental Medicine training, I took the Herbal Track, which required additional classroom and clinical study. I am approved by the Board of Medicine in Massachusetts to practice acupuncture and prescribe Chinese herbs.

What kinds of conditions are treated with herbs?

Chinese herbs treat the full range of human disease. They treat acute diseases like the intestinal flu and common cold as well as chronic diseases such as allergies, gynecological diseases, chronic viral diseases and the degenerative diseases due to aging such as arthritis. Herbs are also helpful in treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome, migraines headaches, chronic vaginitis, HIV, and chronic fatigue.

What is the difference between the Chinese Herbs and the herbs I can buy over-the-counter?

The herbs you buy over-the-counter generally treat diseases or symptoms such as headaches, runny nose, or menstrual pain. They are primarily single herbs. Prescribed Chinese herbs are specially prepared formulas that are based on your individual pattern diagnosis - a diagnosis that only a trained Chinese Herbalist can make. The Chinese herbal patient receives an herbal prescription designed to treat both the symptom or disease and their individual pattern. The Chinese herbal patient's pattern is made up of a person's signs and symptoms as well as their emotions and body constitution.

Can pregnant women and lactating mothers take Chinese herbs?

Yes, if prescribed by a trained herbalist.

How are the herbs taken?

Chinese herbs are individually prescribed, and come in "raw" (unprocessed - like the plants you seen in a garden), powder or capsule form depending upon the patient's preference. The raw form is cooked and consumed as a tea. The powder is mixed with warm water and then consumed as a tea. Capsules, which contain the herbal preparations, are swallowed, and are a little more expensive than the raw or powder form.

How do I cook the fresh herbs?

The herbs are boiled in water for 30 - 60 minutes depending on the herbal preparation. The mixture is then strained, and consumed as a tea 2-3 times per day.

Which form do you prescribe most often?

Generally, I prescribe powdered extracts because they are convenient and require minimal preparation.

How soon will I see results form Chinese Herbal Medicine?

In acute conditions, one can often see results in a few minutes. In chronic conditions, it may take a few weeks.

Are Chinese Herbal prescriptions included in the price of the office visit?

The cost for Chinese Herbal prescriptions is not covered in the office visit charge. A prescription costs about $3.50 a day or $24.00 a week in the powder form that I prescribe.

Should I tell my regular medical doctor that I am seeing you?

Yes, if you like. My services are not a substitute from the treatment of your doctor. The best situation is one in which we all work together. I have a medical release form you can sign so your doctor and I can discuss your case if you wish.

As an experienced nurse practitioner, licensed acupuncturist, and Chinese Herbalist, I work hard to use my knowledge on your behalf, and educate you in a more holistic way to achieve and maintain health.