Pine Mountain Chinese Acupuncture and Herb Clinic

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to treat specific health problems. These points correct and balance the flow of energy ( qi, vital life energy)

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is based on the Traditional Chinese medical theory of the free flow of qi and blood through meridians ( or channels) that cover the body in a network similar to nerves or blood vessels. An acupuncturist observes the symptoms and patient’s signs of disease, and is able to choose points that will unblock or balance the meridians and allow the free flow of qi.

What are the needles like?

Acupuncture needles are very fine. They are sterilized, single-use, and disposable. many patients say acupuncture is painless. If your acupuncturist has given you the correct stimulus, you may feel tingling, heaviness distention, or an electric sensation around the needle.

What is moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a treatment method that apply heat to certain meridian points by burning a material called "moxa", which is made from leaves of the magwort plant.

What conditions does acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture can treat a wide range of illnesses. Among which, the World Health Organization has recommended acupuncture for the following conditions:

1.  Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders

Sinus/nasal inflammation or dryness, ear aches, pain after tooth extraction.

2. Respiratory Disorders

Uncomplicated bronchial asthma in children or adults

3. Gastrointestinal Disorders

Digestive tract problems, hiccups, inflammation of the stomach, chronic duodenal ulcers, diarrhea, inflammation of the colon, constipation, dysentery caused by certain bacteria.

4. Eye Disorders

Inflammation of the conjunctiva or the central retina, nearsightedness (in children) and uncomplicated cataracts.

5. Nervous System and Muscular Disorders

Headaches, migraines, certain facial paralysis or nerve pain, partial weakness after a stroke, inflammation of nerve endings, bed wetting, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, low back pain, and osteoarthritis.

What should I know about my treatment plan?

Ziyang Zhou will explain the nature of your problem and make a treatment recommendation. The amount of treatments depend on the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. The treatment options may include other modes of Chinese medical treatment, such as moxibustion, electro-acupuncture, herbal teas, pills, or ointments. It is most common for treatment to include an herbal formula as well as acupuncture.

What is Chinese herbal medicine?

Chinese herbal medicine is the main treatment method in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is the world’s oldest continually practiced professional medicine, over 3,000 years old. It is based on individualized pattern diagnosis, disease diagnosis, and consideration of the patient’s constitution. The patient receives a custom-written herbal prescription unique to his or her immediate condition.

How are herbal medicines taken?

The traditional method is drinking a tea prepared by boiling the raw herbs. There are also herbal pills, capsules, powdered extracts ( to be mixed with hot water), etc.

Do herbal medicines have side effects?

Most of the components or herbal medicine have a low toxicity compared to common over-the-counter western drugs. When prescribed according to a correct TCM pattern diagnosis, there should be beneficial healing results with few, if any, side effects.

End FAQ