xAcupuncture FAQs
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 Dr. Chunyan Teng gently applies acupuncture needles to selected meridians |
What is Qi? At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced "chee"), or life energy, flows throughout the body. Qi animates the body and protects it from illness, pain, and disease. A person's health is influenced by the quality, quantity, and balance of Qi. See the Acupuncture Today article called "What Is Qi?" at: http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/archives2004/sep/09lo.html. What is acupuncture? Acupuncture has a well-documented history in China spanning over 2,000 years, but some studies believe it originated almost 4,000 years ago. In fact, examples of the earliest acupuncture needles made of stone and ceramic predate the development of iron. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are safe, effective, and drug-free therapies that help address a wide variety of common ailments. Acupuncture is a form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this non-invasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people over thousands of years become well and stay well. Acupuncture promotes natural healing. It can enhance recuperative power and immunity, support physical and emotional health, and improve overall functioning and well-being. It is a safe, painless, and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems. What does an acupuncturist do? During the initial exam, a full health history will be taken. Questions are asked regarding health, symptoms and life-style. Pulse and tongue diagnosis, along with an appropriate physical exam, is conducted. The information is then organized into a well-structured treatment plan that enables the practitioner to diagnose imbalances of Qi that may have contributed to the patient’s health problem. Once the imbalance of Qi is detected, the acupuncturist places fine, sterile needles at acupoints along meridian pathways. This safe and painless procedure can unblock obstructions and re-balance Qi. Then, Qi circulates freely throughout the body, providing adequate nourishment to cells, organs, glands, tissues and muscles. This eliminates pain, and restores balance and harmony along with the body’s natural ability to heal itself -- ultimately leading to optimal health and well-being. 
What ailments does acupuncture treat? Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine have been proven effective in treating the following ailments: | Addiction: alcohol, drug, and smoking | Indigestion | | Anxiety | Irritable bowel syndrome | | Arthritis | Low back pain | Asthma | Menopause | Bronchitis | Menstrual irregularities | Carpal tunnel syndrome | Migraine | Chronic fatigue | Morning sickness | Colitis | Nausea | | Common Cold | Osteoarthritis | | Constipation | PMS | | Dental Pain | Pneumonia | | Depression | Reproductive problems | | Diarrhea | Rhinitis | | Digestive trouble | Sciatica | | Dizziness | Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) | Dysentery | Shoulder pain | | Emotional problems | Sinusitis | | Eye problems | Sleep disturbances | Facial paralysis | Sore throat | | Fatigue | Tennis elbow | | Fertility | Tonsillitis | Fibromyalgia | Tooth pain | Gingivitis | Trigeminal neuralgia | | Headache | Urinary tract infections | | Hiccups (severe) | Vomiting | Incontinence | Wrist pain |

What can I expect from acupuncture treatment? 
When tiny needles are inserted, you may experience tingling or warmth. Patients are often surprised to find that treatments are quite relaxing. Generally, acupuncture is gentle with minimum side effects. If you experience fatigue after treatment, a little rest should overcome it. If symptoms persist for a day or two, this is not a cause for concern. What should I do on the day of treatment? Eat a light meal half an hour before the treatment. Plan to get some rest afterward. Wear loose, comfortable clothing or bring a change of clothes What is acupressure (Tui Na)? Finger pressure stimulates both deep tissue and surface muscles at acupoints. Pressure on combinations of acupoints helps open and balance restricted energy pathways, thus promoting the flow of Qi and blood in the meridians and their collaterals. Home Chinese Herbs Chinese Medicine Dr. Chunyan Teng Dr. Jiusong Kan Our Office Testimonials Learn T'ai Chi 
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