What does acupuncture feel like?  Is it painful?

Acupuncture needles are very fine, such as a thick human hair. Once inserted, the needles slide easily into the skin, and the patient generally feels a very slight pricking sensation. When the needle makes contact with the qi, most patients experience a slight tingling sensation.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. All licensed acupuncturists today use individually packaged, pre-sterilized, disposable needles. Pre-sterilized acupuncture needles are manufactured, packaged, and shipped in sterilized containers to ensure compliance with the law.

How long does an acupuncture session take?

A session may take up to 1 hour depending on the complexity of the session. The first visit may take at least 60-90 minutes. This comprises of a comprehensive initial consultation and treatment – which includes a detailed health history, physical exam, and treatment plan tailored to your health needs.

What is a typical visit like?

At the first visit, you will fill out new patient paperwork.  Following this, your health history, current signs and symptoms, evaluation, how Chinese medicine can help with your health concern(s) and a treatment plan will be discussed and recommended by your practitioner.  Lastly, the session will conclude with an acupuncture treatment.  This visit will typically be at least 60-90 minutes (depending on the health concern).

At the follow up visit, a quick check in will be discussed with your practitioner to evaluate any changes in signs and symptoms since the prior visit and will conclude with an acupuncture treatment.  This visit will typically take 30-45 minutes.

How should I prepare for a visit?

• Please show up on time.
• Although it is not recommended to eat a very large meal prior to treatment, eating a light meal and drinking enough water is sufficient.
• Wear comfortable clothes.
• Come with any questions or concerns and discuss with your practitioner

Is there anything I need to do while receiving acupuncture?

First, please relax. There is no need to be afraid. Please ask questions along the way so you can get the most out of your treatment.

What should I expect or do after an acupuncture treatment?

After treatment, generally, most patients feel very relaxed.  Many report they sleep better after treatment.  In some cases, some may feel slight soreness from treatment.  This may occur when the patient is under high stress, in pain, and dehydrated.  We highly recommend BEFORE and AFTER treatment to hydrate!  Hydrate!  Getting an acupuncture treatment not only focuses on treating your main health concern(s), but detoxifies your body as well.  Hydration helps to move toxins through your kidneys and out of the body.

How can Chinese medicine help me?

Chinese medicine is an over 3,500 year old system that has treated a wide variety of health conditions ranging from common colds, flus, nausea, indigestion, high blood pressure, urinary tract infection, fertility, menstrual irregularities, pain, anxiety and insomnia.  The powerful aspect of Chinese medicine is its ability to achieve homeostasis and balance within the body naturally through tailored treatments that address your current signs and symptoms.

What is acupuncture and how does it work?

Acupuncture is the most popular form of treatment within Chinese medicine.  It is performed by the insertion of needles through the skin at certain points on or near the surface of the body along the meridians. This helps to restore the flow of energy and thus, the overall health of the patient. This method facilitates the body to repair itself and maintain its own health.

How does acupuncture work from a biomedical perspective?

Over the last few decades, research has been conducted to explain how acupuncture works.  According to the 1997 National Institute of Health (NIH) Consensus on Acupuncture, “acupuncture can cause multiple biological responses, mediated mainly by sensory neurons, to many structures within the central nervous system.  This can lead to activation of pathways, affecting various physiological systems in the brain, as well as the periphery.”

Additionally, acupuncture “may activate the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, resulting in a broad spectrum of systemic effects.  Alternation in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, and changes in the regulation of blood flow, both centrally and peripherally, have been documented.  There is also evidence of alterations in immune functions produced by acupuncture.”

Source: National Institue of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference on Acupuncture, Program & Abstracts (Bethesda, MD, November 3-5, 1997). Office of Alternative Medicine and Office of Medical Applications of Research. Bethesda.

What is herbal medicine and how does it work?

Herbal medicine also seeks to restore the flow of energy or “qi” to achieve balance and harmony within the body.  Individual herbs are combined in order to enhance their actions and effects tailored to address imbalances of the body.  It is administered internally and/or externally.  Internally, herbs are administered as pills, powders, and herbal teas. Externally, herbs include topical treatments that are applied to or massaged onto the skin.

Why should I go to Diwa?

At Diwa, your health is the priority.  Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach to health.  We view the individual as an integrated whole and seeks to address the underlying causes of pain or illness.  Each visit is personalized and tailored to meet your changing needs.  We provide patient-centered and supportive care to address your current health concern(s).   We believe in health prevention and promotion throughout as demonstrated through our wellness programs.

Click here if you would like more information on how we manage your care.

How many treatments does it take to address my health concern?

Although treatment visits may vary from person to person, how soon your symptoms will improve depends on a variety of factors, including how long you’ve had your condition, the severity of your symptoms, lifestyle, medical history, and age.  The frequency of treatments also affects your outcome.  Based on these factors, we will determine how many treatments are necessary for your specific case.  Some people notice a difference immediately while others notice changes within 6-12 treatments.

At Diwa, we strive to help you address your health concern(s) and achieve your health goals as quickly and effectively as possible.  We ask you to make a commitment to your treatment plan.  Each treatment builds upon each other.  We will check your progress and communicate clearly what you may expect after treatments based on your treatment plan.

Do you take health insurance?

Yes. We take both in-network and out-of-network benefits. If you are unsure, we highly recommend that you check to see if acupuncture is covered prior to the appointment. If you have questions about how to do this, please feel free to ask us.

Click here if you like us to verify your insurance for you.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and PayPal.

Can kids get acupuncture?

Yes. Kids can get acupuncture. Generally kids under the age of 8 can receive acupressure or Chinese style massage called Tui Na or gua sha or Pediatric Shonishin Acupuncture (without needles). Children 8 and over can receive acupuncture. We can work with the parents to determine what will be appropriate given the health concern.

What conditions can be treated with acupuncture and Chinese medicine?

• anxiety
• stress
• sleep disorders
• menstrual cycle irregularities
• PMS
• menstrual cramps
• infertility
• menopause
• allergies
• digestive disorders
• chronic pain
• sports injuries
• fatigue
• weak immunity
• headache

Please click here for a comprehensive list.