Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m skeptical about acupuncture or herbology, will my treatments still work?
Oriental medicine, whether dealing with acupuncture or herbal formulas, is no more faith-based than Western medicine. Believing in the treatments can’t hurt, but it isn’t necessary for positive results. According to David Toone, L.Ac, “The skeptics are the most fun to treat, because when they get results, they always have a more difficult time explaining how or why it happened, and in light of Western medicine, you can’t always come up with satisfactory answers.”
The biggest factor in success or failure depends on how motivated our clients are to keeping their appointments and taking the prescribed, herbal formulas.
How long will it take for my condition to improve?
The answer depends on the duration and severity of the symptoms and the underlying problem. More recent symptoms will clear up quicker than chronic symptoms which have persisted for some time. Underlying problems require direct treatment for their full resolution.
Generally speaking, it takes about a month of treatment for every year a condition has persisted. Many conditions resolve themselves more speedily and others require more time.
What should I wear to the treatment?
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes are appropriate for most appointments.
What are my responsibilities for getting the most of my treatments?
To maximize the productivity of treatments, follow these guidelines:
- Do not eat an unusually large meal before or after treatment.
- Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within one (1) hour before or after treatment.
- Avoid any strenuous activity after treatment. This is especially important for the first few visits.
- Continue to take prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially the week prior to your appointment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.
- Remember to take good mental or written notes concerning responses to treatment. This is important for our practitioner to know what follow-up treatments to design for future visits.
I tried acupuncture before and it was painful or did not seem to work. Won’t your treatments give me the same result.
As in any profession, people have varying degree of skill and expertise, the same is true of practitioners of acupuncture and even Oriental Medicine.
For instance, in Georgia M.D.’s can practice acupuncture with as little as 220 hour weekend/home-study course. In addition, educational requirements vary widely state-by-state in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Schools. California has the highest educational requirements with thorough training in both acupuncture and herbology taught in a full-time four year degree program. In addition, it is very important that the practitioner have studied with a senior or master practitioner after completing his or her formal training.