Acupuncture FAQ

Yes, if it is done by a licensed acupuncturist. An acupuncture needle is an extremely fine, disposable (one-time use), sterile, FDA approved medical device. A licensed acupuncturist has undergone years of training in its safe implementation.

When administered by a licensed acupuncturist it should not hurt. The hair-thin acupuncture needles are much finer than thick hypodermic syringes used for injections. During and after insertion of a needle there might be a feeling of tingling, a sensation of something moving, a warm feeling, etc. Many find it an enjoyable and very relaxing experience. There are different styles of acupuncture Dr Melina practice gentle style and accommodate even the most sensitive patients.

The beauty of Chinese Medicine is that we do not treat a “disease”, we treat the whole person. To quote Lao Tzu, philosopher and founder of Taoism: “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be“ — we can help you change from an ill to a healthy person. The healing process takes commitment and patience and right now just by reading this you are making your first step.

It is best to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your first appointment so that you can relax and fill out the necessary paperwork before beginning your session. If you like to save time at our office, you can download and fill out the forms at home. The session begins with a discussion of your chief complaint and a comprehensive health history. This is followed by a physical exam consisting of tongue examination, pulse examination, meridian and/or abdominal palpation. After a diagnosis and treatment plan are established, acupuncture and/or medical massage is administered and if appropriate, an herbal formula is prescribed.

You should eat a light meal within an hour or two before your treatment. After the needles are inserted, you will be laying on the table for approximately 20 minutes. Depending on your treatment, you will need to remove some of your clothes and your shoes. Some people prefer to wear loose comfortable clothing that can be easily rolled up. In any case — you will be covered and kept warm and comfortable.

Depending on the nature, severity and duration of the complaint, the course of treatment will vary. Most problems can be fixed quickly, while more chronic conditions will be relieved with time and effort. As a rule of thumb for chronic conditions, for every year of illness one needs a month of treatment. Some people have acupuncture 3-4 times a week, some once a week and some only a few times a year.

Herbal medicine is very safe and mostly free of side-effect when prescribed by a well-trained professional. It is mainly prescribed as a combination of multiple herbs called a "formula". Each herb is specifically chosen to bolster or harmonize effects of other herbs. Formulas can therefore have strong therapeutic effects without disrupting the body's balance or creating other health problems. Formulas also allow for various symptoms to be treated at the same time. Specific herbs are often added to the formula to aid in digestion so that the medicine can be assimilated efficiently. In general, herbs have much lower toxicity than many pharmaceutical drugs and they are generally safer than OTC drugs.

It is very likely that you have already been taking some Chinese Herbs. Every time you eat licorice candy, dates, sprouts, mung beans, mustard, ginger with your sushi or if you snack on goji berries, drink mint tea or sprinkle cinnamon on your cappuccino — you are using herbs that are part of Chinese Materia Medica. Chinese Herbs are not only grown in China, but they are found all over the world.

Acupuncture coverage depends on your carrier, plan and condition. We don’t participate in any insurance program, please call your provider and ask if acupuncture is covered by insurance.