FAQs

  1. What is a acupuncture?

    Acupuncture is an ancient medicinal practice that originated over 3,000 years ago. Acupuncture continues to be commonly administered throughout the world, particularly in Asian countries, to treat and relieve symptoms of a wide range of diseases and conditions. Acupuncture began gaining popularity in the United States during the early 1970s.

    Acupuncture is a treatment that involves the insertion of very thin, sterilized needles into specific points of the body to promote the healing process by correcting the flow of your body’s circulation. Acupuncture can be used to treat almost any conceivable ailment or pain. Depending on the problem being treated, acupuncture techniques might also include the application of a gentle electrical current (electro-acupuncture) or heat (Moxibustion) through the needles, and/or pressure (acupressure).

  2. Does Acupuncture hurt and is it safe?

    Acupuncture needles are very thin and are not painful like hypodermic needles. Needle insertion induces very little if any pain at all. Some patients describe a pinching, grabbing or tingling sensation, whereas other patients describe little or no sensation.

    The needles are fine, sterile, disposable, and are NEVER reused on other patients. This decreases the risk of spreading disease from patient-to-patient. It is unprofessional conduct for an acupuncturist to use a needle more than once. Per the California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Section 1399.454.

    http://www.acupuncture.ca.gov/pubs_forms/laws_regs/art5.shtml#1399454

    We only use FDA-approved, single-use needles that have been sterilized by the manufacturer prior to packaging. After your treatment, the needles are disposed of in a “Sharps” medical waste disposal container. Furthermore, the acupuncturist isd nationally certified in Clean Needle Technique by the CCAOM (Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). This is the only national organization that certifies practitioners in Clean Needle Technique for acupuncture. Clean Needle Technique is the standard way in which acupuncture is practiced in order to keep patients and practitioners safe. You can always expect to receive the highest level of care available each time you visit Revitalize Health Acupuncture.

    http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=880.5580

  3. How should I do to prepare for an acupuncture treatment?

    • Please arrive 30 minutes in advance to complete all of the required paperwork; alternatively, to save time you may download “New Patient Packet” from our website at www.RevitalizeAcupuncture.com under the “Patient” tab.

    • The initial evaluation may take up to 75-90 minutes; follow-up and maintenance appointments generally take between 45-60 minutes.

    • Wear loose comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up to the elbows and pants that can be rolled up to the knees.

    • Please eat a little something beforehand. Acupuncture is not recommended on an empty or full stomach. Please do not consume alcoholic beverages at least 8 hours prior to treatment.

    • Please refrain from exposing yourself to the elements or to any strenuous activities before or after receiving treatment. Gentle exercise, such as gentle yoga, or walking is best.

  4. What to expect during an Acupuncture treatment?

    During the initial Acupuncture session, we will take a thorough history and perform a physical exam, which includes an evaluation of the tongue and pulse. We might ask about the patient’s diet to evaluate his or her nutritional well-being and might recommend changes that include herbal supplements. The first session, which generally takes longer than follow-up appointments, is aimed at creating a treatment plan for the specific conditions and concerns of each patient. During the follow-up appointments, we will reassess the patient’s progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. The initial evaluation can take up to 60-90 minutes with follow-up and maintenance appointments taking between 45-60 minutes.

    Following each evaluation, the acupuncturist inserts needles at specific acupuncture points related to the patient’s symptoms. Needle insertion induces very little if any pain at all. Some patients describe a pinching, grabbing or tingling sensation, whereas other patients describe little or no sensation. The needles are fine, sterile, disposable, and are NEVER reused on other patients. This decreases the risk of spreading disease from patient-to-patient. The needles are removed at the end of the session.