Q: What conditions can acupuncture help with?

Acupuncture may help with the following conditions: Mental/Emotional: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia Neurological/Musculoskeletal Issues: Arthritis, Neck Pain, TMJ/Jaw Pain, Shoulder Pain, Elbow Pain, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Knee Pain, Foot Pain, Sciatica, Migraines, Headaches, Early Stage Bell's Palsy (under six months of onset), Vertigo, Meniere's Respiratory Issues: Allergies, Congestion, Asthma, COPD, Common Cold Gastro-Intestinal Disorders: Acid Reflux, Hiccups, IBS, Diarrhea, Constipation Female Reproductive Health: Infertility, Painful Periods, Irregular Cycle, Endometriosis, Menopausal Symptoms, Hormonal Imbalances, Morning Sickness Male Reproductive Health: Infertility And much more! Have a consult with an acupuncturist to see if acupuncture can help you!

Question 1

What is acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that dates back thousands of years. Needles are inserted at specific acupoints located on fourteen different channels or meridians found throughout the body to help with a wide variety of ailments. 
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Question 2

What conditions can acupuncture help with?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture may help with the following conditions:
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Mental/Emotional: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia
Neurological/Musculoskeletal Issues: Arthritis, Neck Pain, TMJ/Jaw Pain, Shoulder Pain, Elbow Pain, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Knee Pain, Foot Pain, Sciatica, Migraines, Headaches, Early Stage Bell's Palsy (under six months of onset), Vertigo, Meniere's
Respiratory Issues: Allergies, Congestion, Asthma, COPD, Common Cold
Gastro-Intestinal Disorders: Acid Reflux, Hiccups, IBS, Diarrhea, Constipation
Female Reproductive Health: Infertility, Painful Periods, Irregular Cycle, Endometriosis, Menopausal Symptoms, Hormonal Imbalances, Morning Sickness
Male Reproductive Health: Infertility
And much more! Have a consult with an acupuncturist to see if acupuncture can help you!

Question 3

How does acupuncture work?

Accepted Answer

May help inhibit the body’s pain receptors
May increase the body’s natural painkillers: opioids, endorphins, and enkephalins
May decrease inflammation by inhibiting the production of cytokines
Helps increase circulation, relaxes muscles and soft tissue, and brings more oxygen and nutrients to injured areas 
Helps remove energetic blockages in the meridians, allowing for free flow of energy and blood
May help release stored emotions and trauma within the body

Question 4

What are treatments like? Does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

Your acupuncturist will diagnose your condition by looking at your health history, lifestyle, diet, etc. Specifically, your acupuncturist will look at your tongue and feel the quality of your pulse. Yes, that’s right, we look at your tongue! It is the only muscle that is visible outside of the body and it gives us information regarding digestion and the functioning of the internal organs. The treatment will begin with your practitioner cleaning the appropriate acupoints with alcohol and then inserting the sterile, stainless steel needles. These needles are thin and flexible and about as thick as human hair.
 
Don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s going to feel like a shot at a doctor’s office. Medical hypodermic needles are thick, hollow, and stiff causing more damage to the surrounding tissue. The slender needles used in acupuncture produce little to no sensation at all. Most people are surprised at how relaxing the treatments are. When the needle makes contact with Qi (your body’s energy), most patients feel a tingling sensation or a slight heavy ache around the area. This is good! Your body is responding to acupuncture and is on its way to feeling better! After the needles are inserted they are retained for about 30 minutes or depending on what your acupuncturist recommends. It is normal to feel relaxed and want to fall asleep during your treatment, in fact, most people do!

Question 5

How should I prepare for my treatment?

Accepted Answer

Please read through and sign all documents prior to arrival
Make sure to EAT before, do not arrive on an empty stomach
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be rolled up or wear/bring shorts and short sleeves
Make sure to stay well hydrated before and after treatments
Please use the restroom prior to the session 
Do not drink alcohol before or immediately after treatments

Question 6

How should I expect to feel after a treatment?

Accepted Answer

Everyone experiences acupuncture differently. Some feel energized and refreshed. Others feel calm and sleepy, with a sense of euphoria. In general, you can expect to feel relaxed after your treatment. Acupuncture is a great stress reliever!

Question 7

What should I do after my treatment?

Accepted Answer

Do not drink alcohol before or immediately after treatments
Do not perform strenuous activities immediately after treatments
Listen to your practitioner's recommendations
Take it easy and enjoy your acupuncture bliss!​

Question 8

How many acupuncture treatments until I see results?

Accepted Answer

Every person responds differently to acupuncture, you would need to be evaluated by your acupuncturist to know your individual treatment plan. In general,  for acute cases, you may see faster results. For more chronic or internal conditions, it may take around six to twelve treatments to start to see results. For more complex cases, it may take several months to notice changes. Think of acupuncture as an exercise routine, the more consistent you are, the faster you start to see your body change. Consistency is key. You can never get too much acupuncture, but you can definitely go too long without it. 
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Long Beach Acupuncture Clinic

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