1. Why do people get sick?

    According to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), people who get sickness are due to: a, emotional problems; b, improper intake of foods; c, life patterns do not follow the change of environment; d, excessive sexual activity.
    Any of the above factors could change the condition of the Qi (energy) that flows in our body and results in us getting ill.

  2. How does an acupuncturist diagnose patient?

    According to TCM, the outside of our body connects with the inside through the channels, and each channel relates to certain organ. The channel is the pathway of the Qi. Any changes of the inside will manifest on the outside (symptoms and pulse).
    Acupuncturist could find out the cause of diseases through the symptoms and the pulse. The process is called differentiation. Differentiation is fully guided by TCM. None of the tests or diagnosis from Western medicine should be considered.
    Based on the differentiation, an acupuncturist is able to set up the treatment plan including acupoints and needling techniques that will actually treat the cause of the disease but not the symptom.
    To learn the basic theory of TCM, a minimum of three years of schooling in the USA is required, while it takes five years in China.

  3. How does acupuncture cure the diseases?

    Needling the points that relate to the channel can change of the condition of the Qi that flows in the channel and organ.

  4. How many points are selected for each treatment?

    It depends on the differentiation. Generally, to treat more severe disease such as dysfunction of internal organs will require few distal points. More points may be applied to the less severe diseases such as muscle problems. It seems to contradict common sense.
    Using one more or less point than what is required will cause side effect.

  5. What is the acupuncture technique? Is it very important?

    Technique is how the acupuncturist manipulates the needles. Different technique applies for the different diseases. There is no one technique that fits for all kinds of diseases.

    Technique is the most important part in acupuncture practice. To get good results, one needs 1) the correct differentiation; 2) the correct point prescription; 3) the correct technique applied.

  6. Is it right that acupuncturist always retain the needles for about 15 to 30 minutes in each treatment?

    No. The time may vary depending on the different techniques applied. Usually, once the acupuncturist completes the techniques on the needles, the treatment is done.
    Retaining the needles in all the cases means that the acupuncturist does not know the proper acupuncture techniques, and it will cause problems.

  7. Do I have to endure the pain during the acupuncture treatment? Someone said, "Acupuncture therapy is no pain no gain.” Is it right?

    No. Most patients say that the feeling of the needle is less than having a hypodermic injection, and the feeling of the needle only appears at the time of the needle insertion. If the pain continues during the treatment, this means that the acupuncturist missed the points.

  8. How many visits do I need before I could feel improvement?

    For most of the pain syndromes, you should feel relief right after treatment; for internal problem, you also should feel improvement after the first visit.

  9. How do I cooperate with the acupuncturist during the treatment?

    Please try to relax fully during the treatment.

  10. How often shall I visit the acupuncture clinic for treatment?

    The frequency of treatment depends on the differentiation. To get the best result from acupuncture, you should follow the instruction of your acupuncturist concerning the frequency of treatment.

  11. If I have been cured by acupuncture, do I have to keep visiting regularly in order to maintain good health?

    No. One should know how to avoid the factors that cause diseases in order to maintain good health. (See question 1)

  12. Someone say that acupuncture is one of the safest medical therapies; you will lose nothing if there is no improvement. Is this right?

    No, it is like any other medical theory that it could help people and can also hurt people as well, if malpractice occurred.

  13. What could happen if malpractice occurred?

    Malpractice means that acupuncture had disturbed the channel or organ instead of balancing it; therefore, patient may have the symptoms related with the disturbed channel. For example, retaining the needle could damage Qi and cause fatigue after treatment. In the book of Ling Shu, many chapters had discussed this serious issue to warn acupuncturists. Unfortunately, few acupuncturists are aware of it.

  14. Do you use disposable needles?

    Yes.

  15. Do you also practice Chinese herb?

    Yes.

  16. Do you accept insurance?

    Yes, we accept most of the health insurances, worker's compensation, and car injury insurance.

  17. Do we have to make an appointment?

    Yes.

  18. How do I contact you if I have other question?

    Email us at drkim@premierwellnesscenter.com