Acupuncture involves stimulating certain points on the body through the use of very thin needles, often with warming elements or electrical pulses, to rebalance an individual’s energy flow. It is one of the key components of traditional Chinese medicine and has been shown to have benefits for individuals dealing with a range of afflictions, especially chronic back, neck, and joint pain.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Here is a brief list of some of the conditions, confirmed by research, that acupuncture has treated with success:
- Nausea resulting from surgery or chemotherapy
- Tooth pain
- Headaches
- Menstrual cramps
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Joint pain
- Fibromyalgia
In addition to these conditions, some research has found that acupuncture can help regulate mood, reduce asthma symptoms, decrease acid reflux, and help individuals get more (and better) sleep. It has even been shown to help obese individuals lose weight within a two-month period.
What to Expect when Meeting with an Acupuncturist
A skilled acupuncturist will determine the proper course of treatment by asking questions about symptoms you are experiencing, your daily behavior, and any aspects of your lifestyle that might be contributing to your condition or your pain. He or she will examine your pain points, the color of your face, and the strength and rhythm of your pulse through your wrist before beginning treatment.
Initial evaluations usually take roughly an hour, while subsequent treatments can be completed within approximately half an hour. In most cases, a full treatment cycle lasts between 6 and 8 sessions. These sessions usually consist of:
- Needle Insertion: Roughly a dozen thin needles will be inserted at various points; they are intended to relieve your pain but may be used in an area where you are not directly experiencing that pain.
- Needle Manipulation: Once the needles are inserted, the practitioner will either slowly move the needles in place, apply light electrical stimulation, or apply heat to the needles.
- Needle Removal: Usually, the needles remain in place for approximately 15 minutes before the practitioner will remove them.
When working with a skilled and licensed acupuncturist, there is minimal risk of injury. However, if you have a pacemaker or a bleeding condition or if you think you might be pregnant, you will want to discuss these issues with your acupuncturist, since there is a possibility of causing bleeding, interference with a pacemaker’s operation, or premature labor.
On-Site Acupuncture at Highland Hospital with Angela Tsui
If you or someone you know is suffering from any of the previously mentioned afflictions and are looking for relief, we’d love to help you schedule an appointment with our acupuncturist Angela Tsui. Appointments are available on Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the old cafeteria at Highland Hospital. These treatments are free for all employees with the Freedom of Choice Health plan, and there is normally a $30 to $65 copay for those with other types of coverage.
Ms. Tsui is a California-licensed and nationally-certified acupuncturist, who also practices herbal medicine and massage therapy. Before becoming an acupuncturist, Angela received her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of California. She then received her Masters of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine at the American College of Traditional Medicine and now runs her own practice, Tsui Acupuncture.
Angela is dedicated to assisting her patients to overcome physical constraints and barriers, allowing them to live their best lives. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, please contact Angela directly by calling her at (510) 730-0608 or emailing her at tsuiacupuncture@gmail.com.
Please bear in mind that Angela’s time is valuable, so there is a strict 24-hour cancellation policy in place.
References
10 pretty fantastic reasons to try acupuncture. (2015, January 16). Prevention. Retrieved from http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/health-benefits-acupuncture
Acupuncture. (2017). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/basics/definition/prc-20020778
