FAQ

Most patients find an acupuncture treatment very relaxing. They leave feeling less discomfort and more energized. Sometimes the effects can be subtle in the beginning, yet over time with repeated treatments, improvement of symptoms and overall health becomes more and more apparent. Many patients look forward to the quiet time and experience as a retreat for themselves.

When you receive treatment from Vivian you will feel pampered, relaxed, and beautifully taken care of. Vivian’s gift is her ability to be 100% present to your needs. She pays special attention to every detail including the atmosphere and ambiance of her treatment room.

The answer to this question depends on the acupuncturist and the style and technique used. Most people who have experienced acupuncture would describe the sensation as virtually painless. Some patients feel nothing at all; others experience the feeling of warmth, tingling, slight numbness or electrical pulsations in certain areas. All these reactions usually subside once the needles are removed.

The needles used in acupuncture are much smaller than the standard hypodermic needle, and they do not draw blood. Patients are surprised and happy to discover the treatment involves little or no pain. Often the acupuncture gives a feeling of being uplifted and relaxed and many patients even fall asleep during the session.

Vivian’s experience and technique partnered with her gentle yet powerful personality results in her having a very light touch when it comes to the application of the needles. The whole experience is deeply relaxing and pleasurable.

Usually the first visit is 1.5 hours. This includes the initial consultation, exam, and time to review your medical history. You will receive a traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and the appropriate treatment during the first visit. While receiving an acupuncture session, other therapies such as moxibustion, massage and sound healing can also be incorporated.

Follow-up visits are typically shorter, usually about 1 hour.

Part of Vivian’s philosophy is to spend unrushed time with her patient therefore she is able to be attentive to all your needs and gives you exactly the treatment required.

It is beneficial to not eat a large meal directly before or after an acupuncture treatment. To redeem the full benefits of the session, it is highly recommended that you refrain from overexertion, alcohol intake or stimulants for up to 6 hours after the visit. Also avoid stressful situations if possible. The best scenario is to take time to relax afterward and be sure to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water. This is important because the body’s energy flow and ability to heal are still continuing many hours after the treatment.

In between visits, it is a good idea to notice any changes which may have occurred, such as:

• the alleviation of pain

• lessening of pain

• pain moving to other areas,

• changes in the frequency of the pain

• changes in sleep patterns for the better

• less cravings

• an awareness of being less stressed and irritable

• any other type of changes or concern

Vivian is available to answer any questions which you would like to address prior to your initial visit and can be reached in between sessions if needed.

Chinese herbal medicine has been used and proven as an effective treatment for many conditions for over 3000 years. It is one of the most important parts of Traditional Chinese Medicine practice in addition to acupuncture. These two modalities combined, powerfully enhance your overall treatment. The personal prescription is prepared for you by your herbalist and is specifically combined for your condition and your body’s constitution.

The formulas are made up of a selection of herbs which are composed of roots, barks, branches, leaves, flowers, and seeds. The selected herbs work synergistically to treat the whole person. Sometimes similar herbs are combined together to produce a stronger and more desirable effect. Certain herbs are also used to reduce or eliminate any side effects of the formulas.

Here are more benefits of using Chinese herbal medicine:

• Works on the whole body

• Addresses the root of the problem

• Customized for individual needs and constitution

• Supports the immune system

• Reduce side effects of medications such as antibiotics, chemotherapy, etc.

• Excellent for prevention of flu, headache, PMS.

• Tonifies energy and anti-aging

• Treats both acute and chronic conditions

• Natural and alternative herbal medicine when chemical medicine fails

All herbal formulas are created by carefully chosen herbs and any potential side effects can be easily counteracted with other herbs in the same formula. Therefore, they are balanced and safer with minimal side effects compared to chemical medicine. Because Chinese herbs are derived from natural products which are mainly plants, they work together synergistically to enhance each other potency and strength

Always consult with your acupuncturist and other health practitioners about what other herbal products, supplements, and medications you are currently taking.

Be sure your acupuncturist only uses herbs from manufacturers that have Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance. This is a safeguard that uses standards and guidelines to ensure the production of manufacturing and testing of pharmaceuticals, herbal active ingredients, and foods to ensure a good quality medicine or product. These herbs have been passed by government inspection and are tested for pesticides, sulfites, bacteria, or other contaminants. This testing has strict standards for purity and potency.

When Vivian is prescribing formulas, she pays special attention to your medical history and your body’s constitution making sure the combinations are balanced in such a way that they are effective for your condition without any side effects.

The herbs are dispensed in extract powder or capsules and should always be taken with warm water. In general, it is best to take the herbs just before your meals. Please consult with your herbalist for specific instructions before taking the herbs. For example, tonic herbs, to promote health are best taken before meals. Detoxified herbs, to clean the body system are best taken on an empty stomach. And of course, herbs that help with insomnia or sleeping disorders should be taken at bedtime.

It is a holistic approach to treat a patient. The practitioner of Chinese Medicine is able to treat a broader variety of conditions than Western medicine doctors. By stimulating specific body areas to produce a therapeutic reaction on the nervous system, the practitioner can address your digestive system imbalances, emotional, sleep disorders as well as muscular pain during the same acupuncture session.

Besides all these, Chinese medicine not only treats the condition(s) you have but helps to restore your overall health and vitality. It boosts your immune system, relieves stress and tensions in your body, and increases your energy and sleep quality.

Yes! Gift Certificates are an ideal gift for you to give to your loved ones, who are stressed or need some relaxation and pampering. It is also a wonderful way to say thank you to someone. They are especially popular on Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays, or holidays. These certificates can be purchased via phone, text, and email request and can also be mailed directly to you or the person who is receiving the gift.