Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture & TCM

Acupuncture is part of the overall system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which also includes herbal medicine, Qigong, Tui Na massage, gua sha, cupping and Eastern nutrition. It stimulates designated points on the skin by inserting very fine needles. The Chinese discovered that certain points on the body's surface are related to internal function and connected by channels, or meridians, through which energy (Qi) flows. When that flow is impaired, physical, mental or emotional disorders occur; acupuncture aims to restore its balance. All needles are disposed of immediately after treatment.

The World Health Organization lists more than 40 conditions for which acupuncture and TCM may be used, including chronic fatigue, infertility, stress, addiction, blood pressure regulation, musculoskeletal pain, migraines, gynecological, digestive, emotional, respiratory and neurological conditions. The N.I.H. and the American Medical Association have also noted that acupuncture can be helpful for a variety of conditions, and it can be effective when other treatments have failed. See conditions we treat.

Yes, and acceptance is growing. National Institutes of Health research has estimated that about 36 percent of U.S. adults use some form of complementary therapy, and many physicians refer patients to certified practitioners, including acupuncturists. As the NCCAOM has advised, consumers should make sure any practitioner they visit is properly trained and certified.

Yes, it is highly regulated. More than 40 states and the District of Columbia recognize the practice of acupuncture and/or East Asian medicine. Most states require acupuncturists to pass a comprehensive state or national licensure exam after graduating from a college accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM, formerly ACAOM). Scope of practice varies from state to state.

A licensed acupuncturist earns a Master's-level degree over 3–4 years, with roughly 3,000 hours of theoretical and clinical training in acupuncture (or about 4,000 hours in full TCM including herbal training). That is far more comprehensive than the roughly 300 hours of "medical acupuncture" training typically completed by a medical doctor, osteopath, naturopath or chiropractor.

We use sterile, disposable needles only. One of the great advantages of acupuncture over other treatments is the rarity of serious side effects or dependency. Most side effects are minor, such as occasional dizziness or slight bleeding after a needle is withdrawn. Infection at the needle site and other side effects are very rare.

Acupuncture needles are completely different from the hypodermic needles used for injections. They are about the thickness of a hair — 10 to 15 acupuncture needles can fit inside one hypodermic needle — and are virtually painless. You may feel a slight sensation on insertion, then a dull pressure or surging feeling when the needle reaches the Qi at the correct depth.

Yes. Many of our patients describe themselves as terrified of needles and are surprised how gentle treatment is. We explain each step, start slowly and can use needle-free options such as auricular medicine, acupressure, cupping and Tui Na.

Moxibustion is part of the acupuncture tradition. A dried herb, mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), is burned either directly on the skin or above it over specific acupuncture points to warm the Qi and Blood in the channels. It is most commonly used when Cold and Dampness need to be expelled from the body.

Herbal medicine is a powerful method of healing on its own; in China it is considered the primary treatment, with acupuncture secondary. For infertility and many chronic conditions, combining herbs and acupuncture achieves the best result. Each prescription is a tailored combination of many ingredients, balanced so that some herbs reduce the side effects of others or act as catalysts. Raw herbs are strongest and most adaptable; pills, powders or tinctures are more convenient. High-quality herbs used properly have very few side effects, which is why a board-certified herbalist should prescribe them. Learn more.

Qigong coordinates different breathing patterns with various physical postures and body movements. It is mostly taught for health maintenance.

Tui Na is a form of Chinese hands-on manipulative therapy using acupressure, whose purpose is to bring the body into balance. Learn more.

Cupping places glass or bamboo cups on the skin to create vacuum suction. Gua sha uses a round-edged instrument to stroke the skin. Both help draw pathogenic substances out of the body and improve circulation. Learn more.

The beauty of our skin reflects the body's internal environment. In facial rejuvenation we use acupuncture not only to smooth and tighten the skin, but also to balance the body from within. Results are often seen in as few as two treatments; a series of ten is recommended for the best result. Learn more.

Treatment begins with an intake covering your medical condition and history, and an examination that always includes taking the pulses at the wrist and examining the tongue. On your first visit a thorough history is taken, so the session may last about 90 minutes instead of 60. A treatment plan is then developed for you. Besides 20–30 minutes of needling, treatment may include other common TCM methods.

Please bring any information about your case from your other doctors — lab tests, blood work, X-ray or MRI reports — along with your completed new patient form. Please also bring cash or a credit card (Visa or Mastercard), as payment is expected at the time of your visit.

This differs for each patient. For minor or recent complaints, such as a simple muscle strain or a common cold, only a few treatments may be needed. The longer a condition has existed and the more serious it is, the more treatments are necessary; conditions that have lasted years may need several dozen treatments over time. Most patients complete between 4 and 12.

Many insurance companies cover acupuncture. If we are in network with your insurance company, we verify your benefits and submit the claim for you. If we are out of network, you pay at the office and submit for reimbursement; we provide a bill for you to send to your insurer.

Morristown (255 E. Hanover Ave, rear entrance): Monday–Thursday 10am–8pm and Saturday 8:30am–2pm, phone (973) 998-8433. Wayne (504 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 201B): Monday–Friday 10am–6pm, phone (973) 960-2582.