Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture is used worldwide both as a primary and complementary form of medical treatment. The list of conditions that acupuncture may help is essentially endless. The healing effects of acupuncture come in large part from the way that the body and mind are viewed and treated in Chinese medicine. While there are basic treatment protocols for many conditions, every treatment is tailored to your specific set of signs and symptoms. Treating you as an individual with a unique set of signs and symptoms, rather than a person with a specific condition, is the advantage that acupuncture offers. Further, for our clinic at least, "acupuncture" is a basket in which falls the full gamut of Chinese Medicine offerings, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, tuina/bodywork, cupping, moxibustion, etc. - whatever is needed to help you.

In short, yes... however, technically speaking Chinese Medicine does not treat "conditions" - it treats "patterns". The "patterns" of Chinese Medicine may include any number of western medical conditions as well as issues which have not surfaced completely (i.e. true prevention). The healing effects of acupuncture come in large part from the way the body and mind are viewed and treated in Chinese medicine. While there are basic treatment protocols for many conditions, every treatment is tailored to your specific set of signs and symptoms. Treating you as an individual with a unique set of signs and symptoms, rather than a person with a specific condition, is one of the main advantages of eastern medicine.

This depends greatly on what type of condition you have. Most people will begin to see results from acupuncture in approximately 3-7 treatments. Treatments are generally administered once per week until your issues improve and then followup appointments may range from a few times per year to monthly to bi-weekly. We are big fans of trying to treat people as infrequently as possible while still doing enough for them to heal. Part of this is accomplished with dietary and lifestyle recommendations and, when appropriate, herbal medicine.

Most people find acupuncture treatments extremely relaxing and effective and may decide to come in for treatments after their initial conditions improve. Acupuncture is an important aspect of an overall health improvement and disease prevention program.

Acupuncture needles are sterile, single use and very thin. Acupuncture needles are not much larger than the diameter of a piece of hair and most people feel nothing when the needles are inserted. It is well tolerated by all from infants to first timers in their 90's. People are surprised to see how thin acupuncture needles are and any hesitation about the treatment disappears after the first few needles are inserted. With our techniques and painless needling methods the treatment is an enjoyable experience and the vast majority of patients simply fall asleep during the treatment.

Your first visit includes a comprehensive health assessment where we'll discuss your medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and health goals. We'll then perform your first acupuncture treatment. Wear comfortable clothing and eat a light meal beforehand. Bring any relevant medical records.

Each "acupuncture" treatment employs other Chinese Medicine techniques as they are deemed appropriate. These include medical qi gong (or energywork), tuina massage along the back and neck, and other techniques such as cupping which reduces muscle tension and pain and moxibustion which will make you feel more energized. We also provide basic dietary and lifestyle recommendations to allow you to play an active role in the healing process.

We review your health history and symptoms virtually, then ship a custom Traditional Chinese Medicine formulation directly to your door.

No prior experience is necessary. Our online classes are designed to be accessible and easy to learn for beginners.

Tong Ren is an energy healing therapy developed by Tom Tam, focusing on restoring the natural flow of energy and removing blockages within the body.