Claremont Acupuncture, Maria Redinger LAc

What is Acupuncture?

South Pasadena Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an essential part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a comprehensive system of health care with a history of over 5,000 years. This system also includes Chinese herbology, dietary therapy, exercise and bodywork. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body to promote the body's ability to heal itself.

Vital energy or "Qi" flows through the body along specific pathways called "meridians" that bring life-giving Qi to every muscle, organ and cell in the body.

Blockages in the flow of Qi can result in pain and disease. Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of qi through the body by the insertion and manipulation of needles at specific points on the body. In this way natural balance is restored by promoting the body's ability to heal itself.

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

San Gabriel Valley Acupuncture Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like hypodermic injections at the doctor’s office. They won't. Acupuncture uses hair-thin, flexible needles that you will hardly feel when I insert them. Patients have described feeling sensations such as heaviness, pressure, or tingling. You may also feel an "electrical" sensation moving down the meridian pathways, though this is less common. Most patients find these acupuncture sensations deeply satisfying and leave the treatment feeling relaxed both mentally and physically.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more then one treatment is necessary. For acute conditions you can expect to have 5 to 10 treatments, but you will usually begin to feel relief after just the first few. Chronic conditions may take longer to respond, depending on the type, severity, and duration of the condition. Other factors include your age and overall health. Preventative treatments are recommended and may be scheduled on an as-needed basis.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Glendora Natural Health Yes. Acupuncture is used by millions of Americans every year. Acupuncturists are required to undergo extensive education, including detailed study of human anatomy and training in Clean Needle Technique. I have passed comprehensive national board examinations administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and am licensed by the state of California. As required by law, I use pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles to ensure your complete safety.

Your First Visit

When you arrive for your first acupuncture appointment I will ask you to complete a comprehensive intake form. The acupuncture intake form asks questions about your current state of health, past illnesses, and family history. These questions are important because the holistic approach of Oriental medicine takes everything into account. Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex landscapes and everything that happens to them leaves its mark.

Glendora Acupuncture After reviewing your intake form, we will discuss your condition, and I will examine your pulse and tongue, which are two of the basic diagnostic methods of Oriental medicine. The acupuncture points I choose will depend on your condition, but you can expect approximately 20 needles. Once the needles are inserted, I will leave you to lie comfortably for 20-30 minutes with the needles in place. Many people find acupuncture treatment deeply relaxing, and it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during this time.

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture works by activating the body's own healing powers, so it can be beneficial for many health conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented many symptoms, diseases, and conditions that have been shown in controlled clinical trials to be effectively treated with acupuncture. Below are some common conditions I can treat, but please feel free to contact me about your specific health condition.