Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be invaluable therapies on your wellness journey.

Acupuncture supports the body/mind system by using its own natural healing processes, and has been shown to successfully treat conditions ranging from musculoskeletal problems (back pain, neck pain, and others) to nausea, migraine headache, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and  the ability to conceive.

Acupuncture has shown to help with the following conditions:

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Meet Your Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine Expert

Vivian Takafuji

PHD + LAC + DIPL OM • Provider

Acupuncturist

Frequently Asked Questions
About Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine at Thrive

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been around for over 3,000 years as a healing technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The science of acupuncture works to treat and stimulate the balanced flow of vital energy throughout the body. Known as “Qi,” our energy flow is essential to good health and is responsible for our overall wellbeing, self-regulation and healing potential.

When our Qi’s balance is deficient or obstructed, our body becomes vulnerable, diseased, imbalanced and susceptible to illness or injury. It’s the harmonious flow of Qi that allows us to feel positive feelings of heath and vitality — physically, mentally and emotionally.

Is acupuncture safe?

The US National Institute of Health has documented and publicized acupuncture’s safety and efficiency for treating a wide variety of health conditions.

How does acupuncture work?

When a particular acupoint is stimulated, it influences the organ(s) associated with that point by encouraging the body’s own healing abilities to restore balance. In this manner, many different internal conditions can be addressed effectively. For the treatment of pain issues, the insertion of acupuncture needles can help to restore the free flow of “Qi + Blood” that is obstructed at the site of pain or the associated meridian.

Is acupuncture painful?

Acupuncture should not be painful experience. There might be a slight pinching sensation as the needles are first inserted at the superficial nerves at the skin. This is akin to a bug bite but should subside immediately or within a few seconds. Your acupuncturist will be checking in for your comfort level at all times.

What can I expect during and after my acupuncture therapy?

Acupuncture is not meant to be painful; however, not all acupoints are created equal. Some points are more sensitive than others and may cause you to feel pain or an “electric” sensation.

Acupuncture is not an instantaneous treatment. It will take up to 24 hours before you feel the full results from your session.
In order to ensure the success of your sessions, it is important to perform the specific treatment plan and number of sessions recommended. Once symptoms have been resolved, monthly maintenance sessions may be recommended.

Stay hydrated and drink lots of water after your session. Try to avoid alcohol and caffeine for up to 24 hours.

Your acupuncture sessions may be enhanced when incorporating massage, aromatherapy, or any other service related to your concern at hand.

What should I wear to a treatment?

It is best to wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be pulled up beyond the knees and elbows. A loose shirt may be lifted to access Acupoints on the abdomen or lower back. It is possible that a medical gown (provided) may need to be downed in cases where the clothing cannot be moved sufficiently for the treatment.

What are the possible risks of treatment?

As with any therapy, risks exist. The practitioner needs to know if the patient has a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device in case electric stimulation is used in treatment. A patient with a bleeding disorder or taking anticoagulant medications may be at greater risk for bleeding after needling or taking certain Chinese herbs. Also, a woman who is pregnant or trying to conceive requires a particular treatment plan to avoid complications. Informed consent and patient information form is required prior to any treatment in the clinic

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

“Dry needling” is not the same as acupuncture. Similar single-use stainless steel needles are used in both therapies but acupuncture uses points that are selected along energetic “meridians” and incorporates a deeper level of Chinese medical theory. In this means, acupuncture can address organ dysfunction in addition to pain symptoms, often seeking the “root” cause of the problem.

How does Chinese herbal medicine work?

Chinese herbal medicine has deep history and evolution over the millennia. Formulations involve a combination of herbs that synergistically work together to address a particular Chinese medical diagnosis. A herbal prescription can run from a week to a few months, depending on the condition being addressed. Your herbalist will be assessing your response throughout the treatment course.