Frequently Asked Questions

What does an acupuncture treatment feel like?
Most people are surprised by how relaxing acupuncture can be. Usually within minutes of application of the points, patients will start to feel a general sense of relaxation. Acupuncture recipients often feel a gentle sensation of movement or "flow" within their bodies. It is not uncommon to experience a deep and profound sense of relaxation and wellness, which can last hours or very often days. Can it really relieve pain? Yes. Numerous studies have proved that acupuncture can be effective in relieving various types of pain including back and neck pain, joint pain, headache and migraine, menstrual cramps, and others.Acupuncture can offer relief to most pain sufferers.

How does it work?
Studies have shown that acupuncture may stimulate the release of your body’s natural pain-killing biochemicals, called endorphins. Magnetic Resonance Imaging studies have shown that acupuncture can have an effect on the central nervous system by stimulating certain areas in the brain. Acupuncture also appears to have a generally positive effect on the immune system and the hormonal system. According to the Gate Theory of Pain, acupuncture can interrupt pain messages to the brain. Traditional theory holds that our bodies have a network of underlying energy pathways called meridians. It is these meridians that form the basis for physiological functions. Directly stimulating the meridians with acupuncture will balance the energy system and improve overall health.

Is it safe?
Yes. A study of 34,000 acupuncture treatments published in the British Medical Journal showed no significant adverse effects. Many patients experience a profound sense of relaxation, more energy and less stress even when these were not primary complaints.

What if I'm already being treated by my doctor?
Most medical doctors see acupuncture as a safe treatment for certain conditions. There are rarely any circumstances where acupuncture can interfere with conventional treatment and it will often work as a helpful adjunct to conventional treatment. Feel free to talk to your doctor about acupuncture. At our clinic we have a local referral base of highly qualified and respected physicians who understand how acupuncture can work as an adjunct to their treatment plan for the patient.

What if I'm taking blood thinners or other prescription medicines?
Patients on blood thinners can still benefit from acupuncture. Some medical doctors mistakenly believe patients taking blood thinners should not have acupuncture. Acupuncture needles are 1/10th to 1/100th the sized of needles used in the hospital. Every patient who is on blood thinners has his or her blood tests taken with needles ten times the size of acupuncture needles. Acupuncture needles do not cut into large veins like hypodermic needles, nor does acupuncture further thin the blood. Certain Chinese herbs should be avoided or limited while taking prescription medications. Always tell your acupuncturist if you are taking blood thinners or other prescription medication.

Is acupuncture safe for kids?
Yes. Many of the acupuncture patients at our center are children ranging in age from newborn to teenaged. Acupuncture is a safe, gentle approach to treating ear infections, asthma, allergies, behavioral problems, neurological imbalances, digestive disorders and many other common childhood complaints. Often parents seek acupuncture for their children because they want to avoid antibiotics or other prescription drugs. Children, especially young ones, respond quickly to acupuncture and need less treatment than adults to regain good health. Treatment sessions are shorter than adults’ and consist of pediatric massage and quick, in-and-out needles.

Do I have to believe in Acupuncture for it to work?
Research shows that belief plays a role in every kind of treatment, even surgery. Belief affects your acupuncture treatment no more or less than it would any other kind of treatment. The idea that acupuncture only works as a placebo is one of the biggest misconceptions about acupuncture. Studies have shown acupuncture to be very effective in treating a number of conditions in humans, as well as animals such as horses, dogs, and cats. Animals are incapable of actually “believing” in acupuncture, yet it still works very well for them. Testing for an acupuncture placebo in humans is much more challenging. However, there have been studies conducted at major universities that have concluded that acupuncture acts as more than just a placebo.

What should I wear for the treatment?
Ideally, you should wear something that you are comfortable in, as you will likely be relaxing during the treatment for thirty to fifty minutes. In our clinic, most of the acupuncture points used are on your arms or your legs. Usually there is no need for disrobing. On the rare occasions when disrobing is beneficial, the practitioner leaves the room to afford strict patient privacy and returns only when assured that the patient is disrobed and covered with a treatment sheet.

How does acupuncture work from a “traditional” (or esoteric) point of view?
Acupuncture, like other energy medicine, works by balancing the subtle energies of the body. The concept of Qi (pronounced chee) is essential to understanding how acupuncture works. The closest English language translation for the word Qi is “life energy.” When the Qi in our body is in balance, we feel healthy and strong. When Qi is not flowing properly, or when it becomes blocked, many different signs and symptoms of disease may arise. These can include pain, a weakened immune system, emotional difficulties, infertility, and ill health. Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points on the body to restore the normal flow of the body’s Qi. Once the body is in a balanced state, it can heal itself more efficiently.

How does acupuncture work from a modern, scientific point of view?
The Santa Cruz Center for Traditional Medicine appreciates and values modern science, however modern science is still struggling to completely understand how acupuncture works. Scientific studies have shown certain acupuncture points to have effects on the nervous system, releasing neurotransmitters in the brain, reducing inflammation, and increasing the circulation of blood and body fluids. However, there are gaps in the modern theories that explain how acupuncture can do all of these things. We believe that these gaps will be filled by further research and with the advancement of technology. In the meantime, we combine traditional theories with modern scientific theories to explain how acupuncture works. Please see the Articles and Research section of our Links page for more information.

How many treatments will I need?
There are no two people or conditions that are exactly the same. Each patient has to be considered individually. On some occasions, one acupuncture treatment can relieve the problem; however, usually more than one treatment is necessary. For something as simple as acute low back pain, without injury to tissues, one to three treatments may be all that is needed to offer substantial relief. Other conditions, especially conditions that are chronic or long-term, may require continued treatment for some time. Usually you will have a good idea whether acupuncture is effective for you after three treatments for acute conditions or six treatments for long standing conditions.

At the Santa Cruz Center for Traditional Medicine, our practitioners will check your progress throughout your treatment plan. We will strive to provide you with an accurate prognosis and refer you to another healthcare practitioner if we are unable to help you.

Are the needles reused? Absolutely not.
The Santa Cruz Center for Traditional Medicine only uses FDA-approved, single-use needles that have been sterilized by the manufacturer prior to packaging. After your treatment, the needles are disposed of in a “sharps” medical waste disposal container. Furthermore, all of our acupuncturists are nationally certified in Clean Needle Technique by the CCAOM (Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). This is the only national organization that certifies practitioners in Clean Needle Technique for acupuncture. Clean Needle Technique is the standard way in which acupuncture is practiced in order to keep patients and practitioners safe. You can always expect to receive the highest level of care available each time you visit the Santa Cruz Center for Traditional Medicine.

What are the differences between a California Licensed Acupuncturist and Chiropractors, Naturopathic Physicians, Osteopathic Physicians, and Medical Doctors that practice acupuncture?
The difference is usually in the amount and focus of acupuncture training that the practitioner has completed. Licensed acupuncturists are required to complete a program of training that is highly specialized in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. To become a California Licensed Acupuncturist, the California Licensing Board requires the completion of at least a 4-year postgraduate program in acupuncture that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). California Licensed Acupuncturists are not required to pass the national acupuncture exams administered by the National Certification Commission in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) due to the California Board standards being much higher than the nationals. Each acupuncturist at the Santa Cruz Center for Traditional Medicine has completed more than 3,000 hours of postgraduate training (Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine) that has included over 1,000 hours of clinical experience. About 80% of that training focused on acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine and 20% was devoted to Western sciences. Moreover, our acupuncturists have passed the national NCCAOM exams in acupuncture, Oriental medical theory, Chinese herbal medicine, and biomedicine. They also completed hospital internships in China and received training in traditional Japanese acupuncture. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are their areas of expertise. The acupuncture training of most Doctors of Chiropractic, Doctors of Naturopathy, Doctors of Osteopathy, and Medical Doctors is often very basic. It typically consists of less than 200 hours of instruction, and these practitioners generally use acupuncture only as an adjunct to their usual expertise (Keep in mind that some Doctors actually go through the regular program). You should always feel free to ask your practitioner about the extensiveness of their acupuncture training. For more information on this subject, please ask one of us!