Bamboo Field Acupuncture & Herb

FAQ

What is acupuncture?

The term "acupuncture" describes a family of procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body using a variety of techniques to vitalize one’s healing energy. Acupuncture involves penetrating the skin with very thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation. Acupuncture has been practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years. According to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey, an estimated 8.2 million U.S. adults have used acupuncture, and an estimated 2.1 million U.S. adults had used acupuncture in the previous year.

What is Chinese medicine?

 In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing, complementary and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents cold, slow, or passive aspects of the person, while yang represents hot, excited, or active aspects. The foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine is the achievement and maintenance of health through the balance of yin and yang. Disease is caused by an imbalance leading to a blockage in the flow of qi (vital energy). Acupuncture, moxibustion, Chinese herbs, nutrition, exercise (meditation/qi gong, tai ji) and tui-na (Asian Bodywork) are the key components of Chinese medicine to balance the yin and yang of the body and regulate one’s vital energy.

How effective is acupuncture?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been studying acupuncture. Even though they have not been able to fully discover how acupuncture works, they recognize the efficacy of acupuncture. Promising results have emerged, for example, to treat adult post-operative dental and medical pain, chemotherapy nausea and vomiting. There are other situations--addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, in which acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative, or be included in a comprehensive management program.

Can acupuncture be effective when other treatments have failed?

Absolutely. For many it is the “last resort”. Conventional medicine is very effective in suppressing symptoms, such as pain, but often does not address the root cause.
During your first office visit, the practitioner will ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. The practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition. Please inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.

How many treatments would I need?

The number of treatments needed depends on each person. In general, the longer you have suffered from the condition, the more treatments you will need. Also it depends on your age and general physical vitality. Most patients experience some relief after the first treatment. During your first visit, the practitioner will suggest how often and how long you should receive treatments.

Is acupuncture safe?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners, requiring that needles be manufactured and labeled according to certain standards. For example, the FDA requires needles to be sterile, nontoxic, and labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only. Complications from the use of acupuncture are very rare as reported by the FDA. In the state of Texas, it is required for practitioners to pass the Clean Needle Technique course provided by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very fine unlike those on a syringe. You may feel no pain or a slight pinch when the needles are first inserted. After a needle is inserted, you may feel a slight soreness, tingling, numbness or heaviness, but this is a sign of vital energy arriving, a positive effect of acupuncture.

Can I be treated without needles?

If you are afraid of needles, there are other modalities. Relax. You are not forced to take needles. Most likely the practitioner will perform a different modality, such as moxibustion or tui-na (Asian bodywork), and recommend Chinese herbal treatment.

Does insurance cover acupuncture treatment?

More and more insurance companies provide acupuncture benefits, and we file insurance for patients whose plans cover acupuncture. Initially we will ask you to pay in full the amount for the service rendered, but we would be happy to file your claims for you and refund what was covered by your insurance. Please bring your insurance card and we will check your benefits. We recommend you check your insurance prior to receiving treatment.

How long does a treatment take for a visit?

Your first appointment usually takes 90 minutes. Follow-up appointments typically last 60 minutes. In the first visit, you will be given an information packet and initial intake form. This usually takes about 20 minutes to read and answer. For this reason, please arrive 15 to 30 minutes earlier than your appointment time. These forms are available at www.bamboofieldacupuncture.com, and you may bring them filled out so you don’t have to come earlier.

Who can perform acupuncture in the State of Texas?

In order to practice acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncturists must be licensed by the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners. The basic requirements are:

• Graduate from an acupuncture school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).
• Complete 1,800 hours of Acupuncture training from an accredited acupuncture school.
• Complete 450 of the 1,800 hours in herbal therapy training.
• Have completed 60 college hours in addition to acupuncture training.
• Pass the following NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) examination modules:

• Pass the CCAOM (Council of College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) Clean Needle Technique Course and Practical Examination
• Passage of Jurisprudence Examination of the State of Texas
• Prove English proficiency

In the state of Texas, medical doctors (M.D.), doctors of osteopathy (D.O.) and chiropractors can also practice acupuncture, but chiropractors only need 100 hours of acupuncture training and are not required to take any examination to test their skills. Medical and osteopathy doctors have no minimum requirements to practice acupuncture.

I’m healthy. Should I still see you?

Absolutely. In fact, it is strongly recommended. The best way to be healthy is prevention. In the oldest Chinese medical classics they said, “treating disease when you are sick is like making a weapon when the enemy is near or starting to dig a well when you are thirsty.” We strongly recommend a regular visit, just like you go to your dentist for regular teeth cleanings to keep them healthy.

New Patient Forms

Please print, read and bring them filled out to your first appointment.

These forms are also available at the clinic. Please arrive 20 minutes before your appointment time to allow you to read and fill out these forms. 

New Patient Forms

Required by law 

In the state of Texas, you must have seen a physician or dentist for the condition you are going to be treated by us within the last 12 months or referred by a chiropractor within the last 30 days except when the condition is smoking addiction, weight loss, alcoholism, chronic pain, or substance abuse. If you have questions, please contact us about your specific condition and ask whether a physician evaluation is required from you.

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