Active Acupuncture FAQ

What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine, sterile, metal needles into the skin at specific points on the body for the purpose of pain relief and treatment of various other ailments by balancing energy flow.

What do you do other than needles?
My scope of practice also includes electrical therapy, application of heat/cold, moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, and herbal prescriptions.

Do the needles hurt?
Often, the patient barely feels the needles. The initial sensation may, as expected, feel like being pricked with a pin, especially in less "meaty" areas of the body. If there is continued discomfort (which is rare) after the needle is adjusted, it will be removed and a more suitable location will be chosen.

Do you do ear staples for weight loss?
It is my opinion that ear staples carry too much of a risk for infection. I do have small, sterile needles that I can tape into the ear to leave in for a few days.

There has been a notable demand, so I have decided that I will make appointments to do weight loss ear protocols at $20 per treatment. The ear protocols are free with a regular session. However, you should know that I think the best way to lose weight is by joining a gym, getting a nutritional consult, and following through.

There are no shortcuts. Losing weight is hard work. Acupuncture can help reduce stress, normalize emotions, release endorphins, and promote digestion. It's still going to be hard work, but if you make the lifestyle changes, you'll look and feel better and more energized, and maintaining a healthy weight reduces risk for many health conditions. You have my respect and my support for making healthy changes.

Is oriental medicine safe?
The needles I use are sterile and disposable. I use them once, then put them in a sharps disposal container. Compared to hypodermic syringe needles, acupuncture needles are small, solid, flexible, and tapered. Rather than a sharp edge, there is a sharp tip, causing less damage to the tissue, thus less contamination.

When appropriately prescribed, herbal medicine is safe and effective. I've had extensive herbal training through class and clinic. Herbs are prescribed not only by symptoms addressed, but by the overall condition of the patient. I select GMP certified herbs that are preservative-free and tested for heavy metals. Herbs may interact with otc and prescription medications, so it is important for me to know what you are taking.

Is oriental medicine effective?
According to the WHO, "Acupuncture has been proven effective in relieving postoperative pain, nausea during pregnancy, nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy, and dental pain with extremely low side effects. It can also alleviate anxiety, panic disorders and insomnia." In my own experience, as the patient or the practitioner, I've seen acupuncture and herbs to have great effect on all kinds of pain, the common cold, allergies, depression, shingles, digestive issues, gynecological issues, and even vision problems!

What is your training?
I have a Master of Oriental Medicine from the Dallas College of Oriental Medicine. This is a four year program that includes oriental theory, acupuncture, herbal medicine, anatomy and physiology, western pharmacology, and at least 2 years of clinical internship. In order to be licensed, I passed national examinations in theory, acupuncture, herbs, point location, and biomedicine. I have also had training in auricular acupuncture detox, herbal support for chemotherapy, facial rejuvenation with acupuncture, and Dr. Tan's Balance Method.