FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture dates back to prehistoric times, with written records from the second century BCE. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) worked with the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1983 to develop a consensus on the use of Acupuncture to treat a number of common illnesses. Based on existing double-blind, placebo controlled studies, scientists and physicians across the globe agreed that acupuncture is safe and effective. Alamo Heights Wellness is excited to offer acupuncture to the San Antonio community.

What Conditions Can Acupuncture Treat?

Neurological Disorders – Post-stroke recovery, Bell’s Palsy & Trigeminal Neuralgia, movement disorders
Upper Respiratory Disorders – Asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinusitis, sore throat, laryngitis, colds and flu.
Digestive Disorders – Irritable bowel, colitis, constipation, diarrhea, gastritis, heartburn, food allergies, ulcers
Urinary and Reproductive Disorders – Cystitis, menstrual cramps, irregular or heavy periods, infertility, menopausal symptoms.
Immune Function – Recurrent infections, supportive treatment for cancer and AIDS patients.
Addictions – Addictions to nicotine, alcohol and drugs.
Eye and Ear Disorders – Tinnitus, Meniere’s disease.
Depression, Anxiety & Insomnia

How Long Before I See Results?

Results vary from patient to patient. Some patients feel results as immediately as when they receive the acupuncture treatment, while others take up to 2 days to see results. Patients generally report feeling calmer, sleeping better, and better digestion.

Do You Reuse The Needles?

We only use single-use disposable acupuncture needles. After the needles are used, they are disposed in a bio-medical sharps container.

Do I Have To Take Herbs?

Do I have to take herbs? Some ailments are better treated with herbal medicine, while others are better alleviated with just acupuncture. Generally, herbs can help almost every condition. Herbs heal from the inside out, while acupuncture heals from the outside in. A disease or ailment is best treated, when herbs are combined with acupuncture.

Are Herbs Safe?

Are herbs safe? Chinese herbal medicine, unlike acupuncture herbal Chinese medicine has surprisingly found favor among some researchers. Studies have revealed that herbal medicines rarely evoke any adverse reactions. In fact, they are clearly much safer than the vast majority of most pharmaceutical drugs. Modern and traditional herbal formulas are now available commercially for those of most any physical condition and age.
Chinese herbal medicines are currently being used to treat a wide range of health issues from pain, psychological disorders, immunity, digestive and gynecological problems to allergic conditions, childhood illnesses, respiratory diseases and addictive disorders like smoking and alcoholism.

What Is A Treatment Like?

What is a treatment like? The initial treatment generally takes the longest as the practitioner intakes a patient’s history and vitals, counsels on treatment strategies, and inspects the tongue and pulse. The patient may have to change into a gown if the practitioner needs to access back, chest or abdominal points. Please wear loose fitting clothing so that the acupuncturist can place the needles on arm and leg points as needed. Once an acupuncture needle has been inserted, patients generally do not feel pain. The extent of the pain a patient might feel is similar to the pinch of an insect bite. Some patients even express that the needling and manipulation of the needles can be quite pleasurable and relaxing. The acupuncture needles retain for a period between 10 minutes to 45 minutes depending on the condition treated.
Our practitioner has completed all required safety courses to ensure clean needle protocol and ensure comfort to the patient.

How Often Do I Need To See My Acupuncturist?

How often do I need to see my acupuncturist? Since Traditional Chinese Medicine tailors treatments individualized to each client, follow-up visits vary from patient to patient. Depending on the condition treated, patients can expect to make follow up visits as frequent as twice a week to as infrequent as once a month. Weight loss and pain patients generally come twice a week, while an intermittent stress patient may come once a month.
If you are doing NAET treatments with us, it is recommended that you come once a week (or more frequently) to see better results.