Herb X Formulas FAQ

The following is a list of frequently asked questions about our products and services.



What is acupuncture and how does it work?

Having been practiced in China for over 3,000 years, Oriental medicine is one of the oldest forms of healing. Acupuncture and herbs are just two of the numerous healing modalities used in Oriental medicine. Acupuncture is a safe, natural, minimally invasive procedure which provides relief from pain and other nagging medical complaints. The goal of the practitioner is to balance the body's "Qi", or life force. It is when this Qi is obstructed that disease or illness occurs. This is done by inserting a thin, sterile needle into pre-selected points on the body known as acupoints. The acupoints often fall on meridians that flow through the body in a similar fashion as veins and nerves. The needle directly affects the body's energies to relieve pain, swelling or fluid congestion. The body is soon restored to a balanced state, and normal functioning resumes.



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What is Cupping?

The application of glass or bamboo cups to the skin for the purpose of releasing tension and knots from aching muscles. These knots occur from such problems of local qi, or blood stagnation in the channels (meridians). It is like having a massage from the inside of the skin! A vacuum is created by inserting a flame into the cup prior to placement on the body. The flame is extinguished, and the vacuum that results causes some of the skin and muscle to be slightly sucked into the jar. This pressure encourages the flow of qi and blood in the area beneath the cup, and the local stagnation begins to clear. The cup can be left in place or slid along the skin's surface using oil. This procedure is generally pain free, though may leave mild bruising which will fade after a couple days.



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What should I do before a treatment?

It is a good idea to have a small snack before your session to prevent nausea or lightheadedness. Wear comfortable clothes so you can fully relax, and not be disturbed by pinching or constricting.



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What should I do after a treatment?

It is safe when administered by a trained and licensed professional. You can contact your state’s licensing and regulation agency to find this out. The needles used are most often individually packed, sterilized, single use needles so as to eliminate the risk of infection or contamination.



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Is needle insertion painful?

The insertion is nearly pain free. Some may feel a light pinch, tingling, or a sensation of fullness which indicates the arrival of Qi, and is the desired effect. Others may feel nothing at all, and this is ok, too.



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How many needles are used?

The number of needles used can very greatly. It depends upon the condition being treated, what the diagnosis is, and what the needs of the patient are. The number of needles usually ranges from 3 - 30, but typically will be closer to 18 - 20.



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How many times do I need to be treated?

Certain conditions can be resolved, or greatly improved in three treatments or less. For severe or chronic conditions, the number of treatments necessary will be more. There are some degenerative conditions that will require continuous treatment. There are other modalities of Oriental Medicine that can facilitate your treatments such as herbal medicine, nutritional alterations and exercise techniques.



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How long do treatments take?

The initial visit will take a bit more than an hour, so a full examination can be performed, along with the Oriental Medicine examination. Subsequent visits will take 30-45 min. depending on the condition being treated, and the constitution of the patient. Needles remain in for no more than 20 minutes, and much less for the elderly, children and debilitated patients.



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Are there any side effects to be expected of Oriental Medicine?

Side effects are minimal. At worst, you can expect occasional bruising, or temporary swelling. Acupuncture itself is an extremely relaxing procedure, and most leave feeling completely calm, and perhaps a little sleepy. The benefit of herbal medicine is that it treats the root cause of your condition, not just the symptom itself, and with almost no side effects. In addition, herbs will not damage your internal organs as some pharmaceuticals do.



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Will my insurance cover these treatments?

At this time, many insurance companies do not cover Oriental Medicine, but you should definitely call and ask. The more people who call, the sooner the companies will cover it!



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What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is an East Asian technique used to relieve pain and treat or prevent illness. The literal translation is Gua (gwa), meaning to scrape or extract and Sha (shaw), meaning sand or toxins. Oiled skin is scraped with a round-edged object such as a Chinese soup spoon. The act of scraping or "Raising Sha" removes blood stagnation considered pathogenic, causes a bruised or rash-like appearance to the area being treated that fades in two to four days. The desired effect is relief of pain and easier movement through promotion of normal circulation and metabolic processes.

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