WHAT IS IT?
Acupuncture is a safe, effective science for restoring a healthy balance throughout the body.

According to theory, Qi (chi) is the vital life energy present in all living organisms. It's the principal force that governs the body's circulation, metabolism, transportation, elimination, cleansing, purging and healing.

Qi circulates in the body along 14 energy pathways, called meridians. These meridians are linked to specific internal organs and systems. There are more than a thousand points along these pathways that can be stimulated to enhance the flow of Qi.

In the course of a treatment, slender needles, heat, pressure, or a combination of these tools are used to stimulate specific points along the pathways. The idea is to 'unblock' those paths so that the body can use its core energy to relieve pain and begin to heal.

Much like the flow of a river, when debris falls in the pathway, the river runs more slowly. If the riverbed is completely blocked, the flow stops. The water turns stagnant.

By opening these pathways of energy, we allow the body's vital energy to reach and replenish weakened organs, rid itself of toxins, and restore its natural balance.

Acupuncture can be supplemented with other alternative treatments, such as electro-acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion, to restore health.

WHAT A TREATMENT FEELS LIKE
What you've heard is true: acupuncture is relatively painless. We use safe, sterile, disposable needles. These very fine needles are inserted under the skin to redirect energy or unblock the pathway.

Sensations during treatment can vary from being hardly noticeable to a tingling or heavy feeling. While you rest in a quiet, comfortable room, listening to music, the needles do their work. You might even fall asleep. In the course of your treatment, we often supplement acupuncture with massage. Patients usually feel a profound sense of rest.

YOUR FIRST VISIT
On your first appointment, we allow extra time to do an initial consultation and examination. You'll be asked to fill out some forms in advance to give us an idea of the conditions you wish to treat and a full picture of your medical history.

1. Eat a meal 2 or more hours prior to your appointment
   
2. Do not eat foods that will color your tongue, including curries, candy, orange juice, coffee or chocolate

At least four hours before arriving, please:

1. Do your regular exercise routine for the day
2. Do not drink caffeine or alcohol
3. Do not brush your tongue

One hour before arriving, please:

1. Do not drink anything hot

FORMS
All forms that you'll need to complete before your first visit can be downloaded here in pdf format.

Please bring all relevant test results, such as allergy tests or prior diagnostic results, with you for your first appointment.
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WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
In the course of your examination, we rely on four traditional methods to make a diagnosis: Looking, Listening and Smelling, Asking, Touching.

Looking involves a careful evaluation of body language, facial color and, most importantly, the condition of the tongue. To a trained eye, the face gives us strong clues about your vitality, as all acupuncture meridians flow to it, and the state of blood and Qi (important measures of health) are evident there. The color of the tongue, its coating, shape and texture give us vital information about the state of internal organs.

Listening and smelling includes an observational assessment of speech, breathing, coughing and odors that help identify systemic imbalances.

Asking allows us to benefit from your specific knowledge of your own body, to observe your emotional state, voice and manner of presentation.
While some questions may seem irrelevant, your answers help us tailor treatments to your individual needs. Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach, so something that is happening in another part of your body may be causing or exacerbating your condition.

Touching lets us assess your reaction to gentle but firm pressure. Reading your pulse is an essential part of the process.

When assessing this information along with your medical history, we look at eight differential diagnoses of imbalance, or disharmony, in the body to determine a treatment plan that's right for you. These include potential imbalances in interior and exterior patterns (those that manifest themselves inside and outside the body), heat and cold, excess and deficiency, and yin and yang.

Normally, we'll recommend an initial series of treatments. As part of traditional acupuncture care, preventative or wellness care is strongly recommended

Consistent treatments over time can offer cumulative benefits and promote prolonged healing. Many times, the process can act as a catalyst to growth in other areas of life as well.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED?
Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture can be used to treat many conditions. There is a wealth of scientific research available on its effectiveness for treating various conditions including, but not limited to, the following:

A provider of Traditional Chinese Medicine, East-West Integrative Medicine offers acupuncture, herbal medicine, and therapeutic massage services. We serve all San Francisco neighborhoods, including Glen Park, Noe Valley, Bernal Heights, Mission, and Potrero Hill. 605 Chenery St., Suite C, San Francisco, CA 94131 415.585.1990