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.
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.
Does this really work?
Depends on what your expectations are. If you expect to see me once and be instantly cured of a problem that has been troubling you for decades, no. If you’re determined to prove me a quack, you’ll probably satisfy yourself. Otherwise, sometimes. The NIH and WHO say the jury’s still out, but it warrants more study. There have been favorable studies published, and there are scholars who will find flaws in them every time. I say good luck in designing the perfect double-blind, but in the meantime, I am trying to help people.