We understand that you may have questions about the treatments here at our wellness center. Please feel free to peruse the Frequently Asked Questions below or reach out and contact us directly with any further questions.
Acupuncture
Yes. Acupuncture is completely safe when performed by a licensed practitioner.
No. Generally the patient does not feel pain, as the needles are gently inserted into the body giving a painless yet extremely effective result. The patient may feel a dull, achy sensation but it should not be painful. Most people find their treatment to be very relaxing.
No! Acupuncture uses sterile single-use needles. The needles are used only once and then disposed of in a sharps container, following the standards of “Clean Needle Technique” provided by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and enforced by state law.
Most people can benefit from acupuncture’s therapeutic effects as it treats a wide range of conditions.
Every case is unique and the course of treatments will vary. On average, treatments course usually range between 2-8 sessions depending on the condition. Some patients may need more treatment, while others may need less. We recommend that patients follow up with maintenance and preventative treatments to benefit their overall health.
Most people do not bleed. However, some points may produce a drop or two of blood, but it is very minimal.
Prior to the treatment, we recommend you eat a light snack or meal. After the treatment, we recommend you drink plenty of water and get some rest. Your practitioner will give you additional guidance and recommendations specific to you and your treatment.
No, unfortunately we are not able to do Moxa at our current location. However, we do have other methods of treatment that provide similar results.
Yes. If a patient is not comfortable with having needles used during their treatment, we can use acupressure to achieve similar results. Acupressure is a stimulation of acupuncture points using our hands, or specialized tools that do not puncture the skin. Because we are not puncturing the skin, acupressure treatments may take longer to achieve the desired results.
Cupping
It should not hurt. The cupping should give a vacuum or suction sensation. Most people find it to be very relaxing.
After the treatment, the cups may leave some people with a circular purple/red mark due to the result of the suction. These are not bruises and it should not be painful. It is an indication that the cups helped release some toxin and break up stagnation to improve the body’s overall circulation and well-being. These marks may last between 3 days to a week. We recommend covering up the marks and do not expose it to the outside elements.
Herbal Medicine
Different herbal formulas will vary in taste. Most formulas taste like a slightly bitter tea. Some people may find the taste to be pleasurable and don’t mind it while others may not like the taste. However, there are alternative ways of taking herbal medicine that includes capsules, tablets, or tea pills.
Depending on the conditions and the formula prescribed, the course of treatment may vary. On average the course of treatment may range from 2-4 weeks. We like to start patients off with a “trial” period of 3-7 days to see how the formula works for the patient.
Herbal medicine is safe and should not have any major side effects when used appropriately. Licensed practitioners are well educated on providing the patients with the appropriate formula and dosage. We ask that the patient provide us with a list of medications they are taking to prevent any drug-herb interactions. If side effects do occur, please contact your practitioner or healthcare provider immediately.
New Patients
After setting up your appointment, you will receive an email confirming your appointment time. Within that email there is a button called “Manage My Appointment.” When you click the button, it will redirect you to a webpage where you can access and update your new patient forms.
You can change or cancel your appointment by calling us at 619-881-0428 and speaking with one of our representatives, or leave a message for your provider on their extension. You can also change your appointment through the link in your email, “Manage my Appointment.” Our office will receive an automatic update to the changes you have made.
If you plan to use your insurance, either go to the insurance verification page and fill out your information, or you can go to the appointment page and you will be able to enter your insurance information as you set your appointment. Please be aware that some insurances can take 24-48 hours too verify.
We will get back to you within 2 business days to inform you about your benefits and coverage.
We currently accept most major insurance plans which includes:
- American Specialty Health
- Aetna
- Kaiser
- Sharp
- Optum
- United Health Care
- Health Net
- Molina
- Scripps
- Anthem Blue Cross
- California Blue Shield
- Veba