Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the practice of penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles which are then activated through gentle and specific movements of the practitioner’s hands or with electrical stimulation.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is done using hair-thin needles. Most people report feeling minimal pain as the needle is inserted. The needle is inserted to a point that produces a sensation of pressure or ache. Needles may be heated during the treatment or mild electric current may be applied to them. Some people report acupuncture makes them feel energized. Others say they feel relaxed.
Improper placement of the needle can cause pain during treatment. Needles must be sterilized to prevent infection. That is why it is important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner. The FDA regulates acupuncture needles just as it does other medical devices under good manufacturing practices and single-use standards of sterility.
Instead of needles, other forms of stimulation are sometimes used over the acupuncture points, including:
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Heat (moxibustion)
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Pressure (acupressure)
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Friction
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Suction (cupping)
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Impulses of electromagnetic energy
Nine-Keng Monica Hsu
許寧根 醫師
Acupuncture LAc
Nine-Keng Monica Hsu (Monica) is a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, a naturopathic doctor, and a nutritionist. She is also a diplomate of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology. She graduated from Bastyr University with a master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and a doctorate degree in Naturopathic Medicine. She completed her bachelor degree at University of British Columbia with a double major in Nutrition and Food Sciences. In addition, she received advanced clinical training at Taipei Medical University Hospital and two more years at the Teaching Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Monica is the only overseas academic successor of Wu Lineage of TCM, developed by Dr. Jun Wu, M.D., Chairman of Surgery and Dermatology Committee, Chengdu TCM Association. Monica also teaches advanced acupuncture theory and techniques to TCM doctors in China once a year.
Monica practices mainly traditional style of Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture (針灸), acupressure (穴位按摩), Chinese herbs (中藥), moxibustion (艾灸), TDP heat therapy (特定電磁波治療儀), cupping (拔罐), gua sha (刮痧), tui na (推拿), auricular therapy (耳針), and electro-stimulation with needles (電針). She also practices clinical nutrition based on the integration of Eastern and Western nutritional principles (營養食療), detoxifications (排毒), and other lifestyle modifications. She has special interests in cardiovascular conditions, gastroenterology, dermatology, gynecology, fertility support, and geriatric health. She also treats musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, addictions, insomnia, allergies, and weight management. In addition, she provides support to cancer patients, such as improving immunity and general health and minimizing chemotherapy and radiation side-effects.
Monica is passionate about holistic health care and emphasizes patient education and disease prevention. Her healing philosophy is to restore a dynamic balance among the physical, mental, and emotional levels within a person, as well as between the person and their environment.
Health & Wellness With you in Mind
We see a lot of patients who are new to acupuncture.
Don’t worry, we will talk you through it. Once you arrive for your treatment your practitioner will discuss what brought you in and ask targeted follow up questions to help them decide how to proceed with the session.