frequently asked questions

What conditions does Acupuncture and Herbal medicine help with:

Despite the wide range of use of Chinese Medicine, scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of Acupuncture and Chinese herbal administration in:

Pain/ Numbness/ Weakness (musculoskeletal strains, sprains, aches, and neurological pain)

Sciatica

Arthritis

Headaches

Insomnia

Anxiety

Recovery from injuries and wound healing

Fertility

Fetus Malposition

Women’s health (dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, perimenopausal/menopausal symptoms)

Gastrointestinal conditions (Crohn’s, IBS, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, acid reflux etc)

Immunity (Asthma, Sinusitis, Phlegm, Congestion, Inflammation)

Fatigue

Hypertension

Hypotension

Post operative pain

Post cancer treatment pain reduction

Will the acupuncture needles cause discomfort? What about side effects?

In general, discomfort from acupuncture needles is minimal, if felt at all. Our acupuncture needles are markedly thinner and smaller compared to hypodermic needles used in medical procedures like blood draws or immunizations. Varying needle sizes are employed based on selected acupuncture points, all with a thickness akin to a human hair. Sensitivity to needles and the specific acupuncture points utilized determine any potential discomfort. While uncommon, minor side effects such as temporary redness, bruising, slight bleeding, or swelling in the needled area may occur. Rarely, individuals may experience fainting or muscle spasms during treatment.

How safe are the acupuncture needles?

At Hermes Holistic Acupuncture, safety is paramount. Our acupuncture needles, sourced from trusted suppliers, are individually packaged and sterile. They are single-use only and never reused, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and patient care.

Can I see results with one treatment?

Acupuncture works via activating and stimulating natural healing, and although its effects can be observed a couple of days post treatment, the most common answer to this is that only consistent natural stimulation can achieve optimal results. Acupuncture sessions are mostly based on the chronicity of each condition, the more chronic the more frequent and consistent sessions required.

It is important to note that clinical research is usually focused on Acupuncture and Herbal medicine prescribed on average 2 times a week in the span of 4-10 weeks, sometimes 12+ weeks.

Can I get the herbs on Amazon?

Most acupuncturists work with specific herbal distributors that ensure the safety of each herb prescribed. This means that the herbs pass appropriate regulations, are naturally grown, and best filtered of any toxic and harmful ingredients. There are a lot of mainstream herbal supplements which you can find on Amazon, however we only work with distributors who allow only Licensed Practitioners to prescribe herbal formulas.

It is always safer to take that route rather than make your own decisions on a subject you have not studied or been licensed for.

Do I need a referral to see an acupuncturist?

Thankfully no. You can see any licensed acupuncturist at any time. Acupuncturists are primary health care providers who also accept insurance, and can order medical labs and imaging based on state by state regulations (including California).

Do you accept insurance?

Yes we are currently accepting Cigna, Multiplan, Aetna + health plans. Please contact us directly in order to verify your benefits, or use link below.

To verify your insurance benefits CLICK HERE . We will contact you as soon as the benefits are established.

For any other insurance providers we provide superbills which you can submit to your insurance provider for a full or partial refund. (You must contact them to find out if they accept superbills, and handle all future communications.)

Is there research that supports the Acupuncture and Herbal effects on the psychophysiology of the patients?

Chinese Medicine continues to be actively researched for the past 20+ years and is incorporated by some of the most accredited educational and medical institutions in the world. Here are a couple of resources and studies that may help you with making serious decisions such as your health:

UC San Diego Integrative Medicine

UCLA Health East West Medicine

NYU Langone Outpatient Services

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Acupuncture for Psychological Disorders due to Pain

Chinese Herbal Medicine & Pregnancy

Neuroimaging on Acupuncture and Low Back Pain

Acupuncture Mechanism via MRI studies

Tinnitus, Hearing Loss & Electroacupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Covid-19 related Mucus Secretion

Traditional Chinese Herbs and Modern Drugs

Evolution of Chinese Medicine to Treat Covid-19 Patients in China