FAQ

NO. Acupuncture doesn’t have to hurt, and it definitely doesn’t feel like getting a shot at the doctor’s office. The needles are NOT like hypodermic needles; acupuncture needles don’t put anything in or take anything out. They are solid, hair thin, sterile needles. Some patients feel a slight pricking sensation when the needle is inserted; most feel nothing at all. Most patients are pleasantly surprised how painless acupuncture can be. After insertion you may feel sensations ranging from warmth or tingling, to a brief ache or heaviness in the area being needled. These sensations are generally only felt on one or two of the acupuncture points. If at any time you feel any discomfort from a needle, I will gladly reposition it or remove it. DISCOMFORT IS NOT PART OF THE TREATMENT PROCESS.

YES. Acupuncturists use sterile, single use, disposable needles. They are used only once and then disposed of in biohazard containers. These containers are sent to a medical waste management company for proper disposal according to federal/state laws and regulations.
“Although tens of millions of acupuncture needles are used annually in the United States, only about 50 cases of complications resulting from acupuncture have been reported in the medical literature over the past 20 years.” – Birch, et. al., “Clinical Research on Acupuncture”, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2004

As of January 1st, 2014 health insurance purchased in California under the Covered California program and/or the Affordable Healthcare Act provides acupuncture coverage, with unlimited visits based on medical necessity. If you have insurance through your or family member’s employment you may or may not have acupuncture coverage. In order to determine your coverage I would require your health insurance ID and date of birth to inquire about your specific policy. If your insurance policy does not have acupuncture coverage or you have not met your deductible, please be aware that you are responsible for all charges incurred for any treatments performed.

Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM) is based on a concept of maintaining balance within the body. It has been in practice for over 2,500 years. Unlike the way conventional medicine in western countries looks at the human body, TCM views your health in a holistic fashion. A human body is viewed as being made up of two opposing forces or energies Yin(restrained energy) and Yang (active energy) The interplay of Yin and Yang regulates a person’s physical, emotional,and mental balance. Disease results from disruption of this balance. Among the components of TCM are acupuncture, herbal and nutritional therapy, restorative physical exercises, meditation, and therapeutic bodywork. The practice of TCM has evolved and changed in the last 2500 years – many new techniques have been developed, and continue to be developed today.

From the traditional perspective, acupuncture works by re-establishing balance in the body; this enables the body to use its own resources more efficiently, so that it can heal more quickly and more thoroughly. Recent scientific research has shown that when an acupuncture needle is inserted into the body, specific regions of the brain are activated. This brain activation then allows regulation of other systems in the body primarily through the modulation of molecules such as neurotransmitters and hormones. Collectively, scientific research has shown that acupuncture can modulate all the primary systems in the body including the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. Moreover, you don’t have to believe in it for it to work (acupuncture has been used with good results on animals), and you don’t have to change your beliefs.
One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions.” “The data in support of acupuncture are as strong as those for many accepted western medical therapies,” and “there is sufficient evidence of acupuncture’s value to expand its use into conventional medicine.” National Institute of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference on Acupuncture Nov.1997

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are used for a broad range of health issues from chronic and degenerative diseases to acute conditions and pain. TCM can benefit the immune system by supporting it if it is weak, or by moderating it if it is hyperactive. The following list is just some of health issues I have treated with acupuncture and TCM. This is not a complete list. If your condition does not appear on this list, it does not mean it can not be effectively treated. Please call or text me at 818-275-2444 or email me at maria@mariaandinolac.com to discuss your specific health concerns.
• Back Pain/Low Back Pain
• Sciatica
• Neck Pain
• Arthritis/Osteoarthritis
• Headache/Migraine
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorders(TMD)
• Facial Pain
• Contracture of Joint/Muscle Spasms
• Shoulder Pain/Frozen Shoulder
• Tendonitis/Tennis Elbow
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Knee Pain
• Fibromyalgia/Myofacial pain
• Pain/Neuralgia/Neuritis/Radiculitis
• Neuropathies including diabetic neuropathy
• Automobile and Sports Injuries
• Anxiety
• Stress, Depression and Insomnia
• Smoking Cessation
• Weight loss
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Peri–menopause/ Menopause/ PMS symptoms
• Gynecological Disorders
• Infertility in Males and Females
• Symptoms related to pregnancy: morning sickness, sciatica, edema etc.
• Allergies, Respiratory Diseases
• Skin Diseases
• Digestive System Problems/Constipation/IBS/ Nausea/Vomiting
• Cancer Treatment Support
• Immunity Enhancement

Acupuncture relieves disturbing symptoms; boosts your immune response, restores balance and normal function to your body. Along with treating your main health concerns, acupuncture has many additional benefits. My patients have reported that they:

Feel better

Sleep better

Digest their meals better

Experience less stress/anxiety

Have less pain

Have more energy

Are more focused

In addition to bringing information on any previous medical treatments (especially relating to your primary reason for coming in), and a list of medications or supplements you are currently taking. I also generally recommend that new patients wear loose fitting clothing and have something to eat approximately one hour before their appointment.

You’ll complete a patient information form and health history. This questionnaire will include questions about your medical history, your family’s medical history, and your lifestyle. It is a good idea to bring with you any copies of previous tests, lab results and a list of any medications or supplements you are currently taking. The physical exam can include taking vital signs as well as a detailed TCM examination which may include pulse, tongue, palpation and facial diagnosis. Upon determining your TCM diagnosis, I’ll place you in a comfortable position to insert the needles. After the needles are inserted, you will relax in the treatment room for 10 to 30 minutes. I’ll return and take out the needles, at that time I may do cupping, moxibustion or Tui Na if your condition warrants it. After the treatment is over, I’ll discuss your treatment plan and provide home care suggestions.

Usually, a series of treatments is necessary to resolve a condition. Your condition is assessed using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles. The extensive initial consultation is required to determine your treatment requirements. Then your individualized TCM treatment plan is formulated which includes recommended number of treatments, and possibly herbal formulas, nutritional supplements,along with dietary and lifestyle suggestions. The number of treatments depends on the severity and duration of your health issue and your overall health.

Of course! Acupuncture, herbs and other TCM treatments, are compatible with internal medicine, osteopathic, chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy or massage. I’m happy to work in conjunction with you and your other healthcare practitioners. Please inform me of any other treatments and medications/herbs/supplements that you are currently using so that I may integrate your treatment. When undergoing acupuncture /Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment, some Western medications can usually be reduced slowly as your health improves; this is always done in consultation with your prescribing provider. I would not advise you to stop taking any prescribed medication without consulting with the prescribing healthcare provider first. My focus is for you to receive the maximum benefit from all of your wellness team.

State laws vary regarding minimum length of study and content of programs they require for licensing acupuncturists. California is known for its especially demanding requirements. Licensed Acupuncturists (LAC) trained in California either complete an intensive tutorial or attend a 4 year full-time graduate program. Masters of Science degrees in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MSAOM), Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (MATCM) or Acupuncture (MSA) are all variations of this program. To be approved by the California state board, the curriculum must consist of 3,000 hours at minimum and include didactic classes in Chinese medical theory and diagnosis, acupuncture theory and technique, herbology, and Western medicine. Also required are a minimum of 950 hours of clinical practice.

For a detailed breakdown of required subjects visit:

http://www.acupuncture.ca.gov/pubs_forms/laws_regs/art35.shtml#1399434

The California state acupuncture licensing exam is recognized for its difficulty. Upon passing the exam, the title of Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) is given. At least 50 hours of continuing education, including classes on drug-herb interactions and herb safety, have to be completed every two years to maintain licensure.

It depends on your diagnosis, overall health and whether it is an acute or chronic condition. Normally for acute conditions, it takes one to three treatments to see a change in your condition. It usually takes more than 5 to 6 visits or longer to see results for chronic conditions.

24 hours notice is required when canceling an appointment. Cancellations made with less notice are assessed either $25.00 cancellation fee or your insurance co-pay, whichever is greater. Tardiness in excess of 15 minutes without notification and rescheduling is considered a late cancellation and is subject to the cancellation fee.

You can either click on “Book online” or call (818) 275-2444. Same day appointments can usually be scheduled. Please note office hours are by appointment only.

My office is conveniently located in the San Fernando Valley near Toluca Lake, Valley Village, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, and Burbank.

Just a short drive from the 101, 170 and 134 freeways.

The address is:

4789 Vineland Avenue, Suite 204

North Hollywood, CA 91602

On the corner of Vineland and Camarillo, next to the H. Salt Fish & Chips building. 2 hour parking is available in front of the building from 8am-6pm, unrestricted parking after 6pm. Unrestricted parking is available on Blix and Kling Streets, except for street cleaning days, please make sure to check the signs.