FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

QUESTIONS: What should I expect from a visit to Dao-Sheng? 


ANSWER: During your first visit, which will last between 30 and 90 minutes, Dr. Loh will take a thorough history of your current complaints and your past medical problems, lifestyle, and habits. He will perform a physical exam, which will include examine your tongue and pulses, as well as whatever other exams he feels are necessary to establish a diagnosis.


After your diagnosis, you will likely receive a first treatment. You will not need to disrobe for this, but you may be asked to roll up your sleeves or pants, or uncover your back or abdomen. Dr. Loh will place tiny, sterile needles at various points on your body, which may include your head, face, ears, arms, hands, legs, feet, abdomen and/or back. After all the needles are placed and you are gently covered to keep you warm, the lights are turned out and soft music will play. You'll be left alone for about 30 minutes while the Qi flows through all your meridians.


During treatment, you may feel deep sense of relaxation and well-being, or you may even feel energized. Where the acupuncture needles have been inserted, you may feel a vague tingling or a dull ache. Sometimes people will experience the sensation of energy spreading from the needles. This is called the Qi sensation. All these reactions are a good sign that the treatment is working. Many people fall asleep during their treatments.


After your treatment, Dr. Loh will spend some time with you, discussing your acupuncture experience. He will often make recommendations for changes in your lifestyle, diet, activities and daily habits, using his knowledge of both Eastern and Western medical traditions to provide a comprehensive plan for your total health and well-being. 


QUESTION: Do the needles hurt?


ANSWER: The sensations caused by acupuncture needles are perceived differently by each patient. The needles are tiny, sometimes just a little larger than a cat's whisker and generally don't hurt at all. You may feel a little stinging sensation immediately after the needle is inserted, which disappears in seconds. Sometimes this is followed by a deep throbbing ache that also lasts for seconds. This is the sensation of "De Qi" and is a good sign that the acupuncture has already started to take effect in your body.


QUESTION: How deep do the needles go?


ANSWER: The depth of insertion varies depending on where the needles are placed. Typically, needles are inserted only superficially, to a depth of 1 to 2 millimeters. Occasionally, for fleshier areas such as the buttocks, longer needles may be placed more deeply to reach the acupoints. 


QUESTION: Do I have to believe in Acupuncture for it to work?


ANSWER: No! Acupuncture is used successfully on believers  and skeptics alike. There are even acupuncturists who practice on animals with great success. Obviously, a negative attitude will not help your health, though, so a neutral or positive approach is always better in the long run. 


QUESTION: How should I prepare for an acupuncture session?


ANSWER: Here are some suggestions:

  • Come to Dao-Sheng with any questions you may have. Dr. Loh is here to help you.
  • Wear loose and comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
  • Don't eat large meals just before or after your visit. 
  • Don't exercise vigorously or drink alcohol for about 6 hours after your visit.
  • After your treatment, avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax. A warm bath or shower is helpful. Be sure to get plenty of rest. 
  • Between visits, make notes of any changes in your body that may have occurred, including changes in the amount or location of pain, changes in the frequency or intensity of a problem, etc. This information will be important to help plan future treatments. Abusing alcohol or drugs between your treatments may interfere with the effectiveness of the acupuncture therapy. 


QUESTION: How safe is acupuncture?


ANSWER: Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is a "drug free" therapy, and has no serious side effects. It will help you feel relaxed and grounded. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then thrown away. 


QUESTION: How many treatments will I need?


ANSWER: The number of treatments needed varies from person to person and depends on the problem being treated. Some people experience complete relief after one treatment, but most require a number of treatments than short-term illnesses. 

Dr. Loh will suggest how frequently you should receive acupuncture. He may feel you need one or two treatments a week for several weeks at first, and then fewer treatments over time, as "tune-ups" to maintain your health once the major symptoms have disappeared. 


QUESTION: What type of schooling do acupuncturists get? 


ANSWER: Today, acupuncturists receive 3 or 4 years of extensive graduate training in nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a comprehensive national exam from the National Certification of Colleges for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), as well as meet strict guidelines to practice in each state. 


QUESTION: Will my insurance over acupuncture treatments? 


ANSWER: Some insurance companies do cover acupuncture, but Dao-Sheng does not participate in any insurance plans. You may submit your bill to your insurance company yourself and seek reimbursement if your plan covers acupuncture treatments.