FAQs
We are the leaders known best for the following things
Acupuncture training and practice can differ between China and the United States in several ways, primarily due to variations in educational standards, licensing requirements, and cultural differences. Here are some key differences:
- Educational Standards:
- China: In China, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are deeply rooted in the culture and have been practiced for thousands of years. Acupuncturists in China typically undergo extensive and rigorous training, often involving a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in TCM. The education includes both classroom study and hands-on clinical training.
- United States: Acupuncture training in the United States varies by state. Some states have stringent educational requirements that are similar to those in China, including master’s or doctoral programs in acupuncture and TCM. Others have less rigorous requirements, allowing for a wider range of educational backgrounds.
- Licensing and Regulation:
- China: In China, the practice of acupuncture and TCM is highly regulated, and practitioners must meet specific educational and licensing requirements to practice legally. The regulation is standardized and consistent throughout the country.
- United States: Acupuncture licensure and regulation in the United States are determined at the state level. This means that requirements can vary significantly from one state to another. Some states have strict licensing and certification requirements, while others have more lenient regulations or no licensure at all.
- Scope of Practice:
- China: Acupuncturists in China often have a broader scope of practice that includes not only acupuncture but also herbal medicine, cupping therapy, moxibustion, and other traditional Chinese healing modalities. They may work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals.
- United States: Acupuncture practitioners in the United States generally focus primarily on acupuncture and may or may not incorporate other TCM therapies into their practice. The scope of practice can vary depending on state regulations and individual practitioner preferences.
- Cultural and Philosophical Differences:
- China: Acupuncture and TCM are deeply rooted in Chinese culture and philosophy. Practitioners in China often approach health and wellness from a traditional Chinese perspective, which includes concepts like Qi (vital energy) and Yin-Yang balance.
- United States: While many acupuncturists in the United States are trained in traditional Chinese principles, the practice of acupuncture is often integrated into a more Western medical framework. Some practitioners may combine acupuncture with conventional medicine or offer acupuncture as a complementary therapy.
Overall, while acupuncture is practiced in both China and the United States, the training, regulation, and cultural context can differ significantly between the two countries. It’s important for individuals seeking acupuncture treatment to research the qualifications and credentials of practitioners in their specific location to ensure they receive safe and effective care.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) recognizes and uses a system of acupuncture points located throughout the human body. The exact number of acupuncture points can vary depending on the classification system and the tradition followed. However, there are some commonly referenced numbers:
- 365 Classical Points: Traditional Chinese medicine historically identified 365 classical acupuncture points on the body, which corresponded to the number of days in a year.
- Meridian Points: There are 12 primary meridians in TCM, each associated with specific organs or functions in the body. These meridians have a varying number of acupuncture points along their pathways. The most commonly referenced meridians are the Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine, Bladder, Kidney, Pericardium (Heart Protector), Triple Burner (Triple Energizer), Gallbladder, and Liver meridians.
- Extra Points: In addition to the classical points, there are also extra acupuncture points located outside the primary meridians. These points serve specific purposes and can vary in number depending on the source.
- Trigger Points: In modern acupuncture and trigger point therapy, practitioners also work with trigger points, which are specific points in muscles or soft tissues that are used to alleviate pain and muscle tension.
So, the number of recognized acupuncture points can vary between approximately 365 classical points and hundreds more if you include extra points. In practice, acupuncturists commonly use a subset of these points for specific treatments based on the patient’s condition and needs.
Over two thousand years ago, people stumbled upon the discovery of acupuncture points and subsequently invented acupuncture. Since then, the culture of traditional Chinese medicine has always revolved around meridians and acupuncture points. Acupuncture and herbal medicine have become the primary treatment methods in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s evident that the allure of acupuncture is boundless.
Acupuncture consists of needling and moxibustion. Needling therapy is a significant method for treating diseases using acupuncture needles. It primarily involves the stimulation of acupuncture points along meridians to balance the body’s vital energy, dispel pathogenic factors, and achieve the goal of treating diseases. Moxibustion, on the other hand, involves the use of burning moxa (mugwort) or medicinal substances to generate heat. This heat is applied either directly or indirectly to meridians and acupuncture points, effectively treating diseases through the transmission of warmth along these pathways.
Our clinics offers individualized treatment plans for patients seeking acupuncture and herbal medicine. Individualized treatment plans are a hallmark of holistic and patient-centered care, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Here are some key aspects of providing individualized treatment plans for acupuncture and herbal medicine:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of each patient’s health history, current symptoms, and overall well-being. This assessment may include discussions about their medical history, lifestyle, diet, stress levels, and any specific health concerns.
- Diagnostic Methods: Utilize traditional diagnostic methods from TCM, such as pulse diagnosis, tongue examination, and palpation of acupuncture points. These techniques help in understanding the patient’s unique patterns of imbalance.
- Customized Treatment: Based on the assessment and diagnosis, create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. This plan should outline the specific acupuncture points to be used, the frequency and duration of acupuncture sessions, and the herbal medicine prescriptions if applicable.
- Acupuncture Therapy: Administer acupuncture treatments tailored to the patient’s condition. The choice of acupuncture points and needling techniques should reflect the individual’s specific health issues and constitution.
- Herbal Medicine: If herbal medicine is included in the treatment plan, prescribe a customized herbal formula. The selection of herbs and their dosages should align with the patient’s TCM diagnosis.
- Regular Follow-Up: Schedule regular follow-up appointments to assess the patient’s progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Monitoring and fine-tuning the plan are essential for achieving the best results.
- Patient Education: Educate patients about their treatment plan, including the expected benefits, potential side effects, and lifestyle recommendations. Encourage them to actively participate in their healing process.
- Holistic Approach: Consider the patient’s overall well-being and focus on not only alleviating symptoms but also promoting long-term health and balance.
- Open Communication: Maintain open and clear communication with patients. Encourage them to share any changes or developments in their health, as this information can guide adjustments to their treatment plan.
- Ethical and Informed Consent: Ensure that patients fully understand their treatment options and give informed consent before proceeding with acupuncture or herbal medicine.
By offering individualized treatment plans, our clinic can provide more effective and patient-centered care, addressing the unique needs and conditions of each individual seeking acupuncture and herbal medicine services. This approach is often highly appreciated by patients and can lead to better outcomes.
Our practitioners provide direct communication between patients and practitioners through phone calls or text messages can enhance the level of service and patient satisfaction in a our acupuncture and herbal medicine clinics. Here are some benefits and considerations for offering this approach:
Benefits:
- Accessibility: Direct communication allows patients to reach out to practitioners with questions, concerns, or updates conveniently. This accessibility can lead to quicker responses and improved patient engagement.
- Personalized Care: Patients often appreciate the personalized attention they receive when they can contact their practitioners directly. It fosters a sense of trust and rapport.
- Timely Support: Patients may have questions about their treatment plans, side effects, or follow-up care. Being able to contact a practitioner directly can provide timely support and reassurance.
- Convenience: In today’s digital age, many patients prefer text messaging as a convenient means of communication. It can be especially useful for quick questions or updates.
- Enhanced Patient Experience: Direct communication can contribute to an overall positive patient experience, which can lead to higher patient satisfaction and loyalty.
To reach Dr. Yang, Please call or text: 773-653-4100 or 847-832-0668
To reach Dr. Zhang, Please call or text: 312-388-2345 or 847-832-0668
Our suburb office:
191 Waukegan Road, Suite 102
Northfield, IL 60093
Phone: 847-832-0668
Office hours: Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm
Our Downtown office:
333 North Michigan Ave Suite 818
Chicago IL 60601
Phone: 312-388-2345
Office hours: Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm
At our Chicago-based acupuncture clinic, led by Dr. Zhanhai Zhang and Dr. Licai Yang, we take pride in providing exceptional care and individualized treatment plans to enhance your well-being. Dr. Zhang and Dr. Yang bring a wealth of experience and expertise in acupuncture and herbal medicine to address a wide range of health concerns.
Here is What sets us apart:
Personalized Care: We believe in the power of individualized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and goals. Your health and comfort are our top priorities.
Holistic Approach: Our approach integrates traditional acupuncture techniques with modern medical knowledge, promoting a holistic view of health that combines the best of both worlds.
Accessible Communication: We offer direct communication with our practitioners via phone calls or text messages, ensuring you have the support and information you need when you need it.
Comprehensive Services: In addition to acupuncture, we offer a range of holistic healing modalities, including herbal medicine, cupping therapy, and dietary guidance, to support your journey to optimal health.
Exceptional Experience: Dr. Zhang, Dr. Yang, and our team are dedicated to providing a positive and comfortable experience during your acupuncture sessions.
Your first acupuncture visit can be an interesting and positive experience. Here’s what you can generally expect:
- Consultation and Assessment: Your initial appointment will typically begin with a consultation. The acupuncturist will ask you about your medical history, current health concerns, and any specific symptoms you’re experiencing. This information helps them understand your individual health needs.
- Physical Examination: The acupuncturist may conduct a physical examination, which could include checking your pulse, examining your tongue, and palpating specific points on your body. These traditional diagnostic methods are used to gather more information about your condition from an acupuncture perspective.
- Discussion of Treatment Plan: Based on the information gathered during the consultation and examination, the acupuncturist will discuss a treatment plan with you. They will explain the proposed course of treatment, which may include the frequency of sessions, the number of sessions recommended, and the expected duration of treatment.
- Informed Consent: You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have about acupuncture treatment. The acupuncturist will obtain your informed consent before proceeding with the treatment.
- Acupuncture Treatment: Once the treatment plan is discussed and you are comfortable, the actual acupuncture treatment will begin. You will be asked to lie down on a treatment table, and the acupuncturist will use sterile, thin needles to insert them into specific acupuncture points on your body. The insertion of needles is typically painless or may cause minimal discomfort.
- Needle Sensation: You may experience sensations during the treatment, such as a dull ache, tingling, or a sensation of energy movement. These sensations are generally considered normal and a part of the therapeutic process.
- Relaxation: After the needles are in place, you’ll be left to relax for a specified period, typically around 20-30 minutes. Many people find this part of the treatment to be calming and meditative.
- Needle Removal: At the end of the session, the acupuncturist will carefully remove the needles. This is typically painless.
- Post-Treatment Discussion: You may have a post-treatment discussion with the acupuncturist to assess how you feel and discuss any immediate changes or effects you’ve noticed. They may provide recommendations for post-treatment care or self-care.
- Scheduling Follow-Up Appointments: Depending on your condition and the treatment plan, the acupuncturist will help you schedule any necessary follow-up appointments.
- Hydration and Rest: It’s often recommended to drink plenty of water and get some rest after your first acupuncture session to support the body’s healing process.
Remember that each acupuncture session is tailored to your specific needs, and the experience may vary from person to person. It’s common to experience improvements gradually over the course of multiple sessions, so it’s important to follow the recommended treatment plan for the best results. If you have any questions or concerns during the process, don’t hesitate to communicate with your acupuncturist—they are there to ensure your comfort and well-being.