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Frequently Asked Questions
TYPE A - NEW TO ACUPUNCTURE
1. How widely accepted is acupuncture in the United States? the United States. In 1997 at the Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture, held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it has been reported that acupuncture is being "widely" practiced by thousands of physicians, dentists, acupuncturists, and other practitioners for relief or prevention of pain and for various other health conditions. According to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey, an estimated 8.2 million U.S. adults have used acupuncture, and an estimated 2.1 million U.S. adults had used acupuncture in the previous year.
2. Is acupuncture safe? Acupuncture is a safe procedure. Acupuncture needles were approved by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996. The FDA requires that at all times sterile, disposable, nontoxic needles are to be used and labeled for single use only.
In addition, unlike some western medicine and treatments, acupuncture is absent of serious side effects.
3. Is acupuncture safe for pregnant women as well? Acupuncture has not been reported to have side effects on pregnant women, with respect to complications such as miscarriages etc. In fact, acupuncture has been reported as a safe and effective treatment for morning sickness, insomnia, lower back pain, breach presentation and inducing labor.
4. Does acupuncture hurt? You may feel a slight pinching, tingling, heaviness or warmth at the needle site or traveling up and down the affected meridian pathway. This is normal, and in fact can be seen as a good sign- meaning that is mild and will rapidly go away. If this is not the case, please notify us so certain adjustments can be made.
9. Even patients taking anticoagulants can receive acupuncture? Yes. You are not at risk if you take an anticoagulation medication, and concurrently receive acupuncture, because the needles aren't aimed at the blood vessels. However, upon removal of the needles, we will pay special attention to the recently inserted area to make sure there is no bleeding.
5. What should I expect during my first visit? Before your first visit, feel free (we highly recommend it) to attend a Cornerstone Acupuncture informational seminar in order to learn more about acupuncture, its abilities, meet our current or previous patients (if available), learn more about me, Dr. Ma, and my work, and ascertain if our personalities are compatible.
During your first office visit, we will, firstly, discuss at length your medical history, and may perform a physical examination. Secondly, we will discuss your necessary treatment plan (prognosis, progression, duration and frequency of treatments). Thirdly, you will receive your first acupuncture treatment. In total, consultation and procedure, will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
6. Is there anything I should do during my first treatment? Relax and enjoy the treatment. Try not to move excessively during the session. If uncomfortable, please notify us, we are here to assist you.
7. Is there anything I should do before engaging in acupuncture treatment?
Acupuncture etiquette is the following:
 | | Try to relax. There is nothing to be afraid of. If you have any | | | pressing concerns about the treatment please be sure to address it to us beforehand
|  | | Do not come to an acupuncture session on an empty | | | stomach. Dizziness or fainting can occur during or after treatment
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8. Are there certain people who should not undergo acupuncture?
Acupuncture is practically for everyone. However, a patient with certain medical conditions, such as a low platelet count, or is undergoing (or recently undergone) radiation or surgery, must please inform us so that we can develop an appropriate treatment strategy specifically for
11. What to expect after treatment and what are some common side effects of acupuncture?
After treatment you will feel relaxed and experience a sense of well-being. Side effects and after-effects from acupuncture are actually quite rare. The most common after-effect is, one, drowsiness and light headedness possibly when you first get up. This is due to the fact that acupuncture has the capability of releasing large amounts of endorphins. This after-effect is normal and usually disappears after 10 minutes. And two, a slight sensation where the needles were inserted. This sensation will soon disappear as well.
The most common side-effect from acupuncture can be, one, slight bruising and, or, minimal bleeding. Bleeding after needle removal will dissipate in a matter of seconds. If bruising does occur, it will disappear in a few days. And two, slight pain and discomfort on body, which will no longer be the case after a day.
Pneumothorax, an extremely rare condition, can result from acupuncture.
There is no need to feel discouraged from receiving further treatment if the common side-effects mentioned above were to take place.
12. What is Chinese Herbal Medicine and how is it used in conjunction with acupuncture?
Similar to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine has existed for more than 3,500 years and is also a component of the ancient medical system, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For certain patients, a herbal prescription will be given in a pill, capsule, or customized form.
Chinese herbs are absent of serious side effects. If you are on medication, we will discuss with you in person the interaction the herbal medicine will have with your medication. In addition, we will be more than happy to explain your current treatment to your doctor(s), if needed. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
TYPE B - HAVE EXPERIENCED ACUPUNCTURE
1. Can you treat my condition/ How can you treat it/ Do you have experience in treating my condition?
Refer to the Treatment Plan page. Please note if your condition is not mentioned on this page, it does not mean we can not treat you. We welcome you to contact Cornerstone Acupuncture for further discussion.
How many cases have you treated such as mine?
Every patient is case specific. Dr. Ma, educated and trained in both Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, can provide a scientific diagnosis and curative measure when evaluating a patient's condition and progress. We welcome you to contact Cornerstone Acupuncture for further discussion.
Cornerstone Acupuncture 30 East 40th Street, PH SE New York, NY 10016 (212) 448 - 9898
 clinic because of increasingly severe chronic back pain. Serendipitously, my first appointment was on and I had the great treatment. Little did I know how much this chance encounter would improve the quality of my health and of my life.
Dr. Ma helped me to do what I had been unable to accomplish with allopathic medicine; he helped me to heal my back. Over the years, I have changed, and so too have my needs in a health care provider. Dr. Ma has unfailingly adapted to these needs, helping me to consistently manage and overcome illness and injury.
In my late thirties, my husband and I decided to have a baby. After trying unsuccessfully for some time, a visit to the gynecologist revealed an endometriosis. This, compounded with age-associated factors, pointed towards the probable causes of our conception problems. We were given surgical options for removal of the endometriosis, and consultation with a fertility specialist could be arranged (to help address other issues). However, for fertility, we turned to Dr. Ma. My husband and I agreed that we wanted to boost our fertility using natural methods, without the use of heavy pharmacological interventions. The day after my surgery, Dr. Ma arrived to begin treatment. He worked closely with me, adjusting my treatment, explaining to me the therapies, and allaying my anxiety. After three months of treatment, I conceived and subsequently gave birth to a healthy baby girl.
Thank you, Dr. Ma. Words cannot express my gratitude. I am indebted to you for the wonderful success of my pregnancy, and for your effective care over all of these years."
Testimony -----------------
Yoko Brooklyn, NY 11217 Infertility Condition Back Pain Well-Being
10. Will acupuncture interfere with my current medication(s) and, or, medical procedure(s)?
Acupuncture is considered to be one of the safest medical procedures to date. There are no clinical reports indicating disharmony amongst acupuncture, medications and medical procedures.
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Testimony ----------------- Marianne Grogan NY, NY 10017 Meniere's Disease Menopause Well-Being
severe vertigo, hearing that there was no cure and that the best that they could do for me was to prescribe medicine which would help in dealing with the vertigo. The problem was that the vertigo episodes would last for days during which time I was unable to move and experienced severe nausea. Since I own and run a business episodes were seriously affecting both my home and professional life. A friend recommended Dr. Ma. Since seeing Dr. Ma, the vertigo episodes have subsided and we continue to make great progress on restoring my hearing. In addition, Dr. Ma has also been helping me deal with my menopausal symptoms, as well as, my addition, Dr. Ma has also been helping me deal with my menopausal symptoms, as well as, my general well-being. He is a remarkable doctor and healer. I can truly say that I am walking around today as a healthy and happy mother and professional thanks to Dr. Ma.”
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