Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient, yet ever-evolving, medicine that is comprised of a multitude of hands-on healing modalities, such as acupuncture, Tui Na, Gua Sha, cupping, and moxibustion to name a few. Though just one component of TCM, acupuncture is the most familiar TCM practice to the west. Herbal formulations are a huge component of TCM and can help alleviate a variety of internal and external conditions that acupuncture simply isn’t as effective for solely on its own.

There are various styles of acupuncture; however, I diagnose and treat conditions based on the 5 Element theory. The five elements include Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Ideally, the elements should harmonize with each other in a balanced give-and-take. If there is dysfunction within an element, the body will manifest symptoms that correspond to the organs that are representative of that element.

Acupuncture is known to alleviate and/or treat a wide array of conditions. Most commonly known is its ability to reduce pain, whether acute or chronic. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) condone the use of acupuncture as an alternative to conventional western medicine and have listed disorders that respond with a high-level of efficacy to acupuncture treatment. You can refer to their publications here and here for further detail. A summarized list is provided below for reference but does not encompass the vast number of ailments that can be treated.

Look, I get it. No one is a huge fan of needles. For the most part, the needles will not hurt. However, upon insertion, you may feel a slight pinching at some of the points selected. You may also feel the plastic guide tube pressing against the skin, which may produce a brief sensation. We are all built uniquely, so everyone reacts to acupuncture points differently. I’ve found some patients are sensitive to various acupuncture points that generally do not produce a response in most people. If you are especially nervous, I will help calm you with some breathing and/or meditation techniques during the needling portion of the treatment.

The needles used for an acupuncture treatment are extremely fine, solid, and can be compared to the diameter of a strand of hair. In fact, 13-16 acupuncture needles can fit into the hole of one hypodermic needle that would be used to draw blood. All needles used at Heights Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic are sterile, single-use, and of the highest quality materials. Rest assured, acupuncture is very safe.

It’s hard to estimate the number of treatments you may need until after your initial consultation. On average, I recommend that those with an acute issue receive at least six treatments to feel significant changes. For chronic issues, you should allow a minimum of twelve treatments to feel relief. After the minimum recommended treatment plan is complete, I will re-evaluate your progress and care plan. It’s important to note that the treatment schedule must be followed accordingly in order to attain the best results. Inconsistency in the treatment plan will produce inconsistent results. I may also ask that you make lifestyle changes, such as dietary or environmental changes, in order to expedite your healing. It is important to note that each patient responds differently to acupuncture and the guidelines outlined above are generalized. Your constitution, lifestyle, diet, and severity of the condition(s) will determine the rate of the healing process.

Prior to your appointment, it is best to:

• avoid brushing your tongue
• avoid stimulants, such as coffee and alcohol
• eat a small meal 1-2 hours prior to treatment
• wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the knees, elbows, and abdomen or bring a change of clothing
• silence your cell phone

All of these factors can affect not only what is going on internally but externally and emotionally as well, making it more difficult to achieve an accurate diagnosis.

After your treatment, it is best to:

• rest and recover
• avoid stress and strenuous exercise
• avoid the consumption of stimulants
• hydrate
• get quality sleep

If possible, follow the guidelines listed above so your body and mind are able to process the treatment.

Many people do not realize the rigors a practitioner endures in order to become a licensed acupuncturist, and it is vitally important to know whether or not the practitioner you are considering is nationally licensed in the United States. For my license, I completed a 4-year dual master’s program that consisted of a minimum of 163 credits, was comprised uniformly of Western Medicine, Eastern Medicine and Herbology, and totaled more than 2,500 didactic hours. I observed patients for two semesters over a total of 160 hours, including 80 of them at Memorial Hermann Hospital under the direction of Dr. John Paul Liang. My 15-month internship within the outpatient college clinic consisted of over 700 clinical hours and more than 650 patient visits. That’s a lot of hands-on experience! Passing four medical board exams and the Jurisprudence exam is required in order to receive licensure in Texas, as well as, criminal background checks.

A licensed acupuncturist will often indicate that they are actively credentialed with the Texas Medical Board by appending their signature with the abbreviation “L.Ac.” and will have a license number to verify their qualifications. One can also confirm if an acupuncturist is presently licensed via the Texas Medical Board.

Please note that “Certified Acupuncturists” or “Acupuncture Specialists” are not licensed in acupuncture. This may include physical therapists, chiropractors, and various western practitioners who have had minimal-to-no hands-on training over the course of a weekend in order to receive their certification. It is best to seek out a licensed acupuncturist for appropriate care that is safe, informed and effective.

We do not accept walk-in appointments at Heights Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic. You may schedule your initial or return appointment using the online scheduling system, via email, or by phone. Please allow 24 hours for confirmation.

In order to give the highest quality and personalized care, we do not accept insurance at Heights Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic at this time. We do accept Flexible Spending Accounts or Health Savings Plans, and a superbill may be requested for a small fee if your insurance does reimburse for services such as acupuncture. Please consult with your insurance provider prior to treatment to confirm what is and is not covered under your specific plan.

Please provide at least 24 business hours’ notice if you are unable to make your scheduled appointment time. This time has been set aside for your personalized care and cannot be used by another patient if adequate notice is not given.

As specified by new patient paperwork signed prior to the initial treatment, a missed appointment fee equivalent to the individual or treatment care plan rate will be charged accordingly. New patients will be charged $100.00 for a missed initial appointment. Documented emergencies are an exception to this policy and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.