FAQ

Does acupuncture hurt?

As you may guess, we get this question a lot.  Acupuncture needles are as thin as a human hair and we use a guide tube to insert the needles very rapidly.  This makes acupuncture a comfortable process unlike a hypodermic injection or blood draw. Honestly, most of our patients find their acupuncture sessions relaxing and enjoyable.  Some points may feel a bit sore, hot, or, even, electric.  This is called "de qi" or "obtaining qi" and indicates a powerful therapeutic effect.

Are herbal formulas safe?

Chinese formulations are a form of medicine, and no medical treatment is without risk.  On the other hand, when formulas are modified for each patient, the adverse effects associated with formulas are almost always minimal.  As for the product itself, our herbal extract of choice, Tianjiang granules, is tested for any potential chemical, biological, and heavy metal contamination.  This ensures that your Chinese herbal formula is a pharmaceutical-grade supplement with the best safety profile possible.

How is White Pine Clinic different from other clinics?

Although there are many things that set us apart from other acupuncturists, we pride ourselves on three primary strengths.  First, we are equally committed to providing excellent acupuncture care and skillfully crafted Chinese herbal formulations.  Most other acupuncture clinics generally only offer standardized tablets and capsules.

Second, we never hybridize Chinese medicine by mixing in other complementary alternative medical methods in our practice.  Our practice is based on a living traditional lineage, and we strive to practice it as expertly as possible, not create a new model of medicine.  This also means that we stick to our scope of practice.

Finally, while the integrity of our own tradition is non-negotiable, we recognize our place in a larger healthcare system and are dedicated to meeting professional medical standards.  We insist on rigorous Clean Needle Technique and ensuring that all supplements satisfy GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards to protect the safety and health of our patients.