Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) utilizes theories and principles that date back nearly 3000 years. TCM is a gentle, effective, and safe method of holistic healing that works on the physical, emotional, and psycho-spiritual levels. TCM includes the modalities of acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas, acupressure, energetic exercise, such as Tai Qi and Qigong, and dietary advice. Traditional Chinese medicine regards the human body as a complete, self-regulating system that is always in a state of change. TCM follows the laws and cycles of nature and embraces the interconnectedness of all things. Using the natural properties and flavors of medicinal substances to restore and balance the entire body energy, TCM plays an important role in preventing and treating the disease as well as improving longevity. Since the 1970s when traditional Chinese medicine first became available in the United States, over 15 million Americans have tried it. Almost everyone knows someone who had positive results. The risk is low and potential benefits are high.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the ability of Chinese medicine to treat many commonly encountered clinical disorders such as addictions, allergies/asthma, anxiety/depression, arthritis/joint problems, chronic fatigue, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, gynecological and neuromuscular disorders, chemical sensitivities, headaches/migraine, immune system deficiency, post-stroke hemiplegia and facial paralysis and stress, to name a few.

Using the natural properties and flavors of medicinal substances to restore and balance the entire body energy. For over 3000 years, it has played an important role in preventing and treating disease as well as improving longevity. Chinese Herbal Medicine treats any disorders and diseases through internal or external absorption. Since Chinese herbs have different tastes, properties, natures, functions and entering channels, they can affect the flow of Qi and blood, and the balance of Yin and Yang of the human body. Chinese Herbal Medicine has its own specific interactions with the human body. In conjunction with acupuncture, herbs are combined to induce long-lasting changes in a natural process that promotes well-being.

Because the treatment does not involve the use of drugs, patients do not have to worry about adverse side effects. However, there are certain conditions you should notify your practitioner about before undergoing treatment, such as hemophilia or if you have a pacemaker. Our Acupuncture Clinic use only disposable needles.

Please visit our Acupuncture information Links (direct to link and resource under news and events) page. Here you will find links to resources that can provide you with more detailed information on the history and efficacy of Chinese medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine can help people with both acute and chronic health problems as well as those who simply want to increase their overall well-being. Those who want to increase vitality and energy, strengthen their immune system, and find relief from chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, allergies, and asthma; can benefit from natural health care. Those who are seeking relief from pain, fatigue, depression, and stress-related conditions, want to control their weight, or stop smoking can also benefit.

It is said that ancient Chinese sages, while observing the movements within nature and the universe, discovered that the body and all living things have their own energy systems of life force called “Qi” (chi). Qi is similar to what we know as electromagnetism or bioelectric energy. When this energy is disturbed or blocked, discomfort or illness results. Unseen lines of energy, called meridians, are said to traverse the body. These meridians have superficial pathways along which acupuncture points are located and deep pathways that lead to the internal organs. The insertion of thread-like, stainless steel needles at these bio-electrically charged points stimulate the flow of Qi and help to restore equilibrium. Studies indicate that acupuncture influences the central and peripheral nervous systems, releases endorphins to reduce pain and stress, affects: sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, enhances the function of the gastrointestinal and endocrine systems, also improves circulation.

At your first visit, you will be asked to complete a patient information form and health history. It is a good idea to bring with you any copies of previous tests, lab results, and any medications or supplements you are currently taking.

While this can sometimes vary, generally a new patient¡¦s first visit will last between 60-90 minutes. Follow-up visits generally last between 40-60 minutes.

The treatment room is a private space where your history, questions, and aspirations are discussed. The initial visit is usually about an hour and a half. Your practitioner will take vital signs as well as detailed examination on the pulse and tongue, abdominal palpation and facial diagnosis. During the session, you will lay comfortably on a treatment table where an average of 10 sterile disposable needles are gently and strategically placed in the body for about 20 minutes. After the treatment, you may be prescribed Chinese herbal medicine as appropriate.

Because each patient’s health problems and response to treatment are unique, the number and frequency of treatments vary. Most health problems take more than one treatment to resolve. Expect to have four treatments before re-assessment. Many problems may require ten or more treatments before significant benefits accrue. Along the way, though, you should see an overall improvement in your health as well as your illness.

The UEWM’s Clinic offers treatment and/or consultation with acupuncture, Chinese herbs, nutritional counseling, and massage.

All of our practitioners have had rigorous training in both Western sciences and natural therapeutic traditions. Acupuncturists (L.Ac.’s) receive three to four years of graduate training in a broad range of subjects, including Western and Eastern concepts of anatomy, physiology and pathology, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. All of our acupuncturists are licensed by the California Acupuncture Board.

No, our health care practitioners must see you in person for an appointment before giving out medical advice, including advice on herbal remedies and supplements.

Yes, if you prefer, you may make your appointment with UEWM Specialist Clinic for a licensed acupuncturist treatment without students involved. Our students are extremely well trained and bring their own individual life experience and expertise to your care. (For instance, many of our students are also massage therapists or have previously worked as western medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, or other health care professionals).

We accept many insurance plans such as: PPO, HMO, Worker¡¦s Comp, and Medi-Cal, Regence, Premera, Aetna , First Choice and Cigna. Appointments and lab work are usually covered at a certain percentage or with a co-payment, but natural supplements and tinctures are not covered. Please contact your insurance plan to verify your specific coverage for complementary and alternative medicine.

The UEWM clinic is located at 595 Lawrence Expressway Sunnyvale CA.

There are ample parking spaces in front of the clinic.