Self Healing Acupuncture & Herb Relieve Pain, Improve Overall Body Function, and Maintain Mental Wellness to Achieve a Healthy Life

The Theory of Acupuncture

Several thousand years ago, East Asian practitioners discovered that the body forms disharmonies as a result of the various physical and mental stresses of life. Oriental medical theory explains these disharmonies as an imbalance of opposing forces called yin and yang. This imbalance disrupts the movement of the body's vital energy (qi) along the meridian pathways, which are channels through which the body's energy is thought to flow. Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of qi. By inserting and manipulating needles at specific points on the body, the practitioner is able to return the body to its natural balance and promote the body's ability to heal itself.

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like hypodermic injections at the doctor’s office. They won't. Acupuncture uses hair-thin, flexible needles that you will hardly feel when they are inserted. When the needles are gently stimulated, they may produce a unique sensation that Oriental medicine calls de qi. Patients often describe de qi as a heavy, achy pressure, or spreading, traveling feeling. You may also feel an "electrical" sensation moving down the meridian pathways, though this is less common. Most patients find these acupuncture sensations deeply satisfying and leave the treatment feeling relaxed both mentally and physically.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more than one treatment is necessary. For acute conditions you can expect to have 5 to 10 treatments, but you will usually begin to feel relief after the first few treatments. Chronic conditions may take longer to respond, depending on the type, severity, and duration of the condition. Preventative treatments and treatments for general well-being are recommended to be scheduled on an a regular basis.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Yes. Acupuncture is used by millions of Americans every year. Acupuncturists are required to undergo extensive education, including detailed study of human anatomy and training in Clean Needle Technique.  Dr. Kim has passed comprehensive national board examinations administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and is licensed by the state of Arizona. As required by law, Dr. Kim uses pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles to ensure your complete safety.

First Visit

When the patient arrives for their first acupuncture appointment, Dr. Kim will ask them to complete a comprehensive intake form. The acupuncture intake form asks questions about the patient's current state of health, past illnesses, and family history. These questions are important because the holistic approach of Oriental medicine takes everything into account. The patient's current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but one's bodies are complex landscapes and everything that happens to them leaves its mark.

After reviewing the patient's intake form, Dr. Kim will discuss the patient's condition, and examine the pulse and tongue, which are two of the basic diagnostic methods of Oriental medicine. The acupuncture points Dr. Kim chooses will depend on the condition, but the patient can expect approximately 20 hair-thin needles. Once the needles are inserted, the patient will lie comfortably for 15-20 minutes with the needles in place. Many people find acupuncture treatment deeply relaxing, and it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during this time.

Andrew Bosun Kim
NCCAOM certified acupuncturist
L.Ac, MSOM, Ph.D.
Phone: (623) 266-0103
email: bosunk@gmail.com