Acupuncture is a method that helps the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning without the use of drugs. Acupuncture is performed by inserting ultrathin needles in distinct areas of the body and applying electrical stimulation at specific acupuncture points. Medical acupuncture is performed by a physician trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had formal training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. In addition to medical acupuncture, Dr. Lo is a neurologist and interventional pain management specialist and can use a combination of Western and alternative/complementary approaches to address your specific pain condition.

Clinical research studies have supported acupuncture treatment for the following conditions:
   •  Low back Pain
   •  Neck Pain
   •  Headache/Migraine
   •  Pain in the Shoulder, Elbow, Knee, Hip, and other joints
   •  Stress

DOES ACUPUNCTURE REALLY WORK?
Yes. Over the past 3,000 years, acupuncture has been used to successfully treat more people than all other medical treatments combined.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
No one really knows. According to Chinese classical theory, there are distinct channels called 'meridians' where energy ('Qi ') flows through the body to nourish its tissues. Pain can occur when there is an obstruction of the flow of Qi. These meridians can be influenced by needling distinct acupuncture points, unblocking the obstructions and reestablishing the regular circulation of the body's energy through the meridians. Modern scientific theories suggest that acupuncture may stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals and hormones which may promote the body's own healing process and change the perception of pain.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
The number and frequency of treatments is individualized to each patient. For chronic pain conditions, one or two treatments per week for several weeks may be recommended. During your initial consultation, Dr. Lo will individualize a treatment plan for you.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HAVE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Often not. Patients may occasionally experience a temporary worsening of their symptoms for a few days or general changes in sleep, appetite, mood, and energy levels as their body responds to the treatment. These changes can be expected and suggest that your body is responding to acupuncture. A sense of relaxation and well-being are commonly experienced. Acupuncture needles are very thin with a smooth point (unlike hypodermic needles used for drawing blood or injections) and cause minimal pain when inserted. Because Dr. Lo uses only disposable stainless steel acupuncture needles, there is a minimal risk of infection from the treatments.

IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE?
Because each insurance provider has different restrictions, it is best to consult with your provider to determine if your acupuncture treatment will be covered. In May 2007, the state of California recognized the value of acupuncture, and its Labor Codes included formal acupuncture treatment guidelines, facilitating authorization requests for acupuncture treatments for patients with Workers' Compensation.