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Frequently Asked Questions

If you do not see your question below, contact Dr. Pea at (512) 478–4732; or send ane-mail

#1Why do I need to continue seeing you when I'm feeling better?

#2Does acupuncture hurt?

#3How long will it take for me to feel better?

#4Can I be treated by you while under the care of my primary Doctor?

Why do I need to continue seeing you when I’m feeling better?

This is probably THE MOST important thing Oriental Medicine has to convey to people raised with Western Medicine. Most of us were trained from an early age to go to our doctor ONLY when we were sick or hurting. We often think that when our symptoms are gone, so is the disease or problem. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Symptoms are one of the LAST stages to appear in the progression of a disease. Do people know they have cancer before symptoms appear? Do most people know when they are going to have a heart attack, become diabetic, rupture a disc, or suffer from a stroke?

It requires time, effort and commitment to reverse the disease process and get your body in shape so that it can take care of itself. Seventy percent of your time in treatment will be while you are SYMPTOM FREE. The good news, I repeat, the good news is that Oriental Medicine is a time honored medical system that treats many modern conditions (see National Institutes of Health at www.nccam.nih.gov) and will improve the functioning of any organ or part of your body that is not getting what it needs to function optimally.

Does acupuncture hurt?

It depends on who you ask as well as who is performing the treatment. Acupuncture needles are very fine and different than needles used in hospitals. They glide into rather than tear the skin. You may experience a slight discomfort when the needle is inserted or occasionally, a pinch like or sharp sensation. This sensation typically goes away after several seconds. Some people feel absolutely nothing when the needle is inserted. You may experience a dull, slightly achy sensation, a numbness, or minor to strong electrical sensation when the needle contacts your body’s energy or qi. The benefits of acupuncture far outweigh any temporary discomfort you may experience.

How long will it take for me to feel better?

In Oriental Medicine, we are addressing the root cause of your health problem which takes longer than simply addressing your symptoms. Your symptoms will diminish or go away completely as your body recovers it’s natural ability to function. Generally speaking, for every 6 months you have not been well, one month of therapy is suggested. This, of course, will vary with each individual, depending on your present state of health, your age, and other contributing factors such as stress, trauma, lifestyle choices, etc. For acute problems, you may experience immediate relief after one or two treatments, but ongoing treatments are often necessary to deal with the underlying causes which have been around much longer than your symptoms. The addition of herbal therapy, dietary therapy, lifestyle changes and other modalities will facilitate a quicker and more lasting recovery. Much like an onion, healing usually happens in layers as all suppressed pathogens and toxins need to find their way out of the body. This requires both commitment and patience.

Can I be treated by you while under the care of my primary Doctor?

Yes. Many of my patients are under the care of a Western M.D., Naturopathic M.D., Doctor of Chiropractic, Osteopath, OB Gyn, etc. It is important for me to know what other therapies you are participating in. My approach is to RETURN your body to it’s natural state so it will heal itself and be less dependent on external therapies and drugs to maintain health and balance. I have helped many of my patients wean themselves off of blood pressure, thyroid, pain, allergy and hormone replacement medications (and more) in a safe and conscientious manner. I specialize in getting people out of the “antibiotic loop” by offering timely herbal alternatives and dietary suggestions that don’t set you up for recurring infections like antibiotics do. When appropriate, I will consult with your doctors so that we can help you in the best way possible.