Why choose acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a natural medicine with very few, if any, side effects. It balances internal energy and stimulates the body’s self-healing capability. Acupuncture is very effective in treating a wide range of diseases and symptoms, as many generations of acupuncturists have had more than 2,500 years to perfect this medicine and expand its applications. Acupuncture is considered the oldest continuously practiced form of medicine in the world, and it continues to evolve to meet the needs of human diseases in the ever-changing world.

Why choose Dr. Zhang?
Dr. Zhang is unique in her extensive training and experience in traditional Chinese medicine and western biomedical science. She combines both to find the best solutions to your specific health concerns. Many patients come to us because conventional medicine has failed to help them or they prefer natural therapy to drugs and surgery. You deserve a doctor who has comprehensive knowledge and skills, can think out of the box and has the track record of providing excellent results. For Dr. Zhang's credentials, read about Dr. Zhang.

Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are extremely thin (about the width of 2 human hairs) and flexible. Upon needle insertion, patients often feel nothing. Occasionally they experience a mild sensation in various ways, such as pressure, warmth, dull ache, tingling or momentary “pinch” that dissipates rapidly. These sensations are in fact desired effects in acupuncture, because they signal that stimulation of energy is in action and neurotransmitters such as endorphins are being released. Most people find acupuncture very relaxing; in fact, many patients fall asleep on the table.

Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is very safe when performed properly by trained, certified professionals using sterile needles. Serious adverse events are extremely rare. We use only disposable needles and follow clean needle technique protocols in our practice. We meticulously insert every needle to make sure it is at the right spot, angle and depth. The fact that premiums for the Professional Liability Insurance for Acupuncture are lower than auto insurance and has decreased steadily over the past decade speaks for the safety of acupuncture and consumer satisfaction.

What should I expect during my first visit?
Before your first visit, we will send you a Health History Questionnaire. If you prefer, you may download it here. Please fill out the questionnaire and bring to your first appointment. Please also bring any recent blood tests, imaging results or other medical information related to your major concerns.

When you arrive, we will discuss your health history and concerns, and conduct diagnostic examinations including tongue, pulses, palpation and blood pressure. This process takes about 1 hour. It provides us with invaluable information to draw a big picture of your state of health. Based on this, we will design a holistic treatment plan that not only focuses on your main concerns, but also improve your well-being as a whole. The treatment plan will be discussed with you, followed by an acupuncture treatment. If Chinese herbal medicine is considered complementary and necessary in your case, a customized herbal formula will be prescribed. The first visits typically last 2 hours, with subsequent treatments lasting 1 hour.

How should I prepare for an acupuncture treatment?

  • Wear loose and comfortable clothing.

  • Acupuncture is best administered when the stomach is not too full or too empty.

  • Please do not engage in intense physical activities immediately prior to your appointment.

  • Allow 2 hours for the first treatment and 1 hour for follow-up treatments.


How many visits will I need?
The number and frequency of visits vary with conditions and patients. For an acute problem like cold or flu, 1-2 treatments generally suffice. Recent conditions, such as sudden pain from an injury or seasonal allergies, require 3-5 treatments to reduce the symptoms. Chronic conditions like back pain, asthma and PMS take months or years to develop, and therefore, take longer to resolve. However, even in cases of severe pain, most patients experience immediate relief after the first visit, while in general 5-10 treatments are necessary to achieve sustained results.

People we've helped

"Going through cranio-sacral therapy, ear seeds and herbal medicine that Dr. Zhang provided, my son has exhibited much higher level of self control and comfort. On top of these, Dr. Zhang is such a nice, gentle and patient caregiver. My son told me that this was the first time he enjoyed talking to a doctor !"
--A grateful parent from Tucson

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