FAQ’s
Long Beach Speciality Acupuncture
Our most frequently asked questions:
“Never underestimate the healing potential of the body itself”
-Melani Leonard-Cooper
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an effective form of natural medicine that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical practice that is thousands of years old. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this noninvasive medical system to harness the body’s innate healing potential and help millions of people get well and stay healthy. An acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupuncture points on the body. This activates the body’s energy flow and promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity and physical and emotional health. It also can improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.
How Safe is Acupunture?
Acupuncture is very safe! It is an all-natural, drug free therapy that helps your body heal on its’ own. You will feel minimal/no pain after insertion with our pain-free techniques. We use sterile one-time use needles that are disposed of in approved medical waste biohazard containers. Acupuncturists are trained in Clean Needle Technique and have to demonstrate these protocols for every patient.
What kind of Education and Training to Acupuncturists have?
We have extensive training in Eastern Medicine and Chinese Herbs. Here is an education requirement for the state of California:
https://www.acupuncture.ca.gov/pubs_forms/laws_regs/art35.shtml#1399436
We have over 3,000 hours of theoretical and clinical training. Our office is committed to the education of our Acupuncturists. Our Practitioner has completed specialized clinical training in Sports Medicine/Pain Management with advanced acupuncture techniques and many cadaver studies. The details of the program can be found at:
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Below are some of the health concerns that acupuncture can effectively treat:
•Addiction
• Anxiety
•Arthritis
•Asthma
•Bronchitis
•Carpal tunnel syndrome
•Chronic fatigue
•Colitis
•Common cold
•Constipation
•Dental pain
•Depression
•Diarrhea
•Digestive trouble
•Dizziness
•Dysentery
•Emotional problems
•Eye problems
•Facial palsy
•Fatigue
•Fertility
•Fibromyalgia
•Gingivitis
•Headache
•Hiccough
•Incontinence
•Indigestion
•Irritable bowel syndrome
•Low back pain
•Menopause
•Menstrual irregularities
•Migraine
•Morning sickness
•Nausea
•Osteoarthritis
•Pain
•PMS
•Pneumonia
•Reproductive problems
•Rhinitis
•Sciatica
•Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
•Shoulder pain
•Sinusitis
•Sleep disturbances
•Smoking cessation
•Sore throat
•Stress
•Tennis elbow
•Tonsillitis
•Tooth pain
•Trigeminal neuralgia
•Urinary tract infections
•Vomiting
•Wrist pain
What do you specialize in treating?
We specialize in treating Pain, Orthopedic Conditions and Sports Injuries. When treating pain, we focus on reducing the intensity and frequency of pain as soon as possible, in order to restore daily activities. This pain can be coming from overuse injuries, muscles, nerves, tendons, undiagnosed pain with no apparent reason, etc. We have seen acupuncture help conditions that were otherwise untreatable.
Melani Leonard-Cooper has completed a specialized Pain/Orthopedic Medicine/Sports Medicine training program that has allowed her to gain extra insight into these conditions. In the sports medicine field she has treated professional athletes, collegiate athletes, high school athletes, professional dance teams and weekend warriors. She combines Eastern Medicine and Western Medicine in order to help active people recover from injuries, perform better in their respective sport, reduce nerve and muscle pain, increase range of motion in affected joints, reduce localized swelling, help to accelerate healing post-surgery and to help enhance athletic performance.
Acupuncture helps Orthopedic Conditions by focusing on structural and myofascial techniques for the treatment of soft tissue injuries, sprains/strains, pain, postural imbalances, degenerative conditions etc. The aim of treatment is to create a harmonious balance within the musculoskeletal and meridian systems that generates healing and promotes overall health and well-being.
Is your office a safe space?
Yes! We have made a pledge to Safe Spaces Alliance Long Beach where we have promised to provide a safe space for healing for all people! We believe in equality, empathy and compassion! We want our LGBTQ+ community to feel safe and welcome at our business!
How do I know if acupuncture is right for my condition?
Request a free 15 min consultation from our Acupuncturist that can be done in person or on the computer. You will be asked a series of questions regarding your condition to see if acupuncture may be right for your condition and that we are the right fit for you. This is a no-pressure and no-obligation type consult. You have nothing to lose. Click on the Request A Free Consultation button found on our website to set up a time that works for you.
How many Treatments will I need?
The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of 1 month of treatment to see significant changes. Treatment frequency depends on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. An acupuncturist may suggest one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance and seasonal “tune ups”.
Tx Plan Phases:
Number of Sessions Needed:
Mild Conditions: 3-6 Treatments
Moderate Conditions: 6-12 Treatments
Severe Conditions: 12-24 or more Treatments
Acute/Short Duration Conditions: 3-12 Treatments
Chronic/Long Duration Conditions: 12-24 or more Treatments
Frequencies of Sessions:
Mild Conditions: 1 Tx/ Week
Moderate Conditions: 1-2 Tx/Week
Severe Conditions: 2 Tx/Week
Acute/Short Duration Conditions: 2 Tx/Week
Chronic/Long Duration Conditions: 1 Tx/Week
I Want to get a Treatment. What do I do Next?
You can call our office at: (562) 269-5208 to schedule an appointment, fill out the form to Request a FREE Consultation or simply click the Make an Appointment button on this page. You are able to download our paperwork online and fill it out on your phone or computer.
If you haven’t filled out the New Patient Paperwork, prior to coming in, then please arrive 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled appointment time, so that you have time to fill the paperwork out.
Please wear comfortable clothes and eat at least a little something before coming in, especially if it is your first treatment!
What Makes your Office Different?
We are passionate about helping others. We want to listen to your concerns and create a connection with our patients, in order to help facilitate healing. We promise to deliver medical treatments with integrity, compassion and with kindness. We are committed to helping people in Long Beach and contributing positively to the local community. We want acupuncture to be seen as a serious and effective medical treatment, not just an “Alternative” to Western medicine.
How much does it cost?
Rates vary and depend upon what procedures are performed. Consult the office for prices: (562) 269-5208.
Insurance coverage varies from state to state and company to company.
We are currently Out of Network and we accept:
- PPO insurance Policies
- ILWU/PMA Insurance
- HSA/Flexible Spending Accounts
- Veterans (through TriWest)
- Medrisk (Worker’s Comp)
- Personal Injury
….We also offer time of service discounts for our Cash Rates.
Link to: Our Team
Link to: Our Process
Link to: Who We Help
Meet Our Team
Find out more about our dedicated staff.
Our Process
Our results-driven process to help you feel better fast.
Our Specializaton
Learn more about what we specialize in treating.