+ Is the clinic open at the new location?

Yes, we have moved to

300 E Cannon Perdido St, Ste E, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101

We are open to all patients for In-Person acupuncture services with COVID-19 safety procedures in place. The pharmacy is open with pick up and delivery options for custom and patent herbal formulas, supplements, teas, and personal care products.

The local health department protocol for COVID-19 will be practiced which is as follows:

If you have had any symptoms related to COVID-19 such as fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, or muscle aches or shaking, or exposure to anyone who has had symptoms in the past two weeks, we ask that you do not come to our office at this time.

We will also be conducting a temperature check with a contactless thermometer at the door & if your temperature exceeds 100 degrees, you will not be allowed to enter.

Please wear a face mask inside the clinic.

All new & existing patients will be asked to sign a new consent form.

We have also expanded all of our cleaning procedures before after and during appointments to ensure a safe environment for all patients and practitioners.

+ How do I book a book an appointment online? How do I book a Telehealth appointment?

To book an appointment online, please click here, or use the button in the top right corner of this page.

+ How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture achieves the desired results by stimulating specific points near or on the surface of the skin — acupuncture points — that have the ability to alter biochemical and physiological conditions in the body. Because acupuncture points are designated areas of electrical sensitivity, inserting needles at these points stimulates sensory receptors. This in turn stimulates nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system in the brain. The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing hormones (thought to be some 200 times more potent than morphine).

Endorphins play a significant role in the hormonal system, which is why acupuncture is effective in treating back pain, arthritis, PMS and infertility. The substances released as a result of acupuncture relax the body, and also regulate serotonin in the brain, which affects emotional states. Other physiological effects include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count, which supports the immune system.

Western science posits that acupuncture triggers three primary mechanisms in the body:

• Activation of Opioid Systems. Research has found that several types of pain-reducing opioids may be released into the central nervous system during acupuncture.

• Changes in Brain Chemistry: Studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by altering the way in which neurotransmitters and neurohormones are released. Acupuncture has also been documented to affect sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes involved in regulating blood pressure, blood flow and body temperature. Modulation of subcortical structures of the brain may be an important mechanism by which acupuncture exerts its complex multi-system effects.

• Circulation of Blood: Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine affects the circulation of blood to the affected area, which helps to remove pain-causing chemicals and restore normal function.

+ What ailments does acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Click here to read more about the conditions treated at Point of Health.

The following are some of the more common conditions treatable by Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, as outlined by the WHO. Click here to read more about the conditions treated at Point of Health.

• Upper Respiratory Tract: Acute sinusitis, acute rhinitis, common cold, acute tonsillitis

• Respiratory System: Acute bronchitis, bronchial asthma (most effective in children and in patients without complicating diseases)

• Disorders of the Eye: Acute conjunctivitis, central retinitis, myopia (in children), cataract (without complications)

• Disorders of the Mouth: Toothache, post-extraction pain, gingivitis, acute and chronic pharyngitis

• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Spasms of esophagus and cardia, hiccough, gastroptosis, acute and chronic gastritis, gastric hyperacidity, chronic duodenal ulcer (pain relief), acute duodenal ulcer (without complications), acute and chronic colitis, acute bacillary dysentery, constipation, diarrhea, paralytic ileus

• Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders: Headache and migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, facial palsy (early stage, i.e. within three to six months), pareses following a stroke, peripheral neuropathies, sequelae of poliomyelitis (early stage, i.e., within six months), Meniere's disease, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, nocturnal enuresis, intercostal neuralgia, cervicobrachial syndrome, "frozen shoulder," "tennis elbow," sciatica, low back pain, osteoarthritis

• Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders: Sinusitis, sore throat, hay fever, earache, nerve deafness, ringing in the ears, dizziness, poor eyesight

• Circulatory Disorders: High blood pressure, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis, anemia

• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), spastic colon, colitis, constipation, diarrhea, food allergies, ulcers, gastritis, abdominal bloating, hemorrhoids

• Gynecological and Genitourinary Disorders: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS); irregular, heavy or painful menstruation; endometriosis; menopause; fibroids; chronic bladder infection; complications in pregnancy; morning sickness; kidney stones; impotence; infertility (men and women); sexual dysfunction

• Immune Disorders: Candida, chronic fatigue, HIV and AIDS, Epstein Barr virus, allergies, lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), hepatitis

• Addictions: Smoking, drugs, alcohol, food

• Emotional and Psychological Disorders: Anxiety, insomnia, depression, stress

• Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders: Arthritis, neuralgia, sciatica, back pain, bursitis, tendonitis, stiff neck, Bell's palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, headaches and migraines, stroke, cerebral palsy, polio, sprains, muscle spasms, shingles

• Respiratory Disorders: Asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, colds and flu

• Miscellaneous: Chemotherapy/radiation side effects, diabetes, dermatological disorders, weight control

+ How to choose an acupuncturist?

Our team of trained professionals are ready to help you. Read more about each acupuncturist’s specialties here.

+ What will happen on my first visit?

For your initial consultation, the acupuncturist needs to assess your general health. You will be asked about your current symptoms and any treatment you've received so far. It is also important to gather detailed information about your medical history and that of your family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. The purpose is to identify what needs to be addressed in order to target your specific complaint, and to boost your overall vitality.

Stimulation of specific areas affects the functioning of various organs. However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body where you are experiencing a problem. For example, if you suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted into your foot or hand. There are 365 specific acupuncture points on the body, and an unlimited number of non-specific points. An experienced acupuncturist will use a selection of these for each session. Often during the course of a few sessions, different points will be selected as the patient's condition changes.

Other techniques, such as electro-acupuncture, massage, or tapping with a rounded probe, are particularly suitable for small children or for people with a fear of needles.

+ What should I do before treatment?

We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing to receive acupuncture treatment. You should be aware that the acupuncturist may need to access points on your torso, arms and legs. It also helps to be in a calm state. Try to arrive 5 or 10 minutes before your appointment to give yourself a chance to relax. Try to avoid the following:

• Eating a big meal within one hour of your appointment
• Fasting for more than six hours before your appointment
• Alcohol, tobacco, food or drinks that color your tongue (such as coffee) immediately prior to treatment or just following a treatment
• Vigorous exercise or sexual activity within the hour before treatment

We also recommend that you avoid wearing any metallic jewelry, watches, or earrings. Makeup and nail polish should be minimized or eliminated. Please also avoid the use of perfumes, colognes or strongly scented cosmetics.

+ How many sessions will I need?

Length, number and frequency of sessions vary. For most conditions, a series of several sessions is necessary to achieve the maximum benefit. After an initial consultation, the acupuncturist should provide you with a treatment plan that includes the techniques to be used, as well as the frequency and duration of treatment.

A typical series of sessions consists of 6 to 12 visits, once or twice a week, with sessions lasting 30 to 90 minutes each. Acute conditions, such as sprains, generally require less time and frequency, whereas more chronic or severe ailments may require several (or several dozen) sessions.

Appointments are scheduled further and further apart after the optimal response has been achieved. Some people experience great benefits from weekly or monthly sessions.

+ How long do appointments last?

The length of acupuncture sessions varies depending on your condition. Typically, your first visit will be longer than your subsequent visits.

+ How many sessions will I need?

Patients normally feel relaxed and calm. You may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours if the experience is particularly strong. You may also experience a short-term flair-up of symptoms in the healing process. After a session, it is a good idea to sit quietly and relax. A gentle walk or very mild exercise can also be helpful. Avoid big meals, vigorous exercise, alcohol and stressful situations.

+ Do I have to receive acupuncture to be treated?

No. Complete East Asian Medicine care encompasses bodywork, a combination of acupressure and structural therapeutics. The acupuncture points are worked with fingers and hands, in combination with soft tissue manipulation, stretching and joint rotation techniques. For severe internal disharmonies, however, acupuncture is recommended, as it works on a deeper level.We also offer alternative therapies such as Aromatherapy, Acupressure, Micro-current, Cupping, Herbal Medicine & more.

+ More Questions?

Please contact us via phone 805.687.7775 or email info@pointsofhealth.org .

+ How do I take my Herbal Medicine?

Follow these instructions unless otherwise directed by your practicioner:

• Store decoction in the refrigerator.
• Drink 4oz of tea twice daily.
• Decoction can be taken at room tempertaure, warm or cold; it may be taken diluted if preferred.
• Take 15-30 minutes before eating or between meals to allow for maximum absorption of herbs.
• Each quart (32 oz) of herbal decoction is intended to last 4-5 days.
• Herbs should be consumed within 2-4 weeks. Any remaining amount can be frozen in a freezer-safe container.

+ How do I make my Herbal Medicine Decoction?

Supplies

• Herbs
• Quart Jar
• Large Pot with Lid (ceramic, glass, or stainless steel)
• Purified Water
• Muslin Bag (optional)
• Strainer

Stovetop Instructions

• Put the herbs into a muslin bag, or directly into pot
• Cover with 2 quarts of water
• Let herbs soak for 20 minutes before turning on heat
• Bring water to a rolling boil, then turn down to simmer
• Simmer for 45 minutes with the lid on
• Do not lift lid while cooking
• Strain + pour the decoction into the quart jar + let cool

Slow Cooker Instructions

• Put the herbs into a muslin bag, or directly into pot
• Cover with 2 quarts of water; no need to soak herbs
• Cook on low for 6 hrs and do not lift lid while cooking
• Strain + pour the decoction into the quart jar + let cool

Instant Pot Instructions

• Put the herbs into a muslin bag, or directly into pot
• Cover with 2 quarts of water; no need to soak herbs
• Pressure Cook on high for 30 minutes
• Be sure the “Keep Warm” button is turned off
• Let steam auto-release
• Strain + pour the decoction into the quart jar + let cool

Notes

• Add more water if 2 quarts of water does not cover the herbs
• If a small pack of herbs comes on the side, add when the decoction has finished cooking and steep for 5 minutes with the lid on
• Prepare Topical Wash using the same method as decoction

+ How do I request a refill?

Refill prescriptions by clicking Request Refill, or call our office at 805-687-7775.

+ More Questions?

Please contact us via phone 805.687.7775 or email info@pointsofhealth.org .