A: From a Chinese medical perspective, the blueprint of all living beings is outlined at the very moment of their conception – when an egg fertilized by a sperm. This is the beginning of our body’s growth and maturation. Billions and billions of base DNA codes are copied and sent out to become who we are. The passages of code transportation are called “channels” and “vessels” Jing Mai (經脈) by the ancient Chinese. These passages circulate the body at different depth and regions, governing specific functions of our systems, working together to maintain the balance of our existence. At different stages of our life, the strengths of the channels differ. We fall ill when the energies of these channels become congested or deficient. Too much or too little would both cause problems.
Just like the electromagnetic fields of our planet, due to the natural movements and interactions of our internal energies (or life force), our body’s channels naturally create electromagnetic fields that respond to conductive metal needles. The ancient Chinese developed many styles of acupuncture to tune the body’s electromagnetic fields. This method is still in use today because it has been proven to be effective.
A: Typically, acupuncture is little or free of pain. It largely depends on the practitioner’s techniques and the receiver’s level of sensitivity. Sometimes pain is intentionally induced by the practitioner to reset the nervous system. The needles are usually inserted into the connective tissues between muscle, tendons and bones. These are the locations where Qi (vital life force of our body) gathers and distributes. It is common and safe to experience durable aching, tingling, itchy, warm, cooling, swelling sensations after the needles are inserted. This means the needles are actively regulating the Qi of your body. These are desirable sensations and are completely safe and harmless. Please get the practitioner’s attention immediately if you experience overpowering sharp, lightening, prickly, burning sensations with the insertion. At better location may be needed in this case.
Dr. Paau is well trained to know how to avoid puncturing any of the vital organs, arteries, veins, and nerves of the body. For legal purposes, a client must be informed of the risk of pneumothorax (collapse of the lungs due to puncture of the plural membrane) with acupuncture. Even though this is not a concern at Oku Acupuncture & Herbs, please feel free to inquire Dr. Paau if you have any concerns about such risks. Bleedings and bruises are common effects of auricular or scalp acupuncture. It is safe and harmless and most likely a beneficial effect (expelling toxic heat). In addition, you can always opt for non-invasive needling modality. If you have further concerns, please reach out to us at any time.
A: We recommend booking 1 visit per week for 4 to 6 consecutive weeks to receive better results. Some people like to book 3 or 4 visits, while some others find it easier to book 6+ visits at once. Please keep in mind that if you cancel less than 24 hours prior to your visit, a full-service fee will be billed to your card on file, or otherwise a late cancellation fee of $100 will be collected from you. We do not want this to happen, and we will send you reminders of your upcoming appointment. Please inform us that you wish to cancel before it’s too late.
A: Yes, I accept the following insurance plans*:
@ Optimal Health Clinic:
Aetna, MODA/ODS, Pacific Source, Providence, Regence (Blue Cross/Blue Shield)
@ Center for Natural Medicine:
Oregon Health Plan (OHP), Aetna, MODA/ODS, Pacific Source, Providence, Regence (Blue Cross/Blue Shield)
* The list may not be comprehensive as insurance network involvement may change at any time. The list above is not a guarantee of coverage for services. Please contact the clinic to verify your insurance plan prior to your first visit.
A: Cash, checks, PayPal, credit cards are accepted payment methods. Payment in full is required prior to the beginning of services. A receipt will be provided to you at the end of your visit.
A: Clients can request copies of their medical records at Oku Acupuncture & Herbs with a small fee. Each page charges $1.50. Default is double-sided print. Please make a request if you prefer single-sided print. Payment must be paid in full after the request is confirmed.
A: Yes, acupuncture, gentle bodywork and herbs can be used on pregnant or postpartum women to decrease discomfort, reduce symptoms, and support their wellbeing. There are safety protocols for performing such treatments. Please reach out to us if you have any specific questions and/or concerns.
A: Please read our Cancellation Policy page for the detail.
A: Moxa smoke is a common concern for clients with respiratory disorders or high sensitivity. Dr. Paau has taken this into consideration and only uses the highest grade Japanese golden moxa (黃金艾) that does not induce any adverse effects in patients. Not all golden moxa is born equal. There are many grades of golden moxa. The higher the grade, the more pure and therapeutically effective the moxa is. The ultimate-grade golden moxa that Dr. Paau uses is brought directly from Niigata (新瀉), Northern Japan. It does not contain any impure substances; therefore, its burning temperature is more ideal than any lower grade moxa. In addition, it produces an aromatic scent rather than an unpleasant odor when burnt. In addition, the minimalistic style that Dr. Paau uses requires less than 0.5g moxa for each session. The total amount of smoke will less likely bother even the most sensitive individual.
In case you feel uncomfortable with any form of moxa, please discuss your concerns and preference with us. We are here to support your choices and we will provide you with alternative solutions.
A: No worries. There is a non-invasive needling technique called Shonishin (小兒鍼), which does not require using a needle to puncture through the skin surface. This is a safe, painless, soothing modality that is especially suitable for young folks and/or sensitive people. Children respond to this modality very well. They often report such treatments are fun, comfortable, and soothing. By gently touching the skin with a silver (also gold and copper) tool with active engagement of the intention and perception of the practitioner (sometimes also involves that of the client), Qi of the body is guided to its natural passages and resumes its healthy flow. The effects are instant. Frequent tuning of Qi introduces healthier Qi flow patterns and brings about significant positive results in the long run. Nobody knows exactly how it works but we do know that it works wonderfully. Teishins along with a few other gentle healing tools that Dr. Paau uses are shown here.
A: There are two forms of herbs available at Oku Acupuncture & Herbs. In China, the most prescribed form is bulk form. Let’s compare the pros and cons of bulk and granule herbs based on Dr. Paau’s experiences.
Potency
Winner: Bulk
Bulk herbs are known for their higher potency and effectiveness because the crucial substances in the herbs are well preserved during the processes.
Convenience
Winner: Granule
Typically, 3 scoops added to a cup of boiling hot water is all what it takes.
It makes sense that granules are more popular in the U.S. because people are not used to investing time and energy in preparing their prescribed remedies.
Bulk herbs require at least 20-30 minutes of cooking time. Some herbs need to be added in the beginning while some might need to be added later. And if you like the traditional way, some formulas even require special water or specific cooking duration to achieve specific results. It can be overwhelming for folks who are not used to such activities. And true, there is a chance of burning your herbs and waste your money if you leave them cooking on the stove and forgot about it.
Cost
Winner: Granule
Granules is the most affordable form of herbs.
The cost of bulk form is reasonably higher than extracted form.
Prices for each herb vary depending on its type and quality.
A: It is not recommended to mix them. Granules contain different proportions of effective substances than bulk herbs, combining them will disrupt the balance of the formula, leading to the ineffectiveness of the formula. This may waste your money. Unless in extreme desperate situations, avoid mixing bulk with granules as much as possible.
A: It is common and natural to have reactions to herbal formulas since they are the most powerful therapy among all modalities. Your reaction could be due to many reasons, please reach out to Dr. Paau and explain your conditions to her as soon as the reactions show. Make phone calls in case of an emergency to get more immediate responses. In case she misses your call, leave a message to request a response (do not disclose your symptoms in text or voice messages) and she will get back to you as soon as possible.
A: Yes, please reach out to Dr. Paau at any time even outside office hours. Dr. Paau will always respond to your health-related questions and concerns as soon as possible. The typical response time would be within one day, depending on the emergency levels. There might be a reasonable delay during holidays or odd hours.