Why Consult an Acupuncturist?
There are many reasons why you might want to consult an acupuncturist. First of all, acupuncture is a safe and effective healing practice. It is completely drug free and has very few side effects. It can be used as a treatment for general stress relief or can be used in combination with other therapies. For instance, chemotherapy patients, pregnant women and recovering addicts often find that acupuncture helps relieve the side effects of nausea and heavy drug treatments. Acupuncture is also highly effective in relieving the symptoms of allergies, arthritis, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, digestive problems/irritable bowel syndrome, lower back pain, migraines, PMS/menstrual problems, etc.

What to expect in our office
If you're new to acupuncture, your first visit may seem strange. Of course I will take a thorough medical history, but I will also check your pulse, examine your tongue, and palpate (feel) certain areas of your body. The difference from other acupuncture offices is that I will also make an auricular diagnosis by examining your ear. I will then decide whether you need acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion, auriculo-therapy, TCM massage, cupping, electrostimulation, herbal remedies or some combination of treatment methods to aid your recovery. On a typical visit, I only insert a few points at a time, and softly manipulate them in the correct way for your treatment. While the points can feel uncomfortable at times, they rarely hurt. They are very thin (only about three times the thickness of a human hair and much finer than the hypodermic points used to give injections) and are designed to enter the skin with little resistance. Once the points are inserted, I may twist them manually or send a weak electrical current through them to increase the energy flow. They may be left in for 15 to 40 minutes, depending on the ailment. Sometimes I also use moxibustion, which involves burning herbs, including the herb moxa, near acupoints, to hasten healing. Different people experience different sensations from acupuncture. Some describe a tingling pins-and-points feeling, others may feel numbness or nothing at all. Most find the sessions relaxing, and many fall asleep during or immediately after treatment. Acupuncture should be painless. If it isn't, speak up! You should always feel comfortable enough with me to let me know when you might be experiencing pain. In general, visits occur once or twice a week. Some patients notice rapid improvement after just a few sessions. In those whose conditions have taken years to develop, treatment may take longer.

Why Choose Auricular Therapy?
Auricular therapy has several advantages. First, auricular manipulation is simple and safe and there are no side effects. In many cases, only a simple tool is required for applying pressure to points in the ear. Second, clinical practice has proved its effectiveness for more than 200 diseases and conditions. It is especially effective for pain control, insomnia, small gall stones, obesity, asthma, allergies, irregular menstruation, gastritis, anorexia, quitting smoking, etc. Third, and most important, the results of auricular therapy are obvious and rapid, "in many cases following treatment as surely as a shadow cast by a stick raised in the sunlight."

What to Expect at Your Appointment
At your first visit, I will take a thorough medical history. I will check your pulse, examine your tongue, palpate certain areas of your body, and finally make an auricular diagnosis by examining the ear. You will receive the first treatment at this time. Auricular treatment begins with gentle electric stimulation followed by taping small seeds to special points in the ear. Your responsibility after the appointment is to press on each seed 2-3 times per day for 3-6 days. For most conditions, you should schedule appointments once or twice per week for a couple of months until therapeutic results are achieved.

About Hui Zhang, L.Ac.
Hui received his Bachelor of Science in Medicine from the Beijing College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion & Orthopedics-Traumatology in 1992, where he received training in acupuncture and in the recommendation of adjunctive therapies and herbs as defined by traditional Chinese medicine concepts. He worked at the Institute of Orthopedics & Traumatology at the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine through 1998, participating in research, treatment in orthopedics and the orthopedic emergency service. This background provided extensive experience with accident and sports injuries, pain control, and post-fracture rehabilitation.
Hui moved to Boulder in 1998 and received his diplomate in Acupuncture in 1999 and in Chinese herbology in 2000. In 1998, he became a partner in Hands for Health, which is now Boulder Valley Acupuncture. Hui offers A Unique Combination of Therapies to Provide You with Optimal Care.

What more of our clients are saying:
My mother was suffering from diarrhea for three months without relief. She was subjected to numerous unpleasant tests by her doctor of Western medicine. Then she saw Dr. Zhang three times in a period of ten days. Her problem disappeared and has never returned.- David Greene

 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Affordable Alternative Program

1. How do you define 'low income'?
Having Medicaid or Medicare insurance will be considered as proof of low income. We also accept referrals from places such as People's Clinic, Boulder Valley Women's Health Center, and other non-profits.

2. How do Sliding Scale Sundays work?
We do not verify income. Pay what you can (minimum $25) after you receive your acupuncture treatment.

3. Do I get the same kind of care as people who pay regular rates?
Absolutely.