Acupuncture Newport Beach
Acupuncture is a treatment based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system of healing that dates back thousands of years. TCM is based on the belief that a type of life force or vital energy, known as Qi, flows through channels in the body called meridians. Each meridian connects to one specific organ, or group of organs, that governs particular bodily functions.
The Qi depends on a balance of the two opposing energies of yin and yang. Illness results when too little or too much Qi exists in a meridian, or the Qi stagnates, or is blocked. Stimulating certain points with fine needles can balance and restore the flow of Qi.
Modern researchers have found that the acupuncture points correspond to the skin that has less electrical resistance than other skin areas. There is some evidence that stimulation of the skin can affect internal organs by means of nerve reflex pathways (autonomic nervous system).
One theory is that acupuncture stimulates the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals called endorphins. Another theory is that it stimulates the pituitary gland, which in turn stimulates the adrenal gland to release anti-inflammatory chemicals.
Acupuncture specialist Newport Beach
Newport Beach, Orange County, CA 92660, 92661, 92662, 92663, 92657
Sung S. Kim LAc MAOM
Conditions Treated
Acupuncture has been proven effective for pain relief and for post-surgery and chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. The World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health recognize that acupuncture can be a helpful part of treatment plan for many illnesses and conditions such as:
Musculoskeletal
- General Pain
- Low Back Pain
- Sciatica
- Osteoarthritis
- Carpal Tunnel
- Fibromyalgia
Digestive
- Nausea
- Hyperacidity
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Respiratory
- Asthma
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Sinusitis
Respiratory
- Headache
- Migraine
- Stroke Rehab
- Neuropathies
- Neurogenic Bladder
Respiratory
- PMS
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
Frequently Asked Questions
Your practitioner will explain the nature of your program and what treatment is recommended. How long you need therapy depends on your condition. Acute or temporary problems may just need a few treatments. Chronic conditions may need regularly scheduled treatments over several months. You may start out with several treatments per week, and then decrease to weekly or less often. Typically, you should allow 30-45 minutes per session. The initial visit can range anywhere from 60-90 minutes.
Most practitioners of acupuncture perform a partial physical examination during each visit. This includes extensive pulse talking, tongue observation, and feeling of the abdomen. They also will take a detailed medical history including nutrition habits, lifestyle and other environmental factors. After conducting the overall health evaluation, the acupuncturist will ask you to lie down on a padded table. He or she will then insert the needles may be manipulated manually. The needles also may be connected to a safe electrical current, which may cause a mild tingling or no sensation at all. Acupuncturists may also prescribe Chinese herbal preparations, Chinese therapeutic massage (Tui-Na), or diet changes along with acupuncture.
In general, acupuncture is safe and painless. Acupuncture needles are specially designed, hair-thin needles that come in different sizes. By law, acupuncturists use sterilized, disposable, and individually packaged needles that are only used one time, and wipe the skin with an alcohol pad. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle and reduces the chance of a local skin infection. After a needle penetrates the skin, the patient should feel some heaviness, distention, tingling sensation or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up/down the affected meridians/channels.
Acupuncture is virtually free from side effects. Side effects, when they occur, usually involve mild discomfort and bruising at the needle sites. Local spot bleeding and reddening of the skin around the needle site may also occur.
On occasion one may experience light-headedness and usual sensations in the body.
- Wear loose clothing.
- Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, thirsty, and hungry or full.
Notify your practitioner immediately if you:
- Have a pacemaker-Please inform your acupuncturist prior to treatment
- Are taking a blood thinner
- Are pregnant
- Experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweats, and shortness of breath, fainting, or sharp pain during treatment. Nervousness or tenseness may trigger some of these symptoms.
The cost of the therapy varies depending on the type of visit. The average cost for initial visits are between $75.00 and $150.00, and return visits are between $50.00 and $80.00 for self-pay patients. All automobile insurance companies cover acupuncture for the injuries caused by a motor vehicle accident. Some health insurance companies cover acupuncture within defined parameters. Please check with your insurance company first to find out if acupuncture might be covered or contact us and we will be more than glad to assist you to find out your acupuncture benefit.
Sung S. Kim is a board certified and licensed acupuncturist with 20+ years of experiences. He received his Bachelor of Science from University of California at Irvine, and Master of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine from South Baylo University. Then, Sung Kim completed his postdoctoral studies and training at Beijing International Acupuncture Moxibustion Training Center in Beijing, China, and numerous acupuncture clinics and hospitals in Seoul, Korea.
He has practiced acupuncture since 1995. Sung Kim has served as an academic dean, an assistant dean, a program director, a clinic supervisor, a clinic director and/or a teaching faculty for South Baylo University, Dongguk University Los Angeles, Oikos University, NSUHS, SCUSOMA, Southwest Acupuncture College and International Institute of Chinese Medicine. He has been invited as a guest speaker to many public and private institutions or organizations including CU Nursing and CU Pharmacy Schools. Because of his expertise and experience in pain and paralysis management, infertility and reproductive wellness, Sung Kim has been featured on NBC News for Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine and its effectiveness on “Acupuncture for Infertility”, “Pain Management and Weight Reduction”, and “Benefits of Acupuncture.” Also, numerous newspapers including Denver Post and Korean Daily wrote an article on Sung Kim’s acupuncture treatment for various health conditions.
Sung Kim can help patients with various illnesses and health conditions utilizing acupuncture and herbal medicine. He will listen to your needs and circumstances, and will provide you with the utmost care and expert service.
Wellness Choice
1101 Dove Street #270
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Monday 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
3:00 PM - 6:30 PMTuesday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Wednesday 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
3:00 PM - 6:30 PMThursday 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
3:00 PM - 6:30 PMFriday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Saturday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Sunday Closed
