Question 1

What is acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture, as practiced in contemporary times, generally involves the insertion of very thin, single use, sterile needles at various points on the body in order to effect a therapeutic change in a person’s health status. It is one technique within a family of therapeutic approaches based on the philosophy, observations and experiences of practitioners in ancient China. Although variations of clinical practice have evolved with the spread of acupuncture-based therapeutics across Asia, into Japan, Europe, and more recently, the Americas, all acupuncture practice styles are grounded in the principles set forth in the surviving Classical Chinese Medical texts.

Question 2

What are other techniques do you use besides acupuncture needling?

Accepted Answer

In addition to needle insertion, healing techniques include non-insertive contact needling, the application of heat (moxibustion) to specific acupoints and regions of the body, application of essential oils, metal beads or magnets to acupoints, use of low level laser to stimulate acupoints.  Rarely we will recommend electrical stimulation of inserted needles, or cupping (application of suction to the skin surface).  Recommendations may also be made concerning nutrition, exercise, other lifestyle considerations, meditation or spiritual practices.

Question 3

How many needles are inserted during a treatment, and does it have to be needles?"

Accepted Answer

The diagnostic impression, physical examination and patient response all help determine which acupuncture points and the number of points to be treated. The number of points selected for treatment will therefore vary. Typically at Hyde Park Medical Acupuncture, you would be treated on 2 to 20 points over the course of a several-step, 40-50 minute treatment that often includes an opportunity for quiet rest or meditation.
Our preference is to use the fewest possible points (10 or less), but sometimes there are special indications that require more.
It is not necessary to insert needles through the skin in order to effect a therapeutic change. Other techniques to work with an acupuncture point and channel include massaging the point or body area, placing a specialized contact needle on the skin but not through it, warming the point or area (moxibustion), applying essential oils, metal beads or magnets, electricity, and/or using a low level (aka cold) laser to painlessly but effectively stimulate a point.

Question 4

What is your needle insertion technique?  Does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

The preferred diagnostic and treatment style at Hyde Park Medical Acupuncture is predominantly in the Japanese acupuncture tradition. Based on a patient’s story and physical examination, acupoints are selected and very thin sterile needles are inserted with a gentle and mindful technique.
 
Only very gentle stimulation, if any at all, is done on the needle once inserted.  We do not manipulate the needle to obtain a de Qi response, as is the technique for some styles.
 
Most people don't feel the needles at all.  Infrequently a patient may feel a transient mild pinch at the insertion site upon needling.  This would not last more than a few seconds.  If the sensation persists, the needle is immediately removed.
 
Importantly, for some people, any needle insertion through the skin is too strong a stimulus, resulting in immediate local pain and a flare in their presenting symptoms. A trial treating a minimal number of points with non-insertion techniques (e.g. using laser light, essential oils, magnets or metal beads, contact needle, moxibustion) can be tried. On rare occasions, even non-insertion techniques are too strong and ultimately not helpful. In these situations, it is best to try non-acupuncture therapies, with referral to other healing arts practitioners.

Question 5

What should I do to ensure an optimal response to acupuncture treatment on the day of treatment?

Accepted Answer

To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:
 
Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.  It is good however to have had a light meal and be well hydrated.  
Do not physically over exert, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.
Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your primary care and specialist physicians. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment, may interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.
Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your physician acupuncturist to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you.

Question 6

How many treatments will I need?

Accepted Answer

Treatment response varies from person to person.  Additionally any individual patient will respond differently to the various styles of acupuncture as well as to different acupuncturists.  This is similar to what happens in choosing other healthcare providers and treatment modalities.
 
If you are interested in acupuncture and have never tried it before, we suggest that you give a trial of 3-5 treatments within one month to assess how your system responds. 
 
The number of treatments needed also differs from person to person.  
Healing takes time and commitment—conditions that are congenital, chronic, or with a long duration naturally require a longer course of treatment than recent, acute conditions.
The number and frequency of treatment depends on the individual, too. Treatments can be affected by lifestyle choices or prior medical therapies that may have interfered with the body’s ability to heal and function optimally.

Question 7

What should I expect to feel after an acupuncture treatment?

Accepted Answer

As energy or qi is redirected in the body, you may notice changes, especially if you have developed body awareness with other practices such as meditation, yoga, qi gong, tai chi, Feldenkrais or Alexander technique.
 
Patients may report one of a few patterns of healing:
1.  immediate improvement of symptom(s)
2.  delayed improvement of symptom(s), by one to three days
3.  occasionally the original symptoms may worsen for a few days, and then either be resolved or be improved compared to your state prior to treatment
4.  no change in symptom(s);  this may indicate, among other things, more significant qi imbalances or nutritional imbalances, or an anatomic issue not addressable alone by acupuncture
 
Often, patients may note unexpected changes unrelated to their symptoms, such as changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work and are frequently good health changes.  It is important to note these and report them at your next scheduled visit.
 
It is quite common to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment.  We recommend that you try to rest and not over exert yourself in the 24 hours following your treatment.

Question 8

What are potential complications of acupuncture needling?

Accepted Answer

The acupuncture needle is a fine, disposable (one-time use), sterile, FDA-approved medical device. At Hyde Park Medical Acupuncture, we use the finer acupuncture needles (0.12-0.25 mm caliber sterile stainless steel, about the size of a human hair).  We practice a gentle insertion technique that is often more shallow and involves minimal stimulation.  This is typical of the Japanese style of acupuncture.
 
While acupuncture is a highly safe form of physical medicine, there are a few risks. These include bruising, fainting, muscle spasms, bleeding, nerve damage (extremely rare) and punctured organs (extremely rare).
 
Relatively few complications from using acupuncture have been reported. Still, complications have resulted from use of nonsterile needles and improper delivery of treatments.
When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections, punctured organs, collapsed lungs, and injury to the central nervous system.

Question 9

Do you prescribe medications?

Accepted Answer

No.  It is a condition of treatment at Hyde Park Medical Acupuncture, that you receive ongoing conventional medical care from a primary care physician and specialists (as required by your condition).  All your prescription medications should be managed by them.  We can coordinate with them on your behalf (with your written permission) upon your request.  Please inform them that you are receiving acupuncture treatments;  it is important for them to monitor your condition(s) as your medication requirements may change during the course of acupuncture.

Question 10

Do you prescribe herbs?

Accepted Answer

No.  It is not within the scope of our practice at Hyde Park Medical Acupuncture, to prescribe herbs.

Question 11

Are there specific medical conditions you should be sure to inform your physician acupuncturist?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Please inform us of all of your medical conditions as this will help us to tailor your treatments accordingly and provide you with the best possible care.  
It is especially important for you to let us know if you currently have one of the following conditions:
1.  have an implanted pacemaker
2.  have a bleeding disorder
3.  for women, if you are currently pregnant
4.  have an immunodeficiency, either primary or secondary (such as due to medications or splenectomy)
5.  have an infection such as HIV, hepatitis

Question 12

What type of conditions does acupuncture treat?

Accepted Answer

It is difficult to compare conventional western medicine with acupuncture.  While both are treatment modalities, they represent two completely different paradigms.
 
In classical Chinese medicine, "qi" or "energy" or "life force" flows throughout the body in a system of channels.  There are areas of the the body where this "qi" is more accessible for treatment.  These are the acupuncture points.  
 
When there are blockages or imbalances to the flow of qi, either as a result of innate constitution or environmental influences or a combination of the two, illness (either clinical or subclinical) results.  
 
The same pattern of blockages or imbalance of qi is manifested by different symptoms from person to person.  For example one particular qi imbalance can manifest as chronic headache in one person, chronic neck pain in another, chronic back pain in another, anxiety in another, and etc.  
 
This is why acupuncture treatments at Hyde Park Medical Acupuncture are individualized based on a patient's history and acupuncture physical exam.  Often, acupuncture points are selected based on how they affect the patient's exam in real time.  Thus more one-on-one time is required for this technique.
 
That said, acupuncture is most often applied to pain syndromes (acute and chronic) such as migraine headaches, chronic or acute musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries; post operative nausea; dental pain; digestive issues; menopausal symptoms; cancer support therapy; stress related symptoms such as insomnia; addiction; dysmenorrhea, etc.
 
The WHO (World Health Organization) has a list of conditions treated by acupuncture.  This is accessible on the internet through a search engine.

Question 13

What should I expect at my treatment appointment?

Accepted Answer

New patients are scheduled for 2 appointment visits withing one week.  The first new patient visit lasts 60-90 minutes and entails obtaining your reasons for seeking acupuncture,  treatment goals, medical history, acupuncture physical exam and initial acupuncture treatment.  The second new patient visit is withing 1 week of the first, lasts 30 minutes, and consists of a review of the effects of the first treatment and a follow up treatment.  Afterwards we work together to formulate your individualized treatment plan. 
​
Subsequent visits take approximately 45-60 minutes.  We will continue to make adjustments in your treatments as necessary to optimize your well being. 
​
After scheduling your appointment, we will send you two emails with the necessary patient forms to complete.  It is important for you to complete the new patient health questionnaire prior to your appointment.  This allows us to review it before you arrive.
​
Please dress in loose clothing such as a short sleeve t-shirt (or tank top) and loose pants (that can be rolled up to mid thigh) or shorts.  A changing room is available for your convenience.

Question 14

What are your privacy practices?

Accepted Answer

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. 
PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

WHAT IS THIS NOTICE AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? 
Hyde Park Medical Acupuncture, LLC (Hyde Park Medical Acupuncture) is required by law to maintain the privacy of patient protected health information, provide patients with notice of our legal duties and privacy practices regarding protected health information, and notify individuals when a breach of unsecured protected health information occurs. We understand that your health information is highly personal. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy.

Please read this Notice thoroughly. It describes how we may use and disclose your protected health information for treatment, payment, and health care operations purposes, and for other purposes that the law allows. It also describes your legal right to access and control the use and disclosure of your protected health information.

The rights outlined below belong to the patient or the patient’s personal representative, which is the patient’s parent, legal guardian or any person that has the legal authority to represent the interests of the patient and act on the patient’s behalf.

WHAT DOES THIS NOTICE COVER? 
This Notice covers information about your health condition, health care treatment, or payment for health care treatment that could reasonably identify who you are. This Notice applies to all personnel, volunteers, contractors, or anyone working here who might have access to your health information.

HOW HYDE PARK MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE WILL USE YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION 
We are permitted to use or to disclose to others outside Hyde Park Medical Acupuncture your health    information without permission from you for three basic types of activities:

Treatment – We are permitted to use your health information or disclose it to others outside Hyde Park Medical Acupuncture to provide proper medical care to you. This means we can provide your health information to nurses, technicians, doctors, therapists involved in your care. For example, other physicians may need to have your information to advise those providing your care. In some circumstances, we may require you to complete an Authorization form for disclosure of your protected health information to an outside health care provider.

Health care operations – We are permitted to use your health information or disclose it to others outside Hyde Park Medical Acupuncture in order to run the clinic and ensure high quality care. For example, we may use or disclose your information to review how we provide care to you, help us improve how we operate the clinic, meet compliance or licensing requirements, or send you appointment reminders.

There are some other situations in which we may use your information or disclose it to others outside Hyde Park Medical Acupuncture without a written authorization from you, such as: 
Treatment Alternatives – We may use or disclose your health information to tell you about or recommend possible treatment-related options, activities, or alternatives that may be helpful to you. 
Health-Related Benefits and Services – We may use or disclose your health information to tell you about health-related benefits or services that may be of interest to you. 
Individuals Involved in Your Care or Payment for Your Care – During times of treatment, we will disclose your health information to you or your personal representative. We may also disclose your health information to individuals involved in your care or payment for your care that relates to that involvement.
As Required By Law – We will disclose your information when required by law. 
Public Health Activities -- We may use and disclose your information for public health activities, such as reporting of diseases, injuries, vital events, or exposures to communicable diseases. 
Government Oversight Activities – We may use and disclose your information to a health oversight agency responsible for overseeing, for example, the healthcare system or government benefits and regulatory programs. In some circumstances, such as if we believe a crime has been or is being committed on our premises, in an emergency, or for national security purposes, we may disclose limited information to law enforcement officials. 
To Avoid a Serious Threat to Health or Safety – We may use and disclose your health information to prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of the public or another person. Any disclosure, however, would only be to someone able to help prevent the threat. 
Marketing – We are NOT permitted to use your information in order to conduct marketing activities unless you have specifically authorized the communication
Sale of Protected Health Information – We are NOT permitted to sell your information unless you have specifically authorized the disclosure.

SPECIAL PROTECTION FOR CERTAIN INFORMATION

Certain types of health information have additional protections under federal or state law:
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Records: If we receive or maintain records from a federally assisted SUD program (under 42 CFR Part 2), these records are subject to stricter protections. We will only use or disclose them for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations if you have provided a single "consent for all future uses" or a specific authorization, except in rare emergencies or as required by law.
Reproductive Health Care: We will not use or disclose your PHI to investigate or impose liability on any person for the mere act of seeking, obtaining, providing, or facilitating lawful reproductive health care. For certain requests (e.g., law enforcement or judicial proceedings), we will require a signed Attestation from the requester confirming the information will not be used for these prohibited purposes.

YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION 
Authorization to Use Your Information – In order for us to use or disclose your information, other than as described in the previous section, we will generally need to obtain your written authorization which you may revoke at any time to stop any future uses and disclosures.

Right to Access to Your Information – You have the right to look at or have a copy of your health information; information that may be used in a civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding; or where prohibited by law.  A request for inspection or a copy of your health information must be in writing and directed to Hyde Park Medical Acupuncture via email at uduong@hydeparkmedicalacupuncture.com.  If applicable, we will charge a nominal fee for copying and postage costs.

Right to Amend Your Information – If you believe the information we have about you is incorrect or if important information is missing, you have the right to request that we correct the existing information or add the missing information. The request must be in writing and directed to Hyde Park Medical Acupuncture at 5724 Dragon Way, Suite 315, Cincinnati, OH 45227.
Right to Request Confidential Information be Provided in Certain Ways – You may request that when we send your information to you, we do so in a specific way that is convenient for you, such as only using a work number or by mail. We are not required to follow your request, but we will make every reasonable effort to do so or find a mutually satisfactory alternative. 
Right to an Accounting of Our Disclosures of Your Information – You also have the right to receive a list of instances where we have disclosed your health information to others for reasons other than for purposes of treatment, payment, operations, national security or intelligence, or to notify persons involved in your care, or for use a facility directory, to you or persons involved in your care, or as a part of a limited data set, or as Authorized by you. The request must be in writing and directed to Hyde Park Medical Acupuncture via email at uduong@hydeparkmedicalacupuncture.com.
Right to Limit Our Use or Disclosure of Your Information – You may request in writing that we not use or disclose your information for treatment (other than emergency treatment), payment, or operations purposes, or to individuals involved in your care, unless required by law. We will consider your request and respond, but we are not required to accept the request. However, we will accept a request for a restriction on a disclosure of your information to a health plan for payment or operations purposes, if not otherwise required by law, if the information pertains solely to an item or service for which or someone other than a health plan on your behalf has paid in full. 
Right to a Paper Copy of this Notice – You have the right to obtain a paper copy of this Notice upon request.

HYDE PARK MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE DUTIES REGARDING YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION 
We are required to protect the privacy of your information, establish Policies and Procedures that do so, provide this Notice about our privacy practices, and to follow the practices described in this Notice. 
We reserve the right to change our Policies and Procedures for protecting health information. When we make a significant change in how we use or disclose your health information, we will also change this Notice and post the new Notice in waiting rooms and registration areas. You can request a written copy of the most recent version of this Notice at any time.

HOW TO MAKE A COMPLAINT ABOUT HOW YOUR INFORMATION IS USED 
If you believe we have not properly protected your privacy, have violated your privacy rights, or you disagree with a decision we made about access to your protected health information, you may contact us directly at Hyde Park Medical Acupuncture, 5725 Dragon Way, Suite 315, Cincinnati, Ohio 45227.  You also may send a written complaint to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS NOTICE 
This Notice was issued on February 16, 2026.

Hyde Park Medical Acupuncture

Frequently asked questions