Hollander Acupuncture - Eric Hollander, L.A.c. MTOM | 7969 Engineer Rd. Suite 209 San Diego, CA 92111

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Information

At Hollander Acupuncture, our goal is to enhance health naturally by providing safe, effective, and personalized traditional Chinese medicine therapies. Because your health and comfort are our top priorities, we have provided the following FAQs as an informational resource. Please review the questions below to learn more about treatment options, the benefits of acupuncture, and more. Serving San Diego and all of Southern California, we are proud to assist individuals on their journey to improved health and well-being.

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General Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

A traditional Chinese medicine therapy, acupuncture involves the placement of extremely fine needles into specific points throughout the body. The treatment facilitates the body’s natural flow of energy to improve functioning and promote healing.

Does treatment hurt?

If an acupuncture needle is inserted correctly you should feel, at most, a very minimal sensation as it passes through the skin. It is nothing like getting an injection, and the needles are only slightly thicker then a hair. Later, you may experience a heavy sensation around the insertion sites. This is completely normal, and lets you know the acupuncture is working. Most patients find that acupuncture is a relaxing experience.

When will I start seeing results?

For some conditions, such as back pain or headaches, improvement is typically experienced after the initial treatment. Other conditions require 4 to 6 treatments before significant improvement is noticeable. During your first visit to Hollander Acupuncture in San Diego, our licensed acupuncturist will review your specific health concerns, the benefits of acupuncture, and treatment expectations with you in more detail.

What are the herbs? How do they work?

Chinese medical herbology is another aspect of traditional Chinese medicine that is commonly used in conjunction with acupuncture for improved results. Unlike many conventional medicines, the herbs are a natural treatment option with little to no side effects. Based on your individual needs, a combination of herbs may be recommended to treat specific conditions or to improve overall health.

Will my problem return if I stop treatments?

Certain types of chronic conditions, often where there is degeneration, may return without occasional maintenance treatments. Problems that are triggered by stress, or emotional causes, can also resurface if those triggers are stimulated. Maintenance treatments keep the improvements going, and are spaced out according to each person's unique needs.

What if I feel worse after treatment?

Although uncommon, a certain amount of people may feel a slight increase of their symptoms, several hours to one day after an initial treatment. This is a sign that the body is detoxifying. To aid this process, drink a lot of water and allow the day to pass. The following day will usually show a marked improvement.

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Infertility and Acupuncture

How does acupuncture help treat infertility problems?

Acupuncture and herbs can be used to treat a variety of common conditions related to infertility. These treatment methods work by improving the circulation of blood and energy throughout the body, regulating the hormonal system, and improving function of the reproductive organs. Our experienced acupuncturist can develop an individualized treatment plan to address hormonal imbalances, menstrual irregularities, endometriosis, poor egg quality, and more.

Can acupuncture be combined with IVF or IUI?

Acupuncture is frequently combined with conventional fertility procedures such as IVF and IUI. Treatment can reduce the side effects from medications, relieve stress, increase blood flow to the uterus, improve ovary function, and enhance overall wellness. Studies have shown that using acupuncture and herbal medicine throughout the cycle can improve IVF success rates by as much as 60%. After the procedure, acupuncture can also be used to help prevent miscarriages.

When should I start treatment?

Women seeking acupuncture to treat infertility problems should contact a licensed acupuncturist who specializes in fertility enhancement as early as possible. To maximize results, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine require consistent treatment over a period of at least 3 months.

What about male infertility?

Although acupuncture is most commonly sought by women, it can also be used to successfully treat many causes of male factor infertility, including low sperm count, reduced sperm motility, and low levels of normal morphology. As with female infertility, acupuncture is most effective if treatment is started early and continued for at least 3 months.

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Pregnancy and Acupuncture

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

When properly performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner, acupuncture is a safe treatment option during pregnancy, and many women find that acupuncture can address a number of physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that take place during this time.

What are the benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy?

Acupuncture can be very beneficial throughout pregnancy. During the first trimester, treatment can alleviate morning sickness, fatigue, migraines, and other common complaints. In the second trimester, acupuncture can relieve stress, reduce heartburn, and improve balance. In the third trimester, acupuncture treatments can reduce back and joint pain. Acupuncture can also help the mother prepare for delivery. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine can be used to turn a breech baby.

What about after delivery?

Acupuncture can address a number of common postpartum complaints. It is frequently used to increase energy, reduce depression and fatigue, and relieve pain. It can also treat hemorrhoids, lactation problems, and other conditions.

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Acupuncture for Pain Relief

What types of pain does acupuncture relieve?

Acupuncture can effectively treat many types of pain, including lower and upper back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, headaches and migraines, arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and more. Our licensed acupuncturist has more than a decade of experience and can help individuals suffering from chronic conditions as well as new injuries.

What are the benefits of acupuncture for pain relief?

The benefits ofacupuncture for pain relief and management are well-established. In addition to being a safe, natural, and effective treatment option, acupuncture is recognized for addressing both the symptoms and the underlying cause of the pain. Unlike many conventional treatments, which simply mask the pain, acupuncture provides relief while also promoting healing.

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Contact Hollander Acupuncture – Serving Southern California

To learn more about the conditions commonly treated with acupuncture or the benefits of acupuncture, please contact our acupuncture clinic today. Located in San Diego and serving all of Southern California, Hollander Acupuncture can help you enhance your health naturally. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

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Lower Back Pain

Did you know that 80% of Americans will be affected by back pain at some point in their lives? Even more shocking, is that 50% of all patients who suffer from an episode of low back pain will have a recurrent episode within one year.

  • Maintain Good Posture
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Patient Testimonials

"I am a police officer of the City of San Diego. My job can be physically demanding at times. In addition, I live a very active lifestyle. I am approaching the age of 40, and have found that my body does not recuperate at the same rate as before. In the past two years I have endured pain of my right knee, left elbow, and right shoulder. I have tried chiropractors and traditional medicine, all of which have had minimal results.

I refused to accept the possibility that I would have to live my life with pain, or modify my physical activities. I recently visited Eric Hollander of Chang Acupuncture & Associates, and initially was very skeptical. However, after three visits I have experienced the following successes: My knee pain is almost completely gone, and I can run long distance again. My left elbow is feeling better, and I can lift weights with minimal pain. And finally my shoulder is improving, and I have faith that acupuncture will be successful in assisting me in overcoming this injury.

— J.M.C. Police Officer


Patient Testimonials

Eric Hollander changed my life. I initially came in because for ten years my hands and feet were always ice cold. I thought it was a hopeless cause, just a curse of being a woman. Eric fixed this in no time and then began to fix things I didn't even realize could be fixed. No more irregular periods, no more bloating and cramping, no more gaining 5 pounds of water weight each month, no more constipation, no more brain fog, no more dark circles under my eyes, no more intense sugar cravings, no more afternoon fatigue – even my skin is smoother.

I was skeptical at first, and had never tried acupuncture before. I told myself I would give it three appointments and if I didn't notice a change, I would stop. I noticed a change after my first appointment. I have been visiting Eric regularly for over a year because each time I feel stronger and healthier. If I didn't think it was so essential to my health and well being, I wouldn't keep coming back. He is amazing! I trust him as one of my primary healthcare partners. He takes time to get to know you and your health concerns, more than any other doctor has ever done.

I recommend Eric to everyone I know because he is the best!

— Courtney


Patient Testimonials

I came to the office with a history of recurrent pregnancy losses, one at an early gestational age and another one ended with still birth at 32 weeks of gestation. And for unknown causes I had 4 years of secondary infertility after the pregnancy losses.

Numerous OBGYN doctors kept telling me that everything was fine, however, no pregnancy in sight…. After one month at Julie’s clinic I got pregnant. However, it wasn’t time to celebrate yet since I started bleeding at 7 weeks of gestation and my OB-GYN told me that nothing could be done at this gestational stage and I have to wait and that bleeding might stop on its own.

Being stressed and desperate to get the help, I didn’t want to wait and was so scared to miscarry again, I called Julie again. I received intensive therapy for 10 days (with Eric) which included special Chinese herbal tea, acupuncture treatment and heat massaging. And all that led to strengthening my body and thus keeping my pregnancy going and as a result of all these efforts, 9 months later, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl.

— O.O. (age 37), San Diego, CA