What does acupuncture do? Learn how acupuncture treats your pain!
When should you go in for acupuncture? What does acupuncture do? Most have heard of the treatment from TV and movies but aren't sure of how the treatment is used. Most commonly, acupuncture treats pain from various ailments, such as joint pain, muscle pain, and aches related to other sicknesses. Acupuncture can help treat conditions related to the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system.
Conditions Treated by Acupuncture:
Acupuncture’s use for pain is widely known, but it’s also effective in treating a variety of conditions.
Reproductive
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Menstrual Pain and Dysfunction
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Morning Sickness
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Infertility
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Menopause
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Erectile Dysfunction
Sleep and Mood
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Insomnia
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Depression
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Stress and Anxiety
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Fatigue
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Hormonal Imbalance
Pain and Neuromusculoskeletal
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Headache
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Frozen Shoulder
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Arthritis
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Neck and Back Pain
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Joint Pain/Injury
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Fibromyalgia
Other
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Side effects related to radiation and chemotherapy
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Allergies
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Post-Stroke Recovery
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Gastrointestinal Conditions
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High Blood Pressure
Therapies
Select a therapy below and discover more to the right.
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Acupuncture
Acupuncture
The stimulation of specific points along the skin with fine needles to promote and enhance the flow of energy (qi) and blood. Acupuncture can help treat conditions related to the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system.
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Cupping
Cupping
An ancient Chinese practice in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced so that the skin is gently drawn upwards into the cup. Cupping is used to treat pain, deep scar tissue in the muscles and connective tissue, muscle knots, and swelling.
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Herbal & Nutritional Therapy
Herbal & Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional and dietary advice are often given to help address health concerns and promote wellness. Herbal supplements maybe recommended to enhance nutritional status and create balance to optimize a person’s biological, emotional, and cognitive functioning.
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Tui-na Therapeutic Massage
Tui-na Therapeutic Massage
Used in China for over 2,000 years, this focused technique uses rhythmic compression techniques along different energy channels of the body to establish harmonious flow of energy (qi). Tui-na is known to both relax and energize an individual.
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Tai Chi/Qi Gong
Tai Chi/Qi Gong
Breathing and movement techniques that involve posture and mental focus. These treatments aid in reducing stress, building stamina, increasing vitality, and enhancing the immune system.
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Moxibustion
Moxibustion
An ancient Chinese heat therapy using the ground up leaves of the Mugwort plant. The purpose of this treatment is to improve blood circulation, strengthen immunity and maintain a person’s general health.
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Gua Sha
Gua Sha
Gua sha promotes circulation and removes blood stasis. Modern research shows gua sha produces an anti-inflammatory and immune protective effect that persists for days following a single Gua sha treatment, accounting for the immediate relief from pain, stiffness, fever, chills, cough, wheezing, nausea, vomiting, and more.
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Ear Seeds
Ear Seeds
Ear seeds are tiny seeds from the vaccaria plant which are placed on pressure points of the outer ear. Depending on their position, they help with many conditions including pain, stress, anxiety, sleep, digestive disturbances, smoking cessation, weight loss, and more.
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Microneedling
Microneedling
A cutting-edge skincare treatment designed to rejuvenate and revitalize your complexion. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. This process stimulates the body's natural healing response, promoting the production of collagen and elastin.
Your
First Visit
Your
First Visit
SCU is an integrated health system that focuses on a whole-person approach. This means our acupuncturists embrace healthcare that looks not only at biological concerns like injuries or genetics, but also factors like mood, fear, stress, culture, family, and socioeconomics—each of which affect a person’s ability to heal and stay healthy.
Your first acupuncture visit includes a detailed health history, physical examination similar to what you experience at a Western primary care checkup, and traditional practices including tongue and pulse diagnosis. We’ll also discuss the other parts of your life that could be contributing to your condition and health goals. From there, you and your provider will collaborate to design a personalized treatment plan for you.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles at acupuncture points throughout the body to balance the flow of energy (qi) and blood. When there is a blockage along one or more of the body’s channels, the flow of qi is interrupted and imbalanced. This can result in pain and/or disease. The insertion of needles at acupuncture points restores qi and blood flow, reestablishing a healthy balance in the body.
In addition to acupuncture, your holistic care at SCU may include other traditional Chinese therapies.
Meet Our
Acupuncturists.
SCU Health - University Health Center Clinicians in Whitter:
Henry Hwang, D.C., L.Ac., MAOM
Director of Clinical Education, Eastern Medicine Department, Assistant Professor & Clinician
Henry Hwang received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California, Irvine, and his Doctor of Chiropractic from Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU). After receiving acupuncture treatment himself for a minor health issue, Dr. Hwang decided to broaden his scope of practice and returned to SCU, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and was certified by the California State Board of Acupuncture shortly thereafter. Dr. Hwang is currently Director of Clinical Education of the College of Eastern Medicine at SCU.
Sivarma Vinjamury (Prasad), L.Ac., MPH
Director of Integrative and Family Health Services, UHC, Assistant Director, Eastern Medicine Department, and Professor
Sivarma Vinjamury (Prasad) graduated with a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine from Osamnia University, Doctor of Medicine from University of Kerala, India and received his Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU). Dr. Prasad is a licensed acupuncturist in California and holds a Diplomate in Acupuncture from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. He is currently working as a professor of research in SCU’s College of Eastern Medicine as well as a supervising clinician at SCU Health and at the Student Health & Counseling Center at California State University, Fullerton.
Dr. Prasad has over twenty years in clinical experience integrating Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and western diagnostic methods to evaluate, assess, and manage patients. Additionally, he prescribes yoga/tai-chi and breathing practices to his clients. One of his strengths is providing dietary advice, based on Eastern traditional medicine, that is best suited for the patient’s condition. He focuses on managing internal medicine conditions, specifically gastrointestinal, respiratory, immunological, psychological, and cardiovascular conditions.
Jennifer Noborikawa, DACM, L.Ac.
Acupuncture Clinician, Assistant Professor, and Herbal Pharmacy Manager
Jennifer Noborikawa is a part-time faculty member and research assistant in the College of Eastern Medicine at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU). She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry from California State University, Fullerton and a Doctor of Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine from SCU. Dr. Noborikawa is currently a member of the American Public Health Association (APHA) and Academy for Integrative Health and Medicine. She works with many adult and pediatric patients and enjoys giving them resources to take back control of their health.
Eric Lung-Cheng Hsiao, Ph.D., L.Ac.
Acupuncture Clinician and Professor
Eric Lung-Cheng Hsiao earned his Ph.D. from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1999, where he majored in Internal Chinese Medicine. He is currently working as a professor at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU), and as a clinical supervisor at SCU Health since 2004. Dr. Hsiao uses an evidence-based approach to treat chronic internal and gynecological conditions in addition to chronic pain. He has been a co-investigator of clinical trials including Efficacy of Acupuncture for Hypertension and Usefulness of Acupuncture for Cancer Pain and Quality of Life. Dr. Hsiao has published papers and presented at many national and international conferences. His other interests are in managing mental illness, male infertility, and providing adjunct quality of life treatment for cancer patients.
Lawrence (Lung-Sheng) Hsiao, L.Ac., MCM, L.Ac., MCM
Acupuncture Clinician and Professor
Lawrence Hsiao has been a professor and clinical supervisor at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) College of Eastern Medicine since 2005. He received his Bachelor of Medicine degree from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and Master of Clinical Medicine (TCM) in Internal Medicine with an emphasis on diabetic complications, on full scholarships. He has written several research publications and presented at multiple professional conferences. Hsiao received the Faculty Scholarship Award in 2008, the Leadership Award in 2011, and the Most Collegial Award in 2012.
Clifford Lee, L.Ac.
Acupuncture Clinician and Adjunct Faculty
Clifford Lee earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion, with extensive coursework in Engineering, from Swarthmore College. After working for four years in a community-based organization in one of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, Lee earned a Master of Science in Education from the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania, after which he taught high school mathematics for five years. In 2006 he earned a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from South Baylo University. He received his California license to practice and his national certification in early 2007 and has been practicing in both Los Angeles and Orange counties ever since. Lee uses a combined approach of acupuncture and acupressure/tui-na, as well as herbology and nutritional counseling based on body type/constitution and pulse/abdominal diagnosis. His specialties include pediatrics, women’s health, geriatrics, pain and stress management, weight control, gastrointestinal health, sleep quality, and smoking/drug detoxification.
Lee volunteers at various community organizations, specifically at the local Korean Resource Center in Los Angeles (Koreatown), and at the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC), with a vested interest in healthcare issues. One of his life objectives is to increase public accessibility to high quality healthcare, including acupuncture and East Asian medicine, regardless of income or status.
Thomas Lee, D.C, L.Ac., MAOM
Acupuncture Clinician and Associate Clinical Professor
Thomas Lee has served as an associate clinical professor at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) College of Eastern Medicine since 2013. He received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1997. After working as a chiropractor for 10 years, he returned to SCU to continue his education in the area of traditional Chinese medicine, and in 2011 received his Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Dr. Lee currently works and manages several clinics outside the University Health Center, specializing in chronic and acute pain. He integrates his practice with western and eastern medicine to achieve the optimal outcome for his patients.
John Fang, L.Ac., DAOM
Acupuncture Clinician
John Fang earned his Master’s and Doctorate degrees from South Baylo University and has been practicing in Southern California since the year 2000. Dr. Fang has served as academic and clinical education dean and doctoral program director and faculty at several Eastern medicine institutes. Dr. Fang has been teaching herbal formula courses and focuses his clinical practice on healthy aging with Traditional Chinese Medicine including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and breathing exercises.
CoCo Chin, D.C., L.Ac., MAOM
Acupuncture Clinician
CoCo Chin is a state board-certified chiropractor and licensed acupuncturist. Dr. Chin’s clinical experience is focused on acute and chronic pain conditions, stress, insomnia, and women’s health. She is passionate in working with patients to develop an integrated treatment plan with emphasis on recovery and prevention while being considerate of their different lifestyle.
Dr. Chin earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacological Chemistry from University of California, San Diego and received her Doctor of Chiropractic and Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from SCU. She was the recipient of Dr. San Hong Hwang Technique award in Acupuncture in 2014.
Henry Hwang, D.C., L.Ac., MAOM
Director of Clinical Education, Eastern Medicine Department, Assistant Professor & Clinician
Henry Hwang received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California, Irvine, and his Doctor of Chiropractic from Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU). After receiving acupuncture treatment himself for a minor health issue, Dr. Hwang decided to broaden his scope of practice and returned to SCU, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and was certified by the California State Board of Acupuncture shortly thereafter. Dr. Hwang is currently Director of Clinical Education of the College of Eastern Medicine at SCU.
Sivarma Vinjamury (Prasad), L.Ac., MPH
Director of Integrative and Family Health Services, UHC, Assistant Director, Eastern Medicine Department, and Professor
Sivarma Vinjamury (Prasad) graduated with a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine from Osamnia University, Doctor of Medicine from University of Kerala, India and received his Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU). Dr. Prasad is a licensed acupuncturist in California and holds a Diplomate in Acupuncture from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. He is currently working as a professor of research in SCU’s College of Eastern Medicine as well as a supervising clinician at SCU Health and at the Student Health & Counseling Center at California State University, Fullerton.
Dr. Prasad has over twenty years in clinical experience integrating Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and western diagnostic methods to evaluate, assess, and manage patients. Additionally, he prescribes yoga/tai-chi and breathing practices to his clients. One of his strengths is providing dietary advice, based on Eastern traditional medicine, that is best suited for the patient’s condition. He focuses on managing internal medicine conditions, specifically gastrointestinal, respiratory, immunological, psychological, and cardiovascular conditions.
Jennifer Noborikawa, DACM, L.Ac.
Acupuncture Clinician, Assistant Professor, and Herbal Pharmacy Manager
Jennifer Noborikawa is a part-time faculty member and research assistant in the College of Eastern Medicine at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU). She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry from California State University, Fullerton and a Doctor of Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine from SCU. Dr. Noborikawa is currently a member of the American Public Health Association (APHA) and Academy for Integrative Health and Medicine. She works with many adult and pediatric patients and enjoys giving them resources to take back control of their health.
Eric Lung-Cheng Hsiao, Ph.D., L.Ac.
Acupuncture Clinician and Professor
Eric Lung-Cheng Hsiao earned his Ph.D. from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1999, where he majored in Internal Chinese Medicine. He is currently working as a professor at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU), and as a clinical supervisor at SCU Health since 2004. Dr. Hsiao uses an evidence-based approach to treat chronic internal and gynecological conditions in addition to chronic pain. He has been a co-investigator of clinical trials including Efficacy of Acupuncture for Hypertension and Usefulness of Acupuncture for Cancer Pain and Quality of Life. Dr. Hsiao has published papers and presented at many national and international conferences. His other interests are in managing mental illness, male infertility, and providing adjunct quality of life treatment for cancer patients.
Lawrence (Lung-Sheng) Hsiao, L.Ac., MCM, L.Ac., MCM
Acupuncture Clinician and Professor
Lawrence Hsiao has been a professor and clinical supervisor at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) College of Eastern Medicine since 2005. He received his Bachelor of Medicine degree from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and Master of Clinical Medicine (TCM) in Internal Medicine with an emphasis on diabetic complications, on full scholarships. He has written several research publications and presented at multiple professional conferences. Hsiao received the Faculty Scholarship Award in 2008, the Leadership Award in 2011, and the Most Collegial Award in 2012.
Clifford Lee, L.Ac.
Acupuncture Clinician and Adjunct Faculty
Clifford Lee earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion, with extensive coursework in Engineering, from Swarthmore College. After working for four years in a community-based organization in one of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, Lee earned a Master of Science in Education from the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania, after which he taught high school mathematics for five years. In 2006 he earned a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from South Baylo University. He received his California license to practice and his national certification in early 2007 and has been practicing in both Los Angeles and Orange counties ever since. Lee uses a combined approach of acupuncture and acupressure/tui-na, as well as herbology and nutritional counseling based on body type/constitution and pulse/abdominal diagnosis. His specialties include pediatrics, women’s health, geriatrics, pain and stress management, weight control, gastrointestinal health, sleep quality, and smoking/drug detoxification.
Lee volunteers at various community organizations, specifically at the local Korean Resource Center in Los Angeles (Koreatown), and at the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC), with a vested interest in healthcare issues. One of his life objectives is to increase public accessibility to high quality healthcare, including acupuncture and East Asian medicine, regardless of income or status.
Thomas Lee, D.C, L.Ac., MAOM
Acupuncture Clinician and Associate Clinical Professor
Thomas Lee has served as an associate clinical professor at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) College of Eastern Medicine since 2013. He received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1997. After working as a chiropractor for 10 years, he returned to SCU to continue his education in the area of traditional Chinese medicine, and in 2011 received his Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Dr. Lee currently works and manages several clinics outside the University Health Center, specializing in chronic and acute pain. He integrates his practice with western and eastern medicine to achieve the optimal outcome for his patients.
John Fang, L.Ac., DAOM
Acupuncture Clinician
John Fang earned his Master’s and Doctorate degrees from South Baylo University and has been practicing in Southern California since the year 2000. Dr. Fang has served as academic and clinical education dean and doctoral program director and faculty at several Eastern medicine institutes. Dr. Fang has been teaching herbal formula courses and focuses his clinical practice on healthy aging with Traditional Chinese Medicine including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and breathing exercises.
CoCo Chin, D.C., L.Ac., MAOM
Acupuncture Clinician
CoCo Chin is a state board-certified chiropractor and licensed acupuncturist. Dr. Chin’s clinical experience is focused on acute and chronic pain conditions, stress, insomnia, and women’s health. She is passionate in working with patients to develop an integrated treatment plan with emphasis on recovery and prevention while being considerate of their different lifestyle.
Dr. Chin earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacological Chemistry from University of California, San Diego and received her Doctor of Chiropractic and Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from SCU. She was the recipient of Dr. San Hong Hwang Technique award in Acupuncture in 2014.
SCU Health at Foothill Regional Medical Center Clinicians in Tustin:
Jennifer Noborikawa, DACM, L.Ac.
Acupuncture Clinician, Assistant Professor, and Herbal Pharmacy Manager
Jennifer Noborikawa is a part-time faculty member and research assistant in the College of Eastern Medicine at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU). She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry from California State University, Fullerton and a Doctor of Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine from SCU. Dr. Noborikawa is currently a member of the American Public Health Association (APHA) and Academy for Integrative Health and Medicine. She works with many adult and pediatric patients and enjoys giving them resources to take back control of their health.
Jennifer Noborikawa, DACM, L.Ac.
Acupuncture Clinician, Assistant Professor, and Herbal Pharmacy Manager
Jennifer Noborikawa is a part-time faculty member and research assistant in the College of Eastern Medicine at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU). She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry from California State University, Fullerton and a Doctor of Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine from SCU. Dr. Noborikawa is currently a member of the American Public Health Association (APHA) and Academy for Integrative Health and Medicine. She works with many adult and pediatric patients and enjoys giving them resources to take back control of their health.