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Mr. Michael andrew Chow, MAOM, LAC

Acupuncturist

Dr. Michael andrew Chow MAOM, LAC is a top Acupuncturist in Lake Elsinore, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Michael andrew Chow MAOM, LAC is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Michael andrew Chow MAOM, LAC is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Michael andrew Chow MAOM, LAC is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Lake Elsinore, CA, Dr. Michael andrew Chow MAOM, LAC is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
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Mr. Michael andrew Chow, MAOM, LAC
  • Lake Elsinore, CA
  • Accepting new patients

Can acupuncture heal nerves?

Acupuncture is about facilitating and nourishing the blood, nerves and energy (qi). I have had patients with all kinds of nerve damage from impingement to phantom nerve pains have READ MORE
Acupuncture is about facilitating and nourishing the blood, nerves and energy (qi). I have had patients with all kinds of nerve damage from impingement to phantom nerve pains have good results from treatments with acupuncture. It still depends on what exactly the condition is. How long have you had it? Then, the practitioner will be able to determine what exactly can help and how long it may take to treat.

Live Happy,

Michael

How many acupuncture sessions do you need for headaches?

Acupuncture sessions in general may take at least 5 visits to see significant improvement(s) and most likely double for chronic conditions. Depending on what headaches you are READ MORE
Acupuncture sessions in general may take at least 5 visits to see significant improvement(s) and most likely double for chronic conditions. Depending on what headaches you are presenting and what they may be due to, your response to acupuncture may need as little as one visit per month first to twice a week. The practitioner you see can give you a much narrower and better prognosis once you have been seen.

Live happy,

Michael

How many sessions of acupuncture do I need?

Acupuncture treatments may take time to build in effectiveness. Usually, treatments can start off every other day to once every other week.

What are the side effects of acupuncture?

Side effects to acupuncture include, but not limited to, improved sleep habits, easier response to stress in life, improved quality of life and better health even in terms of menstrual READ MORE
Side effects to acupuncture include, but not limited to, improved sleep habits, easier response to stress in life, improved quality of life and better health even in terms of menstrual cycle with accompanying symptoms like headaches or abdominal cramping. Negative effects will depend on whether or not the nerve was hit by the needle or the skin grabs onto the needle which will result in tenderness and sharp pains, like a flu shot. The important thing is to make sure you have chosen a good practitioner even if the $$$ is a little higher than the cheapest one and remember to relax. Being tense often makes it more difficult to penetrate the skin and will usually cause the pain.

Live happy,

Michael

Is it normal to feel dizzy after acupuncture?

With acupuncture, we try to warn the patient to have had some sustenance prior to treatment. In school, there have been some instances where the patient skipped breakfast or missed READ MORE
With acupuncture, we try to warn the patient to have had some sustenance prior to treatment. In school, there have been some instances where the patient skipped breakfast or missed a meal and received treatment, but during treatment passed out and the professor would need to be called to wake the patient up. This was explained as the patient losing the qi to the acupuncture treatment, acupuncture has a strong affect on one's qi, life force, and can easily influence, so if someone was weak, there wouldn't be enough qi to keep the patient coherent. The dizziness may be the lightest presentation of qi influence, either the treatment was too strong or the patient was just strong enough to just get dizzy and not pass out. Warn the practitioner about your dizziness, and also if it's in relation to a menstrual cycle/pregnancy; treatments are to be lighter during those times.

Live happy,

Michael

What are the negative side effects of acupuncture?

Negative side effects of acupuncture are usually in relation to the practitioner; he/she may accidentally stimulate the points too strongly or not enough to which the patient will READ MORE
Negative side effects of acupuncture are usually in relation to the practitioner; he/she may accidentally stimulate the points too strongly or not enough to which the patient will most likely wince in pain. Or the practitioner may have misdiagnosed what could be the cause of the migraine headaches and focus on a different treatment method that may aggravate the condition or just make other symptoms except the headache better. Acupuncture has many side effects, usually they are beneficial and improve the associated symptoms of the patient's chief complaint.

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Michael

Can acupuncture ease the pain of a broken heart?

Broken heart syndrome is a real diagnosis and physical affliction recently discovered. We do use acupuncture to help with stress & anxiety. In Chinese medicine, we also associate READ MORE
Broken heart syndrome is a real diagnosis and physical affliction recently discovered. We do use acupuncture to help with stress & anxiety. In Chinese medicine, we also associate emotions with symptoms and are able to harmonize the mind, body and spirit of someone, so-to-say. I firmly believe a knowledgeable acupuncturist can help with the broken
heart.

Live happy,

Michael

Where are acupuncture needles placed for migraines?

I have had success using acupuncture & TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) to treat migraines and headaches. Usually with acupuncture, you will notice dependency on medication will READ MORE
I have had success using acupuncture & TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) to treat migraines and headaches. Usually with acupuncture, you will notice dependency on medication will lessen. Of course, it does depend on the cause of the headache/migraine. Sometimes it can be blood pressure related or menstrual cycle related, etc. That will determine which points will be best to have the most effective treatment, usually around the feet to help drain the energy down. If you are on prescribed meds, please ask your primary care physician to take into account your willingness to try acupuncture to help reduce the meds and don’t "cold turkey" it.

Live happy,

Michael

Does acupressure for weight loss work?

Acupressure for weight loss is best with ear seeds. We put herbal seeds on ear points with medical tape so they can stimulate hormones, digestion, and even regulate hunger. Acupuncture READ MORE
Acupressure for weight loss is best with ear seeds. We put herbal seeds on ear points with medical tape so they can stimulate hormones, digestion, and even regulate hunger. Acupuncture on the body would be recommended for weight loss. But for effective, long-standing weight loss it is recommended for lifestyle change with balancing diet and exercise.

Live happy,

Michael

When should you get acupuncture for fertility?

I would recommend acupuncture as soon as possible to help regulate the menstrual cycle. During ovulation we try not to do acupuncture and let the body function naturally while READ MORE
I would recommend acupuncture as soon as possible to help regulate the menstrual cycle. During ovulation we try not to do acupuncture and let the body function naturally while addressing necessary focus to keep it balanced.

Live happy,

Michael

How does acupuncture relieve pain?

The acupuncturist should examine your injury and conclude as to what may be the cause of the pain. The pain may have certain muscle groups involved or may even be a bone issue. READ MORE
The acupuncturist should examine your injury and conclude as to what may be the cause of the pain. The pain may have certain muscle groups involved or may even be a bone issue. An acupuncturist cannot replace an MD's exam/diagnosis especially without imaging technology so please have seen your primary care beforehand. Pain relief will be the result of the acupuncturist achieving energetic balance and harmony.

Do you need a diagnosis to get acupuncture?

Mainstream medical diagnoses help us know what's going on; but in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we have our own way to connect symptoms and reach a TCM diagnosis. The diagnostic READ MORE
Mainstream medical diagnoses help us know what's going on; but in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we have our own way to connect symptoms and reach a TCM diagnosis. The diagnostic codes in the medical system are even starting to include some TCM diagnoses. If the mainstream medical doctors can't diagnose you with a particular diagnosis we can still diagnose you with alternative medicine and treat you based on that.

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Michael

I take blood thinners regularly. Is acupuncture dangerous for me?

You should definitely be careful if you're on blood thinners and your doctor is advising against it. Acupuncture usually doesn't bleed, but there are occasional times or spots READ MORE
You should definitely be careful if you're on blood thinners and your doctor is advising against it. Acupuncture usually doesn't bleed, but there are occasional times or spots where the needle can prick a vein and a drop of blood come out, or in instances where the patient is on blood thinners each acupuncture point may be susceptible to bleeding.

Is an achy feeling normal in acupuncture?

Occasionally, one may experience an ache best described as deep, pulling and dull. We often refer to this feeling as "de qi," meaning the qi, life force, is flowing to that area READ MORE
Occasionally, one may experience an ache best described as deep, pulling and dull. We often refer to this feeling as "de qi," meaning the qi, life force, is flowing to that area and 'pooling' into the acupuncture point. As a practitioner, it's what we try to achieve in order to get the best, effective treatment, but will not always happen. If you're feeling a more intense, sharp or burning pain, it may indicate that the needle insertion is too close to a nerve and you should ask the practitioner to adjust the positioning of the needle. If there is still no relief, he should remove it. If any emergent situations arise, please seek Emergency Medical Services (EMS) [911].

Live happy,

Michael

Can acupuncture help in treating my enlarged uterus?

We use acupuncture to harmonize the flow of life energy, which in turn will help regulate and harmonize the body itself. Acupuncture can definitely help with an enlarged uterus READ MORE
We use acupuncture to harmonize the flow of life energy, which in turn will help regulate and harmonize the body itself. Acupuncture can definitely help with an enlarged uterus whether it's due to inflammation or another cause. But definitely follow mainstream's medical advice as well.

Live happy,

Michael

Can acupunture decrease my body weight?

Acupuncture can help stimulate your body's metabolism and harmonize the hormones affecting weight. Of course it cannot replace lifestyle change, which is the biggest impact on READ MORE
Acupuncture can help stimulate your body's metabolism and harmonize the hormones affecting weight. Of course it cannot replace lifestyle change, which is the biggest impact on the body.

Does acupuncture require other medicines to be effective?

Acupuncture is effective with needle manipulation alone, or even acupressure on the acupuncture points. Some diseases respond much better to or in conjunction with other methods READ MORE
Acupuncture is effective with needle manipulation alone, or even acupressure on the acupuncture points. Some diseases respond much better to or in conjunction with other methods of treatment like herbal supplementation. If the medicinal support you are referring to is mainstream medicine's prescription medicine, then by all means definitely follow your primary care's advice and ask to support it with alternative medicine so that you can be weened from prescription medicines safely.

Live happy,

Michael

Does having acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture is great for stress and headache relief! One can definitely be more sensitive and feel the needles 'prick' especially in areas where the nerves gather like closer to READ MORE
Acupuncture is great for stress and headache relief! One can definitely be more sensitive and feel the needles 'prick' especially in areas where the nerves gather like closer to the finger tips or toes vs. the elbow or shoulder/ankle or knees. Theoretically, when someone catches a cold, they are more sensitive to the needle insertion as well whereas if someone is deficient their body will welcome the needle insertions like a body massage. The needles are ultra-thin, filiform & usually stainless steel needles that more like push the skin cells aside during insertion. If the patient is super tense it is much more difficult for the needle to insert and will definitely be felt or if the needle hits a nerve. Usually, an experienced practitioner can make it easier and patients will be thankful. Other times, practitioners live by "no pain no gain."

Live happy,

Michael

Can acupuncture help in relieving my mother's depression?

Depression can be due to many factors, some constant reminders in one's life. Acupuncture can help the individual deal with the depression easier, but it may not get rid of it READ MORE
Depression can be due to many factors, some constant reminders in one's life. Acupuncture can help the individual deal with the depression easier, but it may not get rid of it unless the individual can get away from the cause. I have had patients notice that the acupuncture will help them deal with their moods much easier, and that's definitely a first step.

Live happy,

Michael

Can acupuncture help with nausea?

Acupuncture is well known for treating pain and anxiety/stress/insomnia. It has been known some Chinese medicine schools focus solely on treating digestion to harmonize the self READ MORE
Acupuncture is well known for treating pain and anxiety/stress/insomnia. It has been known some Chinese medicine schools focus solely on treating digestion to harmonize the self again. I have had success with patients who tried everything, especially prescription medications that either did nothing or worsened their condition, involving nausea as their main
condition. Heavily depending on the conditions and symptoms your mother presents, I believe acupuncture alone can help resolve this issue, but if not, herbal supplements are another powerful method of Traditional Chinese Medicine that will either work synergistically with acupuncture or alone.

Live happy,

Michael