Frequently Asked Questions

How skillful is an OMD doctor when he/ she can perform all kind of TCM procedures? Wouldn't someone specialized as an acupuncturist, chiropractor, massage therapist, or herbalist be more competent in each of these areas?

Generally, the Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (OMD) training and competency verification is in sharp contrast to the acupuncture and Oriental Medicine training of other healthcare professionals such as chiropractors or registered nurses or even medical doctors who typically receive 100-300 hours of abbreviated training. The OMD must complete 3-4 academic years of education at the master’s degree level in an Oriental Medicine Program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).

Trainings of Oriental Medicine include the practice of acupuncture, Chinese herbology and Asian bodywork therapy. An OMD is a practitioner who is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). The certification indicates to employers, patients, and peers that one has met national standards for the safe and competent practice of acupuncture and Chinese herbology as defined by the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) profession.

(Ref: NCCAOM.org)

What kind of treatments should I expect when I come to Audubon Acupuncture & Herbs?

You will join thousands of people who have experienced the bliss Peter Zhang able to provide with TCM therapies. You will get your first-time 15-30 minute evaluation to find the root cause of your distressed condition, treated with one or more TCM treatment methods as described on our site or other techniques applicable to you individually for most to all of your problems, and then herbal medicine to support your healing process if necessary.

You get to feel good right away from a one-stop visit to one clinic. We diagnose, treat, and provide medications all within your 30 min – 1 hour visit.

* Conditions of individuals are unique. Number of treatment sessions appropriate for each patient is subject to their individual circumstances.

I am accustomed to the conventional medical system but have never heard of Oriental Medicine or Traditional Chinese Medicine. What is it and how effective is it?

Many of us grow up with the medical system that is conventional to the culture and environment we are in. Here in the US, most people have either been seeing western medicine practitioners themselves or have friends and families who have. However, alternative and holistic approaches to health have become more and more popular in recent decades.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been practiced for more than 3,000 years and it was introduced to and influenced the traditional medicine practice in Japan, Korea, and other East Asian countries and as a whole it is called Oriental Medicine.

TCM was the main medical system used to treat all types of diseases before western culture was introduced to East Asia in the 19th Century. It is still the predominant medical treatment for a large part of the population in China and treats approximately 200 million patients annually in China.

TCM is now practiced in over 160 countries, and there are over 14,000 certified practitioners in the US.

Is acupuncture safe? I'm not sure if I like the idea of having someone putting needles on my body.

Acupuncture is safe when performed by an experienced and knowledgeable acupuncturist / OMD. Typically, there is a slight pinch felt at the time of insertion and it does not feel hurt as much as needles used for shots or IV’s. There are more medical malpractices and adverse drug side effects reported than problems associated with acupuncture treatments.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners, requiring that needles be manufactured and labeled according to certain standards. For example, the FDA requires that the needles be sterile, nontoxic, and labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published findings that acupuncture is more effective compare to drug treatments in many controlled cases.

Do I need a medical referral to get treatments from Audubon Acupuncture?

Although many of our patients come from word-of-mouth referrals from their doctors, friends and families, we take new patients on a daily basis and no formal medical referral is required. However, if you are currently seeing other health care providers, do not discontinue their appointments or any prescription medicines without approval of a qualified doctor.

I have seen many doctors and specialists but my condition is getting worse. How can TCM therapies help me?

We do not “control” symptoms, we identify the imbalance and look for the root cause of the problems and use TCM methods to stimulate and support body’s natural ability to heal. TCM therapies can be used to compliment conventional medical treatments by alleviating side effects from chemotherapy and drugs, manage pain, and speed up recovery process. TCM therapy also helps to restore the balance of vital energy so the symptoms may diminish over time.

How do I make the herbal decoction?

Step 1: Soak 1 bag of herbs in a (non-iron) pot with cold water for 30 minutes. The  water level should be 1in. higher than the herbs after soaking and pressing down.

Step 2: Boil the herbs with high heat, then change to medium heat. Total should be 15 – 30 minutes, then pour the liquid into an empty bowl or cup.

Step 3: Add cold water to the pot until it is 2in. higher than the herbs.
Repeat Step 2.

Drink 1 cup at a time, 2 or 3 times daily. Before or after meal.

What kind of payments do you accept?

We accept cash, pre-pay sessions, gift cards, visa, master card, discover, VA choice, no fault auto insurance & workmen’s comp.

Be Freed From Discomforts

Quickly & Safely

3316 Canal St (Mid City), New Orleans, Louisiana, 70119

Tue – Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

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Or Call — 504 522 8868

We answer inquires anytime during the day,
even outside of normal clinic hours.

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Audubon Acupuncture & Herbs

3316 Canal St. (Mid-City)

New Orleans, LA 70119

504-522-8828

Tue - Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Free parking available / handicap accessible