The theory and practice of acupuncture is based on Asian medicine (also known as traditional Chinese or Oriental medicine), a comprehensive natural health care system that has been used in Asian countries for thousands of years to preserve health and diagnose, treat, and prevent illness.
Acupuncture treats health conditions by stimulating “acu-points” found at specific locations on the surface of the body. Acupuncturists stimulate the acu-points by inserting very thin needles through the skin to produce physiological effects. Other methods are also used to stimulate acu-points, such as heat or finger pressure.
The general theory of acupuncture is that proper physiological function and health depend on the circulation of nutrients, substances, and energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”) through a network of “channels” or “meridians.” This network connects every organ and part of the body, providing balance, regulation, and coordination of physiological processes.
Pain and ill health result when the flow of Qi through the body is disrupted or blocked. This can be caused by many things, including disease, pathogens, trauma/ injuries, and medication (side effects), as well as lifestyle factors such as overwork, poor diet, emotions, lack of rest, and stress.
Stimulation of the appropriate acu-points through acupuncture treatments helps to restore sufficient, continuous, and even flow of Qi and other nutrients throughout the body, restoring health and balance to the body while relieving pain and other symptoms.
The acupuncturist uses a sophisticated uses a sophisticated and complex system of diagnostic methods that take into consideration the person as a whole, discerning the body’s pattern of disharmony rather than isolated symptoms.

The aim is not only to eliminate or alleviate symptoms, but more importantly to treat the underlying cause, increase the ability to function, and improve the quality of life.

Acupuncture and Asian medicine is one of the newest primary health care professions in California. The potential benefits of acupuncture are widely recognized, and it is steadily being integrated with mainstream health care. More than 15 million Americans have tried acupuncture and Asian medicine since it was introduced in the United States in the 1970s. The risk of side effects from acupuncture is low and the potential benefits are high. Knowing what to expect from acupuncture will help patients get the most benefit from their treatments. 

In November 1997, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) convened a panel of 12 distinguished physicians and scientists to review the history, licensing, practice, and current status of clinical research on the effective-ness of acupuncture.

“There is sufficient evidence of acupuncture’s value to expand its use into conventional medicine …”

The first formal endorsement of acupuncture by NIH stated, “There is sufficient evidence of acupuncture’s value to expand its use into conventional medicine and to encourage further studies of its physiology and clinical value.”

The panel found clear evidence that needle acupuncture is effective for relief of post-operative chemotherapy, pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, and post­ operative dental pain. Other benefits from acupuncture which are still under consideration include relief of post-operative pain, addiction, stroke rehabilitation, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, headache, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, menstrual cramps, and asthma. The panel noted that the World Health Organization identified more than 40 conditions for which acupuncture may be helpful. The panel found that one of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same condition.

The State of California began licensing acupuncturists in 1976, and in 1979 was the first state in the nation to recognize qualified practitioners as primary health care professionals. To qualify for licensing in California, individuals must meet specified educational requirements and pass a comprehensive State licensing examination. Once licensed, acupuncturists are required to renew their license every two years and complete continuing education as a condition of renewal. Licensed acupuncturists are required to post their license in a conspicuous location in their place of business.

Treatment Procedures Modern acupuncture needles are stainless steel, and are between one-half and three inches long, ultra-fine, and quite flexible.
They are pre-sterilized, non-toxic, and disposable (single-use). When the needles are tapped into the skin, there may not be any sensation. Much depends on the location (hands and feet tend to be more sensitive), the condition being treated, and the acupuncturist’s technique. Needles are typically placed in several acu-points and are usually left in about 20 to 40 minutes.
The goal is to normalize the circulation of Qi and blood by stimulating the energy point, which encourages the body’s natural healing process. Stimulation can be done by rotating the needles manually or attaching electrodes to send a weak electric current through the needles (electroacupuncture).
The number of treatments needed depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your health condition.
Two or three treatments may be sufficient for an acute condition, while a series of five to 15 treatments may be needed to resolve chronic conditions. Some degenerative conditions may require ongoing treatments over a long period of time.
Other techniques may include moxibustion (burning herbs to heat acu-points), cupping (suction), auricular therapy (ear acupuncture), tui na (Asian massage), and acupressure.
Patients should evaluate their progress after each session. Some relief should be apparent in two or three sessions, or six to eight sessions for more pervasive conditions. If you see encouraging signs, stick with it. Ask your practitioner questions about your treatment and improvement. If your response to treatment is not satisfactory, the practitioner may consider further diagnostic exams, modify the treatment plan, or refer to an appropriate practitioner, if necessary.

• Qi is the internal energy which circulates through the body along central pathways known as meridians.
• The obstruction or deficiency of Qi will eventually lead to pain and illness. Acupuncture stimulates the points along the meridians to adjust and balance the flow of Qi and restore health.

• Traditional Asian (Chinese) herb is a comprehensive natural health care system that has been used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses for thousands of years in China and Asian countries. The first book of Traditional Asian (Chinese) herb, the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic, was printed during China’s warring states period(403 B.C.-221B.C.).
• Traditional Asian (Chinese) herb is based on concept of vital energy or Qi that flows throughout the body. It regulates a person’s spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance and is influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang. Pain and ill-health result when the things, including disease, pathogens, trauma/injuries and medication, as well as lifestyle factors such overwork, lack of rest, poor diet, emotions, and stress.
• Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance the function and promote relaxation and well-being. The word comes from the French massage “friction of kneading”, or from Arabic massa meaning “to touch, feel or handle”
• Massage involves acting on and manipulating the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving -, tension, motion, or vibration, done manually . Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, or other connective tissues. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, and elbows. There are over eighty different recognized massage modalities. The most cited reasons for introducing massage as therapy have been clinical effectiveness.

Generally, Dr. Bon Cho has appointments available within 1 week. You can see Dr. Cho’s earliest availability make an appointment by phone(310-268-0268).

Dr. Bon H. Cho accepts new patients. You can make an appointment by phone.

310) 268-0268

In-network insurances

Dr. Bon Cho’s office is located at 12304 Santa Monica Blvd, West Los Angeles, CA 90025.

Dr. Bon Cho speaks English and Korean.