Phangnga Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic
General Questions
Should I make an appointment before visiting the clinic?
Answer We recommend making an appointment in advance, as the clinic allocates sufficient time for thorough assessment and treatment for each patient. Without a prior appointment, waiting times may be longer.
Why do we want you to have a clinical assessment?
Answer An in-clinic assessment allows the doctor to thoroughly evaluate the musculoskeletal system, overall physical condition, and clinical signs in order to identify the underlying causes and mechanisms of symptoms. This enables the most accurate diagnosis and treatment advice.
A consultation and assessment fee of 300 THB applies.
Such a comprehensive evaluation cannot be fully performed via phone calls or text messages, as there are limitations such as camera angles, lighting conditions, screen color differences, and image quality.
An in-person assessment allows the doctor to evaluate the following aspects:
-
Muscle and skeletal alignment tests to identify the source of the problem
-
Observation of skin tone and external signs, such as swelling, deformities, or discoloration
-
Assessment of posture, gait, movement patterns, and muscle usage
-
Observation of speech, breathing rhythm, voice tone, and other clinical signs
-
Pulse diagnosis, facial observation, and tongue inspection as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment
Can I receive an assessment and treatment on the same day?
Answer Yes. The doctor will first conduct a medical assessment and provide treatment recommendations. The consultation and assessment fee is 300 THB. If appropriate, treatment or procedures can be provided on the same day.
Is it necessary to bring a family member or caregiver?
Answer This depends on each individual’s condition. In general, after treatment you may feel tired, drowsy, or experience muscle soreness similar to after intense exercise, and most patients are able to return home on their own. However, if your symptoms are more severe or you have difficulty with mobility, it is recommended to bring a family member or caregiver in an appropriate number for convenience and safety.
Can appointments be rescheduled or canceled, and will arriving late affect the treatment?
Answer If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please inform the clinic as early as possible. We understand that emergencies may occur; however, we kindly ask that you respect the scheduled appointment times for the doctor and other patients.
If you arrive late, the clinic will do its best to accommodate you. However, you may be required to wait until patients with on-time appointments have been treated, as appointments are scheduled consecutively. This is to avoid impacting other patients. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Payment & Fees
What payment methods are accepted?
Answer The clinic accepts payment by cash (Thai Baht only), credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), bank transfer, QR PromptPay, and Alipay.
Do you offer any promotions or special discounts?
Answer We apologize, but the clinic does not offer promotions or special discounts. Treatment fees are based on individual assessment and treatment for each visit, so there is no need to wait for promotional periods.
How are treatment fees calculated? Are they charged per session or as a package?
Answer The clinic charges treatment fees on a per-session basis only and does not offer treatment packages or courses. This is because each visit involves a new assessment, and the treatment approach may differ depending on the patient’s current condition. As a result, the treatment methods and fees may vary from session to session.
Can treatment expenses be claimed through insurance?
Answer We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly, as coverage terms vary depending on each policy. Patients are required to pay the treatment fees to the clinic first. The clinic can provide a medical certificate and an official receipt for use in submitting an insurance claim.
Can Social Security be used?
Answer We apologize, but Social Security benefits cannot be used at the clinic.
Treatment Questions
How should I prepare before treatment?
Answer
-
It is recommended to eat a light meal approximately 1–2 hours before acupuncture. Receiving acupuncture while feeling weak, very hungry, or overly full may increase the risk of dizziness or acupuncture fainting.
-
Try to stay relaxed and ensure adequate rest and sleep the night before your treatment.
-
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing (the clinic provides clothing for changing if needed).
-
Please inform the doctor of all symptoms you are experiencing, not only the main complaint. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body is viewed as an integrated whole, and complete information helps ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Are there any contraindications or precautions for treatment?
Answer
Precautions
(Acupuncture, cupping, and Chinese herbal medicine may be provided, but with certain limitations depending on the doctor’s assessment.)
-
Feeling extremely fatigued, hungry, or overly full at the time of treatment
-
Patients with heart disease, anxiety disorders, severe needle phobia, or difficulty controlling themselves should inform the doctor in advance and are advised to have a family member or caregiver present during treatment
-
Patients with a pacemaker must inform the doctor before every acupuncture session
-
Pregnant women
-
Patients with cancer
Contraindications
(Acupuncture and cupping are strictly contraindicated. Chinese herbal medicine may be considered in some cases under the doctor’s discretion.)
-
Open or infected wounds in the treatment area
-
Vascular diseases or conditions involving abnormal blood clotting
-
Patients who have used the following medications within the past 14 days:
-
Anticoagulants
-
Thrombolytic agents (rtPA)
-
Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) such as Fraxiparin and Clexane
-
Pradaxa (Dabigatran)
-
Xarelto (Rivaroxaban)
-
Eliquis (Apixaban)
-
Lixiana (Edoxaban)
-
Orfarin (Warfarin)
-
Heparin
-
How long does each treatment session take?
Answer The duration of each treatment session depends on the individual’s condition and the treatment methods used. In general, each session takes approximately 45–90 minutes.
Can treatment be combined with conventional (Western) medical care?
Answer Yes. Treatment can be safely combined with conventional medical care. If you have any medical test results, such as blood tests, X-ray images, MRI scans, or other medical documents, please bring them with you to the clinic so the doctor can review them as part of a careful and comprehensive treatment plan.
Can medical test results from abroad be used?
Answer Medical test results from abroad can be used as part of the assessment, and the clinic is happy to review them. However, there may be certain limitations, such as differences in testing criteria, methods, or measurement units between countries. The doctor will interpret the results on a case-by-case basis.
Can multiple conditions be treated in the same visit?
Answer Yes, multiple conditions can be treated during the same visit. Patients are encouraged to inform the doctor of all symptoms they are experiencing. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body is viewed as an integrated whole, and providing complete information allows for more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Regarding procedures such as acupuncture, if multiple conditions can be treated simultaneously, they may be addressed in one session. However, if the conditions require significantly different treatment positions—for example, shoulder blade pain requiring a prone position and knee pain requiring a supine position—acupuncture may need to be performed in 2 separate rounds within the same visit. In such cases, fees will be charged according to the number of treatment rounds performed. This is subject to the doctor’s assessment and clinical judgment.
Are the treatment results permanent, or is ongoing treatment required? Will symptoms return if treatment is stopped?
Answer
Treatment outcomes depend on the individual’s condition, physical status, and self-care habits. When patients are able to adjust their lifestyle and take proper care of their body, the results tend to be long-lasting. However, if factors that cause physical strain or repeated misuse of the body remain, the results may not be permanent.
For example:
-
In cases of mild muscle discomfort with good muscle condition and consistent self-care, a single treatment session may be sufficient.
-
If pain is caused by repetitive movements or prolonged use of improper posture that continues unchanged, treatment can help relieve symptoms temporarily, but they may recur.
-
For internal medicine–related conditions such as sleep disturbances or digestive issues, outcomes similarly depend on daily habits. With disciplined self-care, symptoms often improve sustainably; without it, symptoms may return.
Can treatment be provided if I have had surgery and currently have metal implants or medical devices?
Answer Treatment can be provided; however, certain limitations may apply depending on the type and location of the surgery or implanted medical devices. Please inform the doctor of your surgical history and any metal implants or medical devices before every treatment session so that an appropriate and safe treatment plan can be arranged.
Can treatment be provided during menstruation?
Answer Women, who are menstruating, can receive acupuncture and cupping treatment. The doctor will select appropriate treatment points on an individual basis. Some patients may experience slightly increased sensitivity during needle insertion compared to usual.
-
If you do not experience significant fatigue, dizziness, or lightheadedness, treatment can be performed as usual.
-
Ifyou feel excessively weak on that day, postponing the appointment is recommended for safety.
Please note that acupuncture stimulates blood circulation and may cause menstrual flow to be slightly heavier on certain days. However, the total amount of menstrual blood over the entire cycle remains the same, and the duration of the period may be slightly shorter (for example, from 5 days to 4 days).
Can pregnant women receive treatment?
Answer Pregnant women may receive treatment depending on the condition being treated and the stage of pregnancy. Treatments aimed at supporting pregnancy or relieving morning sickness can generally be provided when appropriate.
For musculoskeletal pain or other conditions, the doctor will assess the specific symptoms and affected areas on a case-by-case basis. Treatment methods and acupuncture points will be carefully selected to ensure safety for both the mother and the baby.
Services & Facilities
What languages are spoken at the clinic?
Answer The clinic can communicate in Thai, English, and Chinese. For other languages, translation tools are used to assist communication.
Do you provide a wheelchair at the clinic?
Answer We apologize, but the clinic does not provide wheelchairs. We only have a four-legged walker available for temporary use.
If you require a wheelchair, please bring your own. For patients with mobility limitations, it is recommended to come with a family member or caregiver for convenience and safety.
Do you offer off-site or home visit services?
Answer We apologize, but the clinic does not provide off-site or home visit services. If you wish to consult with our doctor or receive treatment, please visit the clinic in person.
Do you provide patient transportation services?
Answer We apologize, but the clinic does not provide transportation services. Patients are required to travel to the clinic on their own.
Chinese Herbal
Are the clinic’s Chinese herbal medicines bitter or difficult to take?
Answer Most of the clinic’s Chinese herbal medicines are provided in ready-made forms, such as capsules and powdered formulas for mixing with water.
The formulas are adjusted to be easy to take, require no boiling and are not bitter. They contain no added chemical active substances.
What forms of Chinese herbal medicine are available at the clinic?
Answer
The clinic provides Chinese herbal medicine in 2 main forms:
1. Capsule form
Advantages: Easy to take, tasteless, affordable (starting from approximately 480 THB), and dosage can be adjusted conveniently.
Limitations: As the herbs are natural and not extracted, the number of capsules required per day is relatively high (generally around 6 capsules per day per formula). For those who have difficulty swallowing capsules, they can be opened and mixed with warm water, or taken in smaller divided doses.
2. Powder form (to be mixed with water)
Advantages: Mild taste and aroma, easy to take, smaller daily dosage, and flexible dosage adjustment.
Limitations: Higher cost compared to capsules (starting from approximately 900 THB).
Is Chinese herbal medicine safe? Does it contain steroids?
Answer The clinic’s Chinese herbal medicines are safe and prescribed exclusively by licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners in accordance with legal regulations. The clinic is a legally registered medical facility with a clearly established location.
In some cases, mild side effects such as skin rashes or itching may occur, particularly with formulas containing animal-derived ingredients. If any adverse reaction occurs, patients should stop the medication and inform the doctor immediately.
Possible side effects are normally explained to patients at the time of prescription.
All herbal medicines provided by the clinic do not contain synthetic steroids. The use of synthetic steroids would be subject to legal penalties, and any violation can be reported and prosecuted.
Please note that natural steroid-like substances may be present in nature and are commonly found in humans, plants, and other living organisms. These substances have chemical structures that are fundamentally different from synthetic steroids.
Can Chinese herbal medicine be taken together with Western medicine, Thai traditional medicine, or other herbal supplements?
Answer It is important to inform the doctor of all medications and supplements you are currently taking in order to avoid duplication or potential interactions.
-
Western (conventional) medicine: Can be taken together with Chinese herbal medicine. It is recommended to separate the intake by at least one hour, with priority given to the dosing schedule of Western medicine.
-
Thai traditional medicine or other herbal supplements: These can also be taken together. However, some herbs used in Thai and Chinese medicine may have overlapping or similar effects. Therefore, patients should inform the doctor so the Chinese herbal prescription can be adjusted appropriately and safely.
Can children or elderly patients take Chinese herbal medicine?
Answer Children and elderly patients can take Chinese herbal medicine. The doctor will assess each individual’s condition and prescribe appropriate formulas and dosages based on age, physical condition, and overall health to ensure safety and effective treatment.
Do you sell fresh or dried Chinese herbs?
Answer We apologize, but the clinic does not sell fresh or dried Chinese herbs. We recommend contacting a Chinese herbal pharmacy directly for purchasing these types of herbs.
Do you prepare Chinese herbal formulas based on external prescriptions?
Answer We apologize, but the clinic does not prepare Chinese herbal formulas based on external prescriptions. We recommend contacting a Chinese herbal pharmacy directly for this service.
Acupuncture
Does acupuncture really work, and how does it work?
Answer You can learn more about how acupuncture works and review examples of conditions recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the following article:
What are acupuncture needles like? Is it painful, and what does it feel like?
Answer Acupuncture needles are solid, sterile, single-use (disposable) needles. The size and length of the needles are selected according to the treatment points and the individual patient’s condition. All used needles are properly disposed of after use and are never reused.
Acupuncture is generally not painful like an injection, as acupuncture needles are solid and much thinner than hypodermic needles.
You may feel a brief, mild sensation as the needle passes through the skin. Once the needle reaches the acupuncture point, sensations such as heaviness, numbness, tightness, or a mild electric-like feeling may occur. These sensations are normal and are similar to the feeling experienced when pressure is applied to a massage point.
Is acupuncture safe? Are there any risks?
Answer Acupuncture is considered a safe treatment when performed correctly according to professional standards and by a licensed doctor or licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. When properly administered, it does not cause serious harm or severe side effects.
Possible side effects are generally mild and usually resolve on their own within approximately 72 hours. These may include:
-
Mild fever or muscle soreness, which can be managed with standard pain relievers or fever-reducing medication
-
Mild swelling or bruising at the needle sites; cold compresses are recommended during the first 24 hours, followed by warm compresses if needed
However, serious complications such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung), bent or broken needles, or miscarriage can occur if acupuncture is performed without proper knowledge, skill, or caution. Therefore, it is essential to receive acupuncture treatment from a properly licensed and qualified practitioner.
How long is treatment required, and how often should sessions be scheduled?
Answer
The duration and frequency of treatment depend on the individual’s condition, physical status, and self-care habits. When patients are able to adjust their lifestyle and take proper care of their body, treatment results tend to last longer. However, if factors that cause ongoing physical strain or repeated misuse remain, the results may not be sustainable.
For general musculoskeletal pain, an initial course of approximately 3–5 sessions is usually recommended to assess treatment response and the duration of symptom improvement.
During the early phase, acupuncture is commonly performed about 1–2 times per week, depending on the condition and the patient’s overall health. As symptoms improve, the interval between sessions can gradually be extended based on individual response.
How should I take care of myself after treatment? Is recovery time needed?
Answer After treatment, most patients can resume their normal daily activities, and recovery time is generally not required. However, some individuals may experience muscle soreness or mild fever for about 2–3 days, especially after Dry Needling.
Post-treatment recommendations
-
Get adequate rest for at least one day and avoid heavy physical work or intense exercise
-
Avoid bathing for approximately 2 hours after acupuncture or cupping
-
If the following symptoms occur, they usually resolve on their own within about 72 hours. If needed, supportive care includes:
-
Mild fever or muscle soreness: standard pain relievers or fever-reducing medication may be taken
-
Swelling or bruising: apply a cold compress during the first 24 hours, then switch to a warm compress thereafter
-
Cupping Therapy
What does cupping feel like? Is it painful?
Answer Cupping is generally not painful. Most people feel a pulling, tight, or heavy sensation on the skin where the cups are applied, which is a normal response during treatment.
However, with moving cupping (oil cupping), if there is significant fascia tightness or tissue restriction in the treated area, it may feel quite painful during the first session. The discomfort usually decreases as the tissue becomes more relaxed with subsequent treatments.
How long do cupping marks take to fade?
Answer Cupping marks gradually fade and disappear on their own, usually within approximately 5–10 days. The duration depends on the individual’s blood circulation and healing response.
Can I be exposed to sunlight after cupping therapy?
Answer After cupping therapy, the treated skin becomes more sensitive and vulnerable than usual. It is recommended to avoid direct sunlight and wait approximately 24–48 hours before sun exposure or engaging in activities involving strong sunlight, to prevent skin irritation and support proper recovery.
Facial Gua Sha
What is facial Gua Sha?
Answer Facial Gua Sha is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that uses a smooth Gua Sha tool to stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic flow in the facial area. It helps reduce facial puffiness, relieve muscle tension, promote muscular balance, enhance facial firmness, and support a naturally healthy and radiant complexion.
Who is facial Gua Sha suitable for?
Answer Facial Gua Sha is generally suitable for individuals who wish to support and restore facial health and appearance through a natural, non-chemical approach.
It is also beneficial for those who experience facial puffiness, tension in the facial or jaw muscles, as well as individuals who use their facial muscles extensively in daily life, such as those who need to smile or express facial movements throughout the day.
Is facial Gua Sha painful or does it cause bruising?
Answer Facial Gua Sha is performed using gentle pressure and is generally not painful, nor should it cause bruising. However, you may experience mild tightness, a heavy sensation, or slight redness in certain areas—particularly where facial muscles are very tense or circulation is reduced. These effects are temporary and usually resolve on their own within a short period of time.
Can facial Gua Sha be performed after Botox, fillers, or other injectable treatments?
Answer It is recommended to wait at least 1 month after receiving injectable treatments. Please inform the doctor every time about any injections and the treated areas, so those areas can be avoided.
Facial Gua Sha stimulates blood circulation, which may cause injected substances to break down more quickly and shorten the duration of their effects.
How many sessions are needed to see results?
Answer Most individuals can notice improvements in facial puffiness and muscle tightness from the first session. More noticeable changes in facial structure and muscle balance typically develop with ongoing sessions. The number of treatments required varies depending on muscle condition, daily self-care habits, and individual expectations.
How should I take care of myself after facial Gua Sha?
Answer To support proper recovery of the body and facial skin after facial Gua Sha, the following is recommended:
-
Drink at least approximately 2 liters of water per day to support circulation and detoxification
-
Get sufficient rest, ideally 7–8 hours of sleep
-
Avoid strong wind exposure and direct sunlight shortly after treatment
-
Avoid heavy makeup or aggressive facial treatments on the first day
Who should not receive facial Gua Sha?
Answer Facial Gua Sha is not recommended for individuals with open wounds, inflamed or infected skin, severe inflammatory acne, bleeding disorders, or those undergoing certain medical treatments. Individuals with other medical conditions, as determined by the doctor’s assessment, should also consult the doctor before receiving treatment to ensure safety.
Do you offer Gua Sha for the body?
Answer We apologize, but the clinic does not offer Gua Sha treatment for the body.