Frequently Asked Questions

A 500-800 calorie per day diet does not provide enough nutrients (vitamins & minerals) to your body. The fat stores that are being burned will render energy but not nutrients. Supplements are necessary to prevent symptoms of malnutrition. 

The program and diet must be followed without any deviations or muscle loss can occur. With proper supervision, fat will be burned and lean muscle protected. Regular medical Monitoring is essential to your success.

No. All prescribed medications should be continued. Vitamins A, E, and Omega 3 fatty acids are not taken during the first 2 phases of the program. 

Former patients report a change in their appetite. The plan allows for an ideal transition into a healthy relationship with food and maintaining your weight. You should not regain weight as long as you do not return to previous unhealthy habits. With the hypothalamus reset you should not feel the need to overeat.

Yes.  The nutritional supplements and fat mobilizer are natural substances present in both men and women. In fact, men tend to lose more weight than women when on the protocol. 

Yes. These diseases are why you have Metabolic Syndrome and this protocol is safe and effective in decreasing your weight and body fat percentage. The program will improve your health and in some cases resolve the health problems listed above

Here’s why our Program is the RIGHT program for YOU!

• You get one-on-one counseling with our doctor and nurse practitioner.
• We walk you step-by-step through the program and provide support along the way.
• We will give you all the tools you need to be successful. Even after you reach your goal weight, we are here for you to help you maintain your success.
• You are provided with high quality supplements to ensure you are getting the proper nutrition your body needs.
• Supervision is critical because it allows us to track patients’ progress and keep an eye on underlying medical conditions and address any problems they may have so we can correct them early.
• We will work with your medical doctor regarding those health concerns.
• Our entire staff is very knowledgeable about our weight loss program and most are participants themselves.
• Dr. Hoch can be reached via e-mail, text, and cell phone 24/7 should you have any questions or concerns.

The most common ailments presented to acupuncturists in the U.S. are pain-related conditions. However, as the public becomes more educated about acupuncture and Oriental medicine, people are seeking help for a number of other conditions, with good results. These include:

• Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders: Sinusitis, sore throat, hay fever, earache, nerve deafness, ringing in the ears, dizziness, poor eyesight
• Circulatory Disorders: High blood pressure, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis, anemia
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), spastic colon, colitis, constipation, diarrhea, food allergies, ulcers, gastritis, abdominal bloating, hemorrhoids
• Gynecological and Genitourinary Disorders: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS); irregular, heavy or painful menstruation; endometriosis; menopause; fibroids; chronic bladder infection; complications in pregnancy; morning sickness; kidney stones; impotence; infertility (men and women); sexual dysfunction
• Immune Disorders: Candida, chronic fatigue, HIV and AIDS, Epstein Barr virus, allergies, lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), hepatitis
• Addictions: Smoking, drugs, alcohol, food
• Emotional and Psychological Disorders: Anxiety, insomnia, depression, stress
• Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders: Arthritis, neuralgia, sciatica, back pain, bursitis, tendonitis, stiff neck, Bell’s palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, headaches and migraines, stroke, cerebral palsy, polio, sprains, muscle spasms, shingles
• Respiratory Disorders: Asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, colds and flu

Miscellaneous: Chemotherapy/radiation side effects, diabetes, dermatological disorders, weight control

Acupuncture achieves the desired results by stimulating specific points near or on the surface of the skin – acupuncture points – that have the ability to alter biochemical and physiological conditions in the body. Because acupuncture points are designated areas of electrical sensitivity, inserting needles at these points stimulates sensory receptors. This in turn stimulates nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system in the brain. The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing hormones (thought to be some 200 times more potent than morphine). Endorphins play a significant role in the hormonal system, which is why acupuncture is effective in treating back pain, arthritis, PMS and infertility. The substances released as a result of acupuncture relax the body, and also regulate serotonin in the brain, which affects emotional states. Other physiological effects include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count, which supports the immune system.

Western science posits that acupuncture triggers three primary mechanisms in the body:

• Activation of opioid systems: Research has found that several types of pain-reducing opioids may be released into the central nervous system during acupuncture.
• Changes in brain chemistry: Studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by altering the way in which neurotransmitters and neurohormones are released. Acupuncture has also been documented to affect sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes involved in regulating blood pressure, blood flow and body temperature. Modulation of subcortical structures of the brain may be an important mechanism by which acupuncture exerts its complex multisystem effects.
• Changes in blood flow: Acupuncture and Oriental medicine affects the circulation of blood to the affected area, which helps to remove pain-causing chemicals and restore normal function.

Acupuncture points are located on or close to the skin’s surface, but needles can be inserted from 1/16 to a few inches deep. The depth of insertion depends on the nature of the location and condition being addressed, the patients’ size, age, and constitution, as well as the acupuncturist’s style and training.

There is little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles. One reason is that they are much finer than those used for injections and blood tests – 25 to 50 times thinner than hypodermic needles. Further, the actual insertion is done very quickly. While some feel nothing at all, others experience a brief moment of discomfort, sometimes followed by a mild sensation of cramping, tingling or numbness (desirable sensations known as “attaining qi”). The needles are left in place for 20 to 90 minutes. Most people find the experience relaxing, and some even fall asleep during sessions.

Yes. Licensed acupuncturists are required to be certified in Clean Needle Techniques and only use sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. However, it is a good practice to verify your acupuncturist’s clean needle technique prior to attending sessions.

Dr. Hoch uses only the finest Seirin brand needles. They cost about twice as much as some other brands but they are well worth it.

No. Every licensed, board certified acupuncturist is trained to prevent the transmission of diseases. Like in a hospital, acupuncturists use only disposable needles, which are used only once on patients and then discarded. While there may have been reported statistics of possible transmission of diseases over 20 years ago, current standards have virtually eliminated any risk of infection through acupuncture.

No. The doctor evaluates each patient’s unique spinal problem and develops an individual course of care. Each chiropractic adjustment builds on the one before. The resulting recommendations are based on years of training and experience. Each patient’s care is uniquely different from every other patient.

Yes. It’s an unfortunate fact that more than half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. This too common occurrence is known as “failed back surgery syndrome.” Chiropractic may help prevent repeated back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care is used initially, back surgery can often be avoided in the first place.

No. Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction to a specific joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself safely, correctly and accurately. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a “popping” sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable spine even more unstable, and can sometimes be dangerous. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs!

Not always. A subluxation is like a dental cavity—you may have it for a long time before symptoms appear. That’s why periodic spinal checkups are so important. Although it may be possible to know you have a subluxation, it is rarely possible to be sure you don’t. Regular spinal checkups are always a good idea, and they promote good health from the inside out.

No. It is possible to get used to feeling more balanced, less stressed, and more energetic as a result of regular chiropractic care.  Chiropractic adjustments are not addictive, however, having good health is.  That’s why so many of our patients CHOOSE to continue with wellness care long after their original health problem is solved.

Yes. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative and natural approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. As proof, one merely has to compare malpractice rates between chiropractors and other healthcare professionals. Chiropractors’ malpractice premiums are a small fraction of those for medical doctors.

Any time is a good time for a better functioning nerve system. Pregnant mothers find that chiropractic adjustments help with pregnancy discomforts, like sciatica, improve their pregnancy and make delivery easier for themselves and their baby. Also, certain chiropractic techniques can be used to help properly position the baby for delivery. Adjusting methods are always adapted to a patient’s size, weight, age and condition of health.

Actually, adjustments do not always produce a sound. Often, however, adjustments do create the sound of a spinal “release,” or “popping” sound. The sound is caused by gas rushing in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joints are slightly separated. This sound is painless and totally harmless.

A referral is usually not needed to see a doctor of chiropractic (DC); however, your health plan may have specific referral requirements. You may want to contact your employer’s human resources department—or the insurance plan directly—to find out if there are any referral requirements. Most plans allow you to just call and schedule an appointment with a DC.

Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.

Doctors of chiropractic are well educated. Chiropractic education and medical education are similar in many respects and different in others because chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery, and medical doctors do not correct vertebral subluxations. After graduating with a doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) degree, each candidate passes the demanding four part National Board Examinations. Then, doctors apply to a governmental or professional licensing board and must pass a more difficult test before being granted the privilege to practice. A chiropractor’s education, however, never ends. Most doctors complete regular postgraduate instruction for license renewal and to stay current on the latest research and adjustment techniques.

Results vary with each person. Some people feel significant improvement within the first month. Others may take a bit longer. The average amount of time a functional medicine patient treats with for resolution of their complaints is 6-12 months. Most patients who follow through with all recommendations have dramatic changes and improvement within the first 3 months.  Complete correction of imbalances that have been long standing will, however wonderful the patient feels at the 3 month mark, require a bit longer to correct imbalances for long term relief.  Remember, your condition didn’t develop overnight. Years of stress and illness take their toll and a proper amount of time is necessary to restore function. On average it takes one month of repair for each year you’ve suffered from a specific problem.

Dr. Hoch has learned that the accuracy of lab findings and the quality of the professionals performing the lab tests are key to uncovering what’s going on. Quality is not equal across all lab companies. Many times we see “normal” test results from regular lab companies while our tests find many “functional” problems. The lab companies we use have the highest testing standards and the most consistent lab results year after year. These are not replacements for regular medical tests. These tests are used to detect “functional” issues, not medical problems, and are not meant to diagnose or recommend protocols for curing diseases. Their purpose is to detect problems in the functioning of organ systems prior to the onset of disease.

Depending on the lab test, the cost is $200-500 per lab kit, and you can always start a program by ordering a single test.

Initial new patient consultations are anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the issues. Follow-up lab consultations can be scheduled for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of tests. Existing client follow-up consultations can be scheduled for 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes.

Dr. Hoch carries high quality supplements that are formulated to achieve the best results in the right specified dosages. If you want to do your own research on different supplements, you are welcome to do so, but we do not provide any other recommendations, nor advise on other specific blends or brands. If you purchase supplements from other manufacturers, please research carefully. *Not all ingredients are equal. Keep in mind, if you aren’t achieving the expected results and you have altered your nutritional program by swapping out supplements recommended by Dr. Hoch – they may be the very reason you aren’t getting the desired results.

The new patient consultation is an assessment of your health and recommendations on what tests are required to understand the state of your body systems. The new patient consultation fee does not include any follow ups, test kits or supplements.

Pre-approval is required on all returns. Refrigerated items cannot be returned. A refund will be provided on unopened and non-refrigerated items, minus a 15% restock fee of purchase price. No supplement returns will be accepted after 30 days on all regularly stocked items. Special orders cannot be returned. Prepaid lab test kits can be returned for credit within 30 days of purchase.