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Frequently Asked Questions...

What is Acupuncture?

 

Acupuncture is a safe, effective and ancient form of medicine that has been used for over 3,000 years in Asian countries and is currently practiced worldwide as both primary and adjunctive forms of medicine. In Chinese Medicine, it is believed that the body has internal circuits of energy, or pathways, that flow freely. These energy pathways are thought to connect to each other, as well as all organs, and maintain our body's internal balance. According to Chinese medical theory, disease is a result of an imbalance or blockage in the body’s natural energy flow. Such imbalance manifests in physical, emotional and psychosomatic stress related disorders. Acupuncture uses very fine, sterile needles to restore homeostasis and balance in the body by tapping into the energy, or "qi," (pronounced "chee") and re-establishing a free flow.

How does it work?

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine views a person as an energetic system in which the body, mind and all things inbetween are connected - each influencing and balancing the other. Eastern medicine differs from Western medicine by emphasizing a holistic approach that treats the whole person, as opposed to individual symptoms. Acupuncture works by inserting hair-thin needles into specific points on the body. Each point has a variety of functions and can treat many different issues. The inserted needles are then thought to disperse any blockage(s) and mobilize the body’s natural immune response and bring the body back into a state of balance.

What can Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine treat?

 

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can effectively treat numerous conditions including, but not limited to the following:

 

PAIN: Arthritis, TMJ, Headaches/Migraines, Back pain, Knee pain, Sciatica, Shoulder Pain, Tennis Elbow, Trigeminal Neuralgia, etc.

 

WOMEN'S HEALTH: PMS/PMDD, Menstrual Pain, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Endometriosis, Menopausal Syndrome, Hot Flashes, Night Sweats, Infertility, Menstrual Irregularities, Pregnancy, Postpartum Depression/Baby Blues, etc.

 

MENTAL/EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING: Anxiety, Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Stress, Addiction, Insomnia etc.

 

GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS: Colitis, Constipation, Diarrhea, IBS, Heartburn/GERD, Morning sickness, Nausea, Vomiting, etc.

 

OTHER: Common cold, Sinusitis, Seasonal Allergies, Chronic fatigue syndrome,  Bell's Palsy, Fatigue, Dizziness, etc.

 

IN BABIES/CHILDREN: Teething, ADD/ADHD, Food sensitivities, Chronic illnesses, Ear infections, Digestive issues, Eczema, etc.

Does acupuncture hurt?

 

 

The needles used in acupuncture are very different from hypodermic needles used in Western medicine. The main thing to understand is acupuncture needles are not hollow but consist of a solid shaft made of stainless steel. Hypodermic needles, the typical type of needle found in a doctor's office, which draw blood or are used for injections are wedged, thick, stiff and hollow for pulling out or pushing in fluids. Needles used in acupuncture are solid, flexible and extremely fine - no thicker than a strand of hair. They penetrate the skin without breaking it like a hypodermic needle. Because of these differences, most of the time acupuncture is completely painless. There may be a small pinch when the needle is initially inserted but this usually dissipates quickly. When accurately inserted, acupuncture needles produce little to no sensation for the patient. Some patients even become so relaxed they are able to fall asleep during treatment!

How many treatments will I need & How often should I come in?

 

 

Every single individual will have a different response to their treatment(s). Depending on the condition being treated, severity of the condition and various other factors, it is difficult to know exactly how many treatments will be necessary. In general, for acute conditions you can expect to have 4 to 6 treatments, but you will usually begin to feel relief after the first few. Chronic conditions may take longer to respond, depending on the type, severity and duration of the condition. Preventative treatments and treatments for general well-being may also be scheduled on an as-needed basis or you can schedule an appointment once per month or even once per season.

It's my first treatment. What can I expect?

 

 

During your first visit, we will discuss your health history at length. In order to allow time for discussion, an herbal consult - if desired and a full  acupuncture treatment, your first appointment will last 90 minutes. Subsequent treatments will be 60 minutes. To prepare for your first visit, please make sure to consider the following:

  • Please eat a small meal or snack before arrival.

  • Arrive early to fill out paperwork.

  • Bring a list of medications/supplements.

  • Please wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing. For example, a tank top/short sleeve shirt and pants that can be easily rolled up above the knees is ideal.

  • Please refrain from brushing or scraping your tongue on the day of your appointment.

  • Please refrain from wearing heavily scented lotions/perfumes/colognes/etc.

Are the needles sterile?

 

 
YES! All needles are single-use, disposable and come in sterile packages. They are used one time only and then place in medical waste. When you come into the clinic, you will see those red medical waste disposal containers. Needles are NEVER re-used.
 
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