FAQ

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points. Acupuncture is just one mode of treatment within the framework of Traditional Medicine.

THE MODERN EXPLANATION There are many modern theories, but the general explanation is that Acupuncture has the effect of normalizing physiological functions. Needling the acupuncture points stimulates the release of chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals can modify the perception of pain, decrease inflammation, increase blood flow, release hormones, and treat certain dysfunctions of the body by activating the body's own internal regulating system. The stimulation may be produced by needles, heat, acupressure, electrical currents, or other means, but most frequently by needling.

 

THE TRADITIONAL EXPLANATION Chinese medicine is based on a completely different paradigm than conventional medicine. A simplified version of the classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns throughout the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues and organs. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that gets backed up. The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians.

No. Acupuncture is not a belief system. In fact, Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better.

A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of Acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude (For example, a patient thinking, "I don't know if I really believe in this.") will not block the treatment results. Acupuncture causes physiological changes in the body regardless of knowledge or belief in the treatment, just as taking medications cause physiological changes regardless of knowledge or belief in the drug.

Absolutely!  While Acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as support to other medical treatments.  Acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health: •  promotion of health and well-being •  prevention of illness •  treatment of various medical conditions

The World Health Organization recognizes the use of Acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical conditions, including:

Women's Health Issues: Menstrual pain & irregularities, PCOS, hormone imbalance, PMS, menopause symptoms, hot flashes, night sweats, dryness, urinary tract infection, and incontinence.

Fertility, Pregnancy & After Birth: Infertility, morning sickness, breech baby, labor induction, lactation support, hip pain, back pain, sciatica, hemorrhoids, constipation, postpartum blues, and insomnia.

Stress and Emotional Conditions: Stress, fatigue, anxiety, depression, emotional problems, sleep disturbances, addiction and smoking cessation.

Digestive Disorders: Digestive trouble, indigestion, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, GERD, gastritis, hyper-acidity, irritable bowel syndrome, spastic colon, crohn's and colitis.

Neurological Disorders: Headaches, migraines, dizziness/vertigo, facial tics, Bell's Palsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia, and Fibromyalgia.

Musculoskeletal Disorders & Sports Injury: Neck pain, back pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, tendinitis, sciatica, osteoarthritis, joint problems, carpal tunnel, sprains & strains.

Respiratory Problems: Asthma, allergies, common cold, sinusitis, bronchitis, recurrent chest infections & pneumonia.

This depends on the type of condition being treated, as well as the individual’s response to treatments. Sometimes immediate relief may be felt, sometimes there’s a one-two day delay in response, and sometimes it can take a few treatments to start feeling results.

For example, if a relatively healthy person receives treatment for a cold, it is likely that they would feel immediate results. On the other hand, if a person gets treated for back pain they’ve been suffering with for 10 years, it may take 3-5 treatments before they start to feel the improvement.

Once per week is the minimum treatment frequency during the active healing phase. With treatment once per week, cumulative results add up and strides toward reduced symptoms and improved condition are usually measurable. For very severe or chronic conditions, it is advisable to jump start a treatment regimen with 2-3 treatments per week for the first couple weeks until relief is felt, then transition to the once per week frequency. After your initial intake, your acupuncturist will be able to give you a better idea of what your specific treatment plan will consist of and the frequency of visits.

After the body is stronger and the condition is stable, when a week can pass without any symptoms, then the treatment frequency is reduced. Time between treatments will be stretched out to 10 days, 14 days, 21 days or just reduced to a monthly maintenance visit.

Again, this completely depends on the type of condition being treated, as well as the individual’s response to treatments. Most patients are feeling a definite improvement within one month of weekly treatments. Most patients have weekly treatments for 2 or 3 months, some people continue with weekly visits for 3-4 months.

The goal is to get you feeling well and living life--so as soon as you're ready the treatment frequency will be reduced, we'll figure out what is the minimum amount of treatment time that will keep you comfortable and doing what you love in life! After symptoms are under control, monthly maintenance visits are recommended.

Most people say that acupuncture doesn’t hurt. People experience Acupuncture needling differently. Most patients don’t feel the insertion at all, some patients feel only a very teeny-tiny pinch as the needles are inserted. Once the needles are in place, there may be a pressure or tingling sensation which indicates that the treatment is working well, this sensation is not painful. Most people agree that Acupuncture treatments are comfortable and relaxing. Many people fall asleep during their Acupuncture treatment

Acupuncture needles are NOTHING like the hypodermic needles used for injections or blood sampling. They are tiny, smooth and solid—almost like a strand of hair. Dozens of Acupuncture needles can fit into the shaft of a single hypodermic needle. Only sterile, single-use needles are used for Acupuncture.

You’re not alone. Many people are uncomfortable with needles. Some people even have an authentic phobia. The first thing to know is that you can benefit from Traditional Medicine by receiving other forms of treatment including acupressure, cupping, moxabustion or herbal formulas.

That being said, Acupuncture is the most effective and economical form of treatment. Most people fear Acupuncture because they associate needles with painful injections. Acupuncture needles are painless. Whenever I attend a health fair or similar event I do free demos for people. The overwhelming response is surprise at how little is felt with Acupuncture needle insertion. If Acupuncture needling was painful, free demos would not be a successful way to promote it!

If you want to try Acupuncture but feel afraid, I will do my best to help you conquer your fear. Desensitization is a proven technique for conquering fears. We can start slowly by just showing you the needles. You don’t have to receive any Acupuncture until you’re ready. We can rely on other treatment methods until you are comfortable with Acupuncture. We can do treatments with fewer needles and tinier needles to ease you into it.

Acupuncture is completely natural, safe, and effective; it does not involve any drugs or chemicals, so there are few side effects.  Many patients experience positive side effects with acupuncture including: better sleep, better digestion, greater sense of well being, reduced asthmatic conditions, reduced allergy symptoms, and regulated cycles--even when those are not the issues we are targeting 🙂

Most patients report a feeling of deep relaxation after treatments. Acupuncture doesn't usually cause any bleeding, but occasionally a couple tiny drops of blood may be released when the needle is removed (about 3% of the time), or a small bruise might form after the needle is removed (about 2% of the time).  Dizziness may occur during treatment, usually due to low blood sugar. It is highly recommended to eat 2-3 hours before a treatment to prevent this.

Yes, Acupuncture is safe for children. Special methods and precautions are used when treating very young children who are not yet able to sit still for 20 minutes. At least one parent must always be present with a child during treatment. For more information, please visit the "Pediatric Acupuncture" page.

Yes! Acupuncture is a great way to find relief from the most common pregnancy symptoms. There are specific points an acupuncturist will avoid if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Please inform your acupuncturist if you are in fact pregnant or plan to be.

Please read the "Preparing for Treatment" page.