Q: How can I prepare for my session? 

A. Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity. Inserting needles at these points stimulates various sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulate nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system at the base of the brain.

The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing hormones. It is estimated that endorphins are 200 times more potent than morphine. Endorphins also play a big role in the functioning of the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture works well for back pain and arthritis and also for P.M.S. and infertility.

The substances released as a result of acupuncture not only relax the whole body, they regulate serotonin in the brain which plays a role in human and animal disposition. This is why depression is often treated with acupuncture.

Some of the physiological effects observed throughout the body include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief from pain, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count which stimulates the immune system.

Q: How does Acupuncture work? 

A:  A common assumption about acupuncture is that it hurts. You are, after all, getting stuck with needles. Fear of pain from acupuncture needles is one of the most common reasons people forgo acupuncture.

Often to the astonishment of those who take the plunge, acupuncture usually does not hurt. No pain, though, does not mean no sensation.

There are instances where acupuncture needles are inserted without the recipient feeling a thing—this is especially common with styles of acupuncture that utilize extra thin needles, such as Japanese acupuncture.

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However, most of the time acupuncture produces some kind of sensation at the site of needling. This moment, when a person literally feels an acupuncture point working, is known in acupuncture lingo as de qi. It is a good thing.

Another way of thinking about de qi is that the acupuncture needle has accessed the energetic material that it needs to produce movement throughout the body. When the point is activated, change is initiated. 

Q: What is Acupuncture?  

Q: Does Acupuncture hurt? 

A:  No, we don’t. All our needles are sterilized and disposable.

A: Follow-up visits usually last from 30 minutes to 45 minutes. I will begin by asking you about any changes you might have felt since your last treatment and if you have any new concerns. After the assessment, I will proceed with the appropriate treatment.

How often you will need treatment, will depend upon your individual needs. For average conditions, I recommend 2 treatment at least twice a week preferably at least three to six consecutive weeks. Most conditions show significant improvement within three to twelve sessions.

For health maintenance or preventative care, I recommend 5 treatments per season or 12 treatments per year.

A: Your first appointment usually lasts about one hour. Initially you will be asked to fill out a medical survey form. Reviewing the form, we will discuss your past health and medical history, your lifestyle, your concerns and your goals for treatment. We may also discuss the difference between western and eastern medicine. These conversations are an important part of the diagnostic process. Once this is completed, I will recommend a course of treatment and explain how acupuncture will fit into that course of treatment.

Depending upon your specific condition, I will then take your pulse. Acupuncture pulses are a qualitative reflection of the six major energy systems of the body. They are taken on  [Acupuncture Meridians] both wrists in three locations. The information obtained goes far beyond the heart rate information obtained by conventional Western medicine pulse taking. Next I will look at your tongue which, in chinese medicine, can obtain much information about your general health. Then I will palpate your body. Palpitation is nothing more than physical touching of the body in the affected areas. This is necessary in order to determine the most effective acupuncture points for your treatment.

For most people receiving treatment is quite relaxing. When the needle initially penetrates the skin, you will feel a small pinch. After the needle is inserted, I will stimulate it to encourage the arrival of Qi to that acupuncture point. The arrival of Qi may feel similar to a dull or heavy ache, a tingling, a numbing, earmth or an electrical sensation. On rare occasions, the needle sensation may be painful. Please inform me if you feel any discomfort such as a sharp pain. I will adjust the needle and you will be fine. Rarely is there any bleeding from the needle insertion point.

How you'll feel afterwards varies greatly from patient to patient and from session to session. Some treatments may leave you relaxed and energized; others may leave you with a desire to rest.

Q: What can I expect during an Acupuncture treatment?

Q: Does Acupuncture help relieve pain? 

A: I recommend that you wear comfortable, loose clothing with an under garment. Depending on the treatment, you might even remain fully clothed. If you prefer, gowns and linens are always available. In some cases, I will recommend a gown if your particular treatment calls for it.

Patients are encouraged to leave plenty of time both before and after their treatment. Rigorous exercise, sexual activities, eating a full meal, and consuming alcohol should be avoided immediately before and after a treatment for at least 1 hour. In many cases, acupuncture will be augmented by other therapies such as cupping, massages, moxibustion, and E-stim treatments, etc. For first time patients, I will explain the treatment step by step as I proceed.

A:  Yes, it does.  In fact, acupuncture is natural and  the best therapy for relieving the pain associated with headaches, migraines, neck pain, back pain, sciatica, knee pain and leg pain, because it can unblock or balance the Qi in the meridians.  When the Qi flows freely in the meridians, there is no pain.  According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, pain arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked. 

Q: How often do I have to come?

Disclaimer

The results may vary from person to person

A:  Acupuncture has been used and tested for thousands of years and continues to be validated today.  The acupuncturist inserts very fine needles into the patient’s skin at specific points (acupuncture points), on the meridians/channels to balance Qi and Blood. The stimulation of these acupuncture points affects both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It triggers the release of the body’s internal chemicals such as endorphins and enkephalins, which have pain-relieving properties.

Q: Do you re-use the needles?