FAQs
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of holistic medicine that takes into account the entire being- mind, body, and spirit. This method of treatment aims to restore the vital flow of energy in the body, also known as “Qi”, which circulates in the acupuncture meridians. When the meridians are blocked or deficient, illness and dis-ease occurs and causes pain, imbalance, and physical and emotional symptoms. Acupuncture therapy uses very fine needles inserted in specific points along the meridians that allows the specialist to access the vital flow of energy and restore balance and harmony. It is a safe method of treatment and patients report a warm, peaceful, and relaxing sensation during treatment.
What can I expect at my first session?
The acupuncturist will examine and diagnose you utilizing Chinese medical diagnostic methods of inquiry, observation, listening, and palpation. You will receive a detailed intake, and the practitioner will inquire about your medical history, family health, lifestyle, and diet. The practitioner will look at your tongue and take your pulse, which are ways to aid in the formulation of a diagnostic pattern that best fits your condition and allows the practitioner to treat you correctly. You will then receive a customized treatment plan suitable for your condition.
Does acupuncture hurt?
No. Acupuncture needles are much thinner than the hypodermic needles used by doctors. These needles are practically hair thin and cause minimal to no pain upon insertion. The sensations that follow the insertion of the needles vary from no sensation to a tingly feeling along the base of the needle. Many patients report a relaxed, warm, comfortable feeling and some fall asleep during the treatment.
Is acupuncture safe?
What can acupuncture help me with?
- Experience relief from neck, shoulder, knee, and back pain
- Relieve anxiety/depression and emotional stress
- Prevent and treat seasonal allergies and cold/flu
- Boost your immune system
- Improve sleep patterns
- Alleviate the effects of women related conditions
- Enhance the flow of energy in your body
How many treatments do I need?
Depending on the individual and the severity of the condition will determine the amount of treatments necessary. Every person responds differently and sometimes it can take a few sessions for the body to adjust. In many cases, a patient will see a difference within the first one or two treatments while at other times it can take as long as five or six sessions to see an improvement. Typically, treatments consist of once or twice a week, and can last between 45 minutes to an hour. In general, the longer a patient has a condition, the longer it will take to treat that condition. Acute conditions tend to take less time to treat while more chronic or severe ailments take longer. Preventative care is important to improve overall health. It is wise to seek acupuncture treatments not only when there is pain and illness, but rather to help build the immune system in order to ward off illness. The acupuncturist will determine how many treatments are necessary on an individual basis.
