What is acupuncture?

At the core of traditional chinese medicine is the notion that the body is not separated but whole and that everything is connected by a type of life force, or energy, known as qi. The qi flows through energy pathways (meridians) in the body. An imbalance of qi (too much, too little, or blocked flow) results in disease. Essentially, acupuncture is  a skillful insertion of needles at points along the meridians to restore balance and health. 

Are there any side effects with treatment?

One of the great things about acupuncture is that there are almost no side effects in most people. In extremely rare cases, fainting can occur  with some people. If you have a history of fainting, low blood pressure, or dizzy spells it is a good idea to inform your practitioner. Sometimes a bruise can appear at the site of insertion, this is minor and disappears completely after a few days. Some patients may experience a temporary feeling of light headedness usually as a result of coming out of a deeply relaxing state. Overall, especially if compared with western medicine, Acupuncture has slight to no side effects and is considered a very safe form of treatment.

What health issues can be treated with acupuncture?

The medical system in oriental countries utilizes acupuncture and herbal medicine as a treatment modality for nearly all medical illnesses.

Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?

No. Acupuncture has been used in veterinary medicine with great success which demonstrates that belief is not required.

Are acupuncture needles safe?

Yes. Acupuncturists use only pre-sterilized single packed needles. Each needle is used once and disposed of appropriately under OSHA guidelines. The needles are solid metal and only slightly larger than the width of human hair.

How long do treatments take?

It is common for a first office visit to last around 90 minutes since history taking is necessary. Return office visits generally range anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour.

How many treatments does it take to see a remarkable improvement?

Generally speaking, acupuncture can alleviate the disorder within several treatments and sometimes, as early as the first visit. In more chronic cases, it can take several months of treatment. The goal in frequency of treatment is to always attempt to reach a point where the length of time between treatments is longer and longer and finally on an as needed basis. It is important for the patient to remember that acupuncture treatment is a cumulative type of treatment. That means that each treatment builds in strength on the last treatment. That’s why in the beginning, it may be necessary to have treatments spaced more closely together.

The World Health Organization recognizes over 100 disorders and conditions effectively treated by Chinese Medicine , the long list includes:

• Acute and chronic pain
• Immune system disorders
• Neurological disorders resulting from trauma or stroke
• Abdominal problems of the gastrointestinal, urinary, or reproductive systems
• Sports injuries
• Side effects of cancer treatments
• Pre and post-operative symptoms

• Chronic fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Psycho-social problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, addiction and insomnia
• Asthma

• Menopausal Syndrome

Acupuncture also can help to control :

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Allergies

Are there any helpful guidelines to know before going to an acupuncture treatment?

Try to avoid eating an extremely heavy meal before your visit, but also do not arrive when you are hungry

Wear comfortable clothes (avoid jeans or other tight clothes)

To increase the effectiveness of the treatment, try to avoid any strenuous activities before or after your treatment time

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