Frequently Asked Questions 

Does Acupuncture work?

​YES!
The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for many conditions, including, but not limited to:
·      Adverse reactions to chemotherapy or radiation
·      Allergies
·      Depression
·      Dysmenorrhea (aka PMS)
·      Digestive disorders
·      Headache
·      High or low blood pressure
·      Insomnia
·      Labor induction
·      Musclo-skeletal pain
·      Morning sickness
·      Rheumatoid arthritis
·      Sciatica
·      Stroke
·      Plus many more 

In western terms, acupuncture has been shown to:
- Increase circulation
- Decrease inflammation
- Increase T-cell count (immune system)
- Provide relief from pain and muscle spasms
- Promote overall body relaxation ​

How does it work?

Explained through the eyes of modern science, the stimulation of acupuncture points send messages to the brain, which then responds by sending the appropriate type of help to the area of concern. Modern research shows that acupuncture modulates the neuro-endocrine-immune network. It stimulates various biochemical and physiological changes within the body by activating the body’s sensory receptors. These sensory receptors stimulate nerves that act as messengers to the brain. Once the brain receives the message, it releases various neurotransmitters, modulates hormones, or stimulates the immune response. This is why acupuncture treats a wide range of conditions, because it helps regulate bodily processes.
​

Does it hurt?

Overall, acupuncture provides a sense of overall calmness, some may say a feeling of euphoria. While in most cases it does not hurt, some acupuncture points or methodologies may illicit temporary uncomfortable sensations that will usually not last for more than a couple seconds. Many people actually fall asleep or into a calming sleep like state.

How long is each treatment?

Between consultation and treatment time most usually last around 60 minutes, some may last longer and others may not take long at all. It all depends on what your body needs in order to heal. Although, you can expect that your first treatment will take longer, closer to 90 minutes, because of a lengthier consultation time. ​

How many treatments will I need?

Like most things in TCM, it all depends on what sort of condition you come in for and how your body responds to acupuncture treatment. Generally healthy people coming in with an acute condition will need far fewer treatments than someone coming in for a nagging 20-year old issue. In China a normal course of treatment is once a day for ten days straight, followed by a short break and then another course begins. While this isn’t a feasible option, it is sometimes necessary to start with 2 treatments a week, moving to once a week, and then maintenance treatments once a month. Most people see a marked improvement within 4-6 treatments. During the initial consultation I will give you an idea of the treatment plan needed to reach your goal, as well as individualized tips that will help speed along your progress between treatments. 

​​What are the possible side effects?

The most frequent side-effects of acupuncture are actually positive, with five of the most common being:
—Better sleep
—More energy
—Mental clarity
—Better digestion
—Less stress

I think these are all things that would make every ones lives better. Acupuncture is a very safe and effective means of treatment when preformed by a highly trained licensed acupuncturist. It’s rare to speak of a treatment as having positive side-effects, but TCM is a special medicine that is truly preventative in nature.   

The most common, yet rare, negative side effect of acupuncture is slight bruising at a needling site, which goes away on its own in a few days. ​

It is more important to know what kind of patient has the disease than what kind of disease the patient has. - Sir William Osler