What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine in which hair-thin needles are inserted into the body at specific points that are proven effective in the treatment of health problems by preventing disease and improving well-being.
How does acupuncture work?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is a subtle energy flowing through our bodies that guides our growth, development, movement, and that protects us against illness and disease. This energy is called Qi (chee). When our Qi is blocked and cannot flow freely, it causes illness and disease.
Through acupuncture, hair-thin needles are inserted at specific points along pathways, known as meridians, through which Qi travels throughout the body. Each point is carefully chosen because it corresponds to a specific organ or part of the body that is related to the unique issues and symptoms you are experiencing.
When the blockages have been removed and Qi has been restored to a state of balance, your body's self-healing abilities reach their maximum potential and you feel better both physically and mentally.
Is acupuncture painful?
Due to the fact that acupuncture needles are hair-thin and are not hollow like a syringe, they cause very minimal, if any pain at all. Once needles are in place, patients have reported feeling very relaxed, a warm or cool sensation running throughout the body, a tingling sensation, energized, or sleepy.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. Acupuncture is absolutely safe because the needles that are used are sterile, single-use, disposable needles. As well, the insertion of acupuncture needles rarely causes bleeding or bruising. Finally, if done properly, acupuncture does not cause harmful side-effects and does not interfere with other treatments or therapies.
How should I prepare for my treatment?
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. If you exercise, you should do it prior to 2 hours before your appointment. Your stomach should not be too full or too empty, so it is recommended that you eat a light to moderate meal 2 hours before your treatment.
*Before your initial visit, please be sure to print and complete the appropriate forms found by clicking here or on the "Forms" tab above.
How long does each appointment last?
Your initial appointment will last 1 hour and 30 minutes. Each appointment thereafter will last approximately 45 minutes.
What can I expect from my first visit?
On your first visit, we'll take a detailed health history so that we can get to know you and your physical makeup. We'll ask a wide range of questions about your symptoms as well as your eating, exercise and sleep habits-essentially, anything that can give us a deeper insight into your health. We'll also have an in-depth discussion with you about the effects that lifestyle and emotional and mental well-being can have on the body and how they may be affecting your condition.
You'll then receive a physical exam, an explanation of how Traditional Chinese Medicine views your condition and your imbalances, and overall care regimen, and the specific treatments you'll need.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments required is different for each person, depending upon age, lifestyle, condition, and response to the treatments. In general, fewer treatments are needed for acute conditions, while more are needed for chronic ones. Consistency and persistence in receiving treatments are therefore important in maintaining the effectiveness of the acupuncture regimen.
What will I feel during my treatment?
Once the needles are inserted, they remain in the body from about 20 to 45 minutes, depending on each individual's condition. Many patients report feeling very relaxed, energized, or sleepy. Others report feeling a tingling sensation or a warm or cool sensation running throughout the body.
How will I feel after my treatment?
Response to treatment varies from patient to patient. Following the first few treatments, some patients feel immediate relief from their symptoms, while others may experience an increase in their symptoms. Feeling an increase in symptoms is normal and is an indication that the treatments are working. For some people, symptoms may feel worse before they get better. This is nothing to be concerned about, as it is a common bodily response to the treatments.
While patients usually seek treatment for one particular condition, many find that other bodily functions improve from treatments they are receiving for their main complaint.
Many patients also report feeling relaxed, sleepy, or energized after each treatment.
What should I do after my treatment?
After your treatment, drink plenty of water. You should not consume any alcohol or caffeine until the following day and should avoid strenuous exercise.
How do I get the most out of each treatment?
The effectiveness of acupuncture builds upon each concurrent treatment you receive. It is therefore important that you be consistent and persistent with your treatments in order to maintain the optimum benefits of acupuncture. As well, you should avoid alcohol, caffeine, and strenuous exercise on the days of your treatments. It is also recommended that you drink plenty of water.
Do I have to be ill to benefit from acupuncture?
No. Many people receive treatments to maintain their health. Even if they are not experiencing any illness or discomfort, acupuncture treatments can help to keep the body functioning well and prevent the onset of illness and/or disease.
Are there any side effects from acupuncture?
When done correctly by a licensed professional, acupuncture is rarely known, if at all, to cause any side-effects whatsoever.
Should I stay on my medication(s) while receiving acupuncture treatments?
Yes. Acupuncture is not known to interact with medications. In fact, it can be very effective when used in conjunction with other therapies. Of course it is recommended that you notify all of your healthcare providers of all forms of treatment you are receiving. With your permission, we welcome communication and cooperation with other healthcare providers, with whom you are working, in order to ensure you receive optimum care.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Most types of insurance do not cover acupuncture. We do not accept any types of insurance at our office; however, in the event your insurance does cover treatments, we will give you a receipt at the time payment is made for services rendered which may then be submitted by you to your insurance company for reimbursement.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check, MC, Visa, and Discover. Unless prior arrangements have been made, all visits are payable on the day of treatment.