Acupuncture treatments consist of the insertion of fine needles into blocked areas to return energy back to its natural flowing state.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture meridians are energetic channels that correspond to the flow of energy underlying the physiological structure of the body. These meridians course energy throughout the body, creating communication pathways among the organs, bones, tendons, muscles, blood vessels, skin.
When the flow of energy gets blocked or becomes stagnant, it can cause complications with the optimal physiological functions of the body, which affects both physical and emotional well-being. Acupuncture points are small areas under your skin that tend to bank this energy, creating energetic pools that are easily accessible with acupuncture needles.
What does acupuncture treat?
Whereas the focus of Western medicine is to treat symptoms associated with a particular illness, acupuncture treats the person and not the disease. What this means is that each individual experiences a unique set of circumstances that contribute to the relative state of disease and wellness. Each treatment is fine-tuned to treat each individual in the specific way that they need to be treated, based on the signs, symptoms, and circumstances they display. Based on this perspective, acupuncture can treat anything from pain to emotional disorders to hormonal imbalances by tailoring each treatment in a way that will benefit the fundamental capacity for health unique to each person.
Do I have to be sick in order to receive acupuncture?
Acupuncture does not only treat disease, but also treats the mind, body, and spirit of each individual person by enhancing digestion, relaxation, sleep, circulation, and psycho-emotional processes. Because of its ability to promote and maintain homeostasis, acupuncture is a highly effective form of preventive medicine.
How many times do I have to come?
Every patient is unique, and how quickly you will respond to acupuncture will depend upon your specific health concerns. Acute issues may resolve within just a few treatments, while chronic conditions tend to take longer to treat. Some people see immediate improvement after just one treatment. Most cases will require a series of visits to make lasting changes and to see significant results. Acupuncture can become part of your regular wellness routine, similar to going to the gym. Many people may feel noticeably different after a single workout, but we all know that to see real changes to your physique or stamina it takes regular trips to the gym over a period of weeks or months. Acupuncture research consistently show high rates of success with 1 – 3 courses of care, where 16-20 sessions is one “course”. It is important to allow however much time is needed to achieve your optimal healing.
How long does a treatment take?
The first appointment consists of a thorough intake and 45 minute treatment that may last up to one and a half hours. This will include taking your history, listening to your concerns, and answering your questions, as well as formulation of a comprehensive mind-body-spirit assessment and diagnosis. Follow-up appointments include a brief intake and 45 minute treatment and last for one hour.
Does it hurt?
One of the biggest fears that people have when undergoing acupuncture therapy for the first time is that it will hurt. However, the insertion of acupuncture needles is relatively painless. In fact, many people who undergo acupuncture therapy don’t even feel the needle at all. Those that do, generally feel a very slight prick with a comparable pain level to getting an eyebrow hair plucked or a mosquito bite. Acupuncture typically does not hurt and tends to promote a very comfortable, relaxed state in most people.
Are the needles sterile?
Unlike needles that professionals use at a doctor’s office, acupuncture needles are extremely thin—around the size of a strand of hair. In addition, such needles are also flexible, which makes their insertion far more comfortable than that of a hypodermic needle. Needles are shipped in sterilized packaging, are single use only and are disposed of after each treatment. This means there is virtually no chance of any type of contamination from acupuncture needles.
Do acupuncturists use more than needles?
Though needles may be our main tool, most acupuncturists have learned a variety of other therapies falling under the label of "East Asian Medicine" such as acupressure (pressure instead of needles over acupuncture points), cupping (suction of the skin), Moxibustion (warming of the skin), and Chinese herbal therapy. Depending on the skill set of your acupuncturist, and your diagnosis, a variety of healing modalities may be part of your treatment plan.
What should I wear?
Acupuncture points are located in many areas of the body. The most commonly used acupuncture points are primarily located on the head, arms, and legs, but there are also many points on the adbomen and back. For face-up treatments, most patients wear loose clothing that stays on during treatment. For face-down treatments that involve back points or cupping, most patients remove their shirt to lay face down with the option to rest comfortably under a sheet and blanket. If you are uncomfortable with removing clothing during your treatment, a tank top or T-shirt and loose fitting pants should give us access to everything we need!
Should I eat before a treatment?
An important thing to remember is that you should eat a little something within a few hours before treatment. It isn’t necessary to have a full meal, but at least a snack can help your body have enough energy to maximize the benefits of treatment. Receiving acupuncture on an empty stomach may lead to lightheadedness or a mild headache.
What will my acupuncturist ask me about?
Expect “random” questions and requests. At your first acupuncture appointment, we may ask some strange questions regarding your digestive function, menstrual cycle, or sleeping patterns. We may ask to feel your pulses or for you to stick out your tongue, so we can observe it. While such questions and requests may seem completely random, trust that we have good reason for asking them. Acupuncturists are interested in the health and functioning of your whole body. Different areas of the tongue and the radial pulse near the wrist will give a skilled practitioner valuable information about the how your body is functioning. Based on your answers, we will be able to identify areas of disharmony in your body. This will help us to address these areas in your treatment.
Will I be able to relax?
Most acupuncture patients find acupuncture to be the most relaxing part of their day or week. It may take a few visits before you can relax fully, but most patients find the treatments to be very relaxing, peaceful, and deeply restorative, and may even fall asleep. For this reason it is not recommended to consume caffeine right before acupuncture and to turn off your phone during your treatment. If you are neurodivergent, sensitive to specific sounds or scents, or need mental stimulation in order to relax, please let us know what we can do to help you feel more comfortable. We can easily turn our music off, or you can pop in your own headphones for music of your choice or a guided meditation or podcost.
What are the potential risks?
When a licensed practitioner performs acupuncture, you can rest assured it’s a very safe treatment that generally only involves minor risks. Side effects are rare, but if they do occur typically include mild bleeding, soreness, or bruising where the acupuncturist inserted the needles or applied cupping. However, such risks may become worse if you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners so be sure to advise us in advance if you take these types of medications.