Frequently Asked Questions
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Most people are surprised and relieved to learn that acupuncture needles are very different from hypodermic needles used in their doctor’s office. Our needles are extremely thin, made from stainless steel with gentle insertion from a trained hand – are, generally, painless. Occasional sensations felt include a dull-ache or tingling sensation, which we consider to be a ‘good’ sign and that your body is reacting positively to the treatment. Your acupuncturist will constantly be engaged in how you feel, and won’t leave you with any undue discomfort.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is completely safe! All of our needles are FDA approved, sterilized, come individually wrapped, and are always disposed of immediately after use. There is no risk or possibility of transmission of communicable diseases, and is completely safe for the elderly, pregnant women, children, and anything in between when performed by a licensed practitioner.
How Long Do Treatments Take?
Your first visit will involve an in-depth health history in addition to your first acupuncture treatment. The entire first visit lasts roughly 2 hours. Follow-up acupuncture visits last about 45-min.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of visits you will need is determined on an individual basis. Just as pain or illness can take time to develop, it takes time to set it right again. In general, acupuncture treatments will be most effective when done on a weekly basis over the course of two to six months. After this time, treatments may be reduced to bi-weekly or bi-monthly, depending on the situation. Your condition, symptoms and state-of-being will be constantly reevaluated and thus your individual treatment plan constantly updated.
Do I Have to Be Sick to See An Acupuncturist?
No, in fact, we prefer it if you come in before you are experiencing discomfort! Acupuncture is great for relieving stress (a huge cause of many modern diseases), increasing the immune system, maintaining balanced hormones, and thus preventing future ailments. In healthy adults I recommend regular acupuncture visits four-times per year, roughly at the change of seasons, to maintain health and optimum prevention.
How Can Acupuncture Help Children?
Acupuncture can be so helpful for children of any age. Because of the strong impact acupuncture has on the immune system, it naturally helps children through common ailments like flus, coughs, and colds. For more chronic conditions, such as skin rashes, allergies, asthma, and behavioral disorders, acupuncture can assist alongside Western medicine treatments to offer more lasting and sustainable relief. Depending on the age and nature of the child, acupuncture techniques that do not involve needles are used.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture works by rebalancing the system back into harmony with the environment. There are over 360 acupuncture points on the body, all set along one of twelve major meridians (energetic pathways) running throughout the body. The meridians can be thought of as “energetic highways,” and the acupuncture points are used to open up congestion or blockages so that the flow of energy is more even throughout the body – thus reducing pain and symptoms. Depending on the nature of the complaint, and on the unique individual constitution, will depend on your acupuncture treatment strategy. Over time, your acupuncture treatments will “hold” longer and offer lasting relief.
