HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK: Science has confirmed that by inserting needles, a multitude of changes occur in the body, including stimulation and relaxation of the nervous system, endocrine system and hormones, endorphins, blood flow and circulation, muscle fibers and electron flow. When acupuncture is practiced, however, treatment methods are chosen via the system of traditional Chinese medicine, central to which is the concept of qi (pronounced “chi”), often translated as “energy” or “life force.”
By inserting needles, your acupuncturist aims to unblock stuck qi (which may manifest as pain or depression), redirect qi (which may alleviate nausea, hiccups, migraines or insomnia), boost qi (which improves energy) or otherwise change the qi dynamic in order to improve your condition. Acupuncture has been practiced in this way throughout the world, originating in China over 2,000 years ago. To learn more about how acupuncture works, please see our “Education & Articles” page.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT? WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE? Acupuncture needles are extremely thin! It is unlike getting a shot, or any other medical needle experience you’ve ever experienced before. When inserted, a variety of sensations may be felt: you may not feel the needle at all, or it may feel like a slight pinch, a dull achy sensation or a buzzing sensation. Usually these sensations last for just a few moments and then dissipate, so you can relax comfortably as they stay in place. Most people are pleasantly surprised at how gentle and relaxing the acupuncture is. We encourage you to come and give it a try.
WILL I NOTICE A DIFFERENCE IN MY HEALTH CONDITION RIGHT AWAY? This depends on the condition you are being treated for. Sometimes changes are felt immediately – for instance, musculoskeletal pain and headaches are often alleviated just moments after the needles have been inserted. Other times you may not notice changes taking place until several treatments have taken place. Regardless of the condition, however, you will most likely feel more relaxed and in better spirits after your acupuncture session.
DOES INSURANCE COVER ACUPUNCTURE? Unfortunately because we offer a sliding scale, insurance companies do not allow us to bill them. If you have insurance that covers acupuncture, we will be happy to give you a receipt to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE MY CLOTHES OFF? We specialize in a distal treatment style of acupuncture that allows you to remain dressed and seated in a chair during treatments. We utilize points mainly from the elbows to the fingers, knees to the toes and face and scalp.
IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE? ARE THE NEEDLES CLEAN? Acupuncture is extremely safe. All licensed acupuncturists are required to have passed a Clean Needle Technique course with rigorous training to ensure knowledge of the proper administration of acupuncture. All of our needles are pre-packaged, sterile and disposable.
HOW MUCH ACUPUNCTURE WILL I NEED? There are two major factors that determine how much acupuncture you will need. The first is the length of time that you have been experiencing the condition, and the second is the severity of the condition. In other words, the longer and more severe the problem is, the longer it will take to correct. Based on our evaluation of your health condition, we can offer you a suggestion of how often you will need to come for best results. Most often you will need to come more frequently at the onset of your treatment course (for example, we may suggest that you initially come 2-3 times per week for 2-3 weeks), re-evaluate based on the progress during that period and then taper down to once a week or even less, until the condition is resolved. Once a condition is resolved, acupuncture may be used for maintenance and to keep any impending flare-ups at bay. You may benefit your health by obtaining acupuncture periodically as you see fit, similar to the way you take your car for a tune-up on a regular basis to ensure that it runs smoothly.
