Treatment FAQ

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a modality of traditional Chinese medicine that has been in practice for 3000 years. It involves the insertion and stimulation of fine needles into energetic points in the body, which can influence health and disease.

A Chinese medical treatment may involve a variety of techniques such as the painless insertion of very fine, sterile, disposable needles into acupuncture points, burning of mugwort, or “moxa,” gua sha, superficial scraping of the skin, and cupping.

Acupuncture helps to relieve acute symptoms of disease and pain, as well as address the underlying cause of that disease.

Does it hurt?

Because acupuncture needles are as thin as human hair, patients feel little or no pain when the needles are inserted. What she or he may feel range from soreness, to warmth, to electricity. Not only does acupuncture not hurt, it encourages the body to release endorphins, thereby leaving patients happy and relaxed by the end of their treatment.

How does it work?

Acupuncture is based on the principle of energy flow or Qi in the body through channels called meridians. One can compare meridians to rivers. When they become blocked, the supply of Qi and blood restricts; they then fail to nourish the cells, tissues and organs. Qi blockage can result from a range of causes, from emotional stress to acute physical injury.

Recent studies have shown acupuncture to stimulate the pain centers in the brain, improve circulation of blood, release endorphins and regulate the nervous system . It activates the natural self-healing abilities of the body.

What can I expect from my treatment?

Traditional Chinese medicine integrates body, mind and spirit. Each patient is evaluated according to his or her individual condition. TCM is a holistic medicine because each person’s constitution, diet, lifestyle, family history, and state of mind is taken into consideration. Consequently, two patients with the same symptoms may require different treatments, point selection and herbs. Chinese medicine uses pulse and tongue
evaluation as landmarks of diagnosis.

Like the seasons, healing works in stages and cycles. Recovery may be significant after the first few treatments, followed by a plateau of effectiveness. Patients may even feel worse before getting better. Each individual’s path to wellness is unique.

It is recommended that patients take active part in their healing process by maintaining regular appointments and complying with recommended supplements, diet, exercise and lifestyle changes.

Treatable Disorders

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture has proven effective in the treatment of the following conditions:

Respiratory: Common Cold, Flu, Sore Throat, Asthma, Bronchitis, Allergies, Sinusitis
Digestive: Constipation, Diarrhea, Stomachache, IBS, Colitis, Indigestion, GERD, Appetite Regulation
Neurological: Headaches & Migraines, Numbness, Sciatica, Dizziness, Bell’s Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis,, Neuropathy, Neuralgia
Musculoskeletal: Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Sprains/Strains, Tendonitis, Pain in extremities, back & neck, TMJ
Gynecological: PMS, Menstrual Pain, Irregular Periods, Menopause, Infertility
Psychological & Stress-Related: Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression, Mania, Irritability, Fatigue,Eating Disorders
Cardiovascular: Hypertension, Palpitations, Circulation, Angina
Detoxification & Substance Withdrawal: Nicotine, Alcohol, Pharmacological & Illicit Drugs
Skin Conditions: Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne, Rashes
Urogenital: UTI, Difficult Urination, Sexual Dysfunction