What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the most well known modalities used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is the practice of inserting sterilized needles into the body at specific points to relieve pain or treat a disease. There are over 1,000 known points on the body that have been used for acupuncture treatment for 2,000 years.

What problems can acupuncture treat?

There is overwhelming evidence that acupuncture is an effective method for treating the body. The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that acupuncture can treat ear, nose and throat disorders, respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, circulatory disorders, urogenital disorders, gynecological disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, psycho-emotional and neurological disorders.

How does acupuncture work?

Science shows that receiving acupuncture helps to both reduce inflammation and increase circulation in the body. In Chinese theory, acupuncture is based on the flow of qi (or energy) throughout the body. Qi is the energy or essential substance that nourishes & promotes all of the functions of the body. According to this theory, acupuncture moves the flow of qi in the body, draining it from areas of excess and leading it to areas that are insufficient. In this way, acupuncture allows the body to find homeostasis. 

Is acupuncture safe?

When a properly trained and licensed acupuncturist performs your treatment, acupuncture is extremely safe and there are virtually no negative side effects. Acupuncturists follow clean needle technique protocols and use sterile, individually packaged needles, so there is almost zero risk of infection or contamination.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very thin, not much thicker than a human hair. They are often not even felt on insertion. Occasionally patients will feel a slight prick, a sensation of warmth, heaviness or spreading upon insertion of the needles. However, any sensation that is felt typically dissipates a few seconds after insertion. Acupuncture needles are not like the needles used to draw blood and are about 1/20th the size. Most patients find acupuncture to be deeply relaxing and enjoyable.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of acupuncture treatments you need depends on the complexity of your illness, whether it is a chronic or recent condition, and your general health. For example, you may only need one treatment for a recent ankle sprain, whereas for a long-standing, chronic illness you may need treatments once or twice a week for several months to get desired results. To help reduce the number of treatments, your practitioner may give you dietary recommendations, home exercise routines, relaxation techniques, self-massage, and/or Chinese herbal medicines, all of which may help to increase both the efficacy of acupuncture and your healing time.

What should I do before and after a treatment?

Try to arrive rested and relaxed for your treatment. If you need to use the restroom please do so before your appointment. Wear comfortable and loose clothing. Oftentimes the practitioner will need to access the body up to the elbows and knees, or sometimes the back, abdomen or chest. It is best to eat a light meal an hour or so before treatment. Please avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine for at least two hours before and after your treatment. You should continue to take any prescribed medications on schedule.

Sometimes patients feel better after one treatment while others feel better after several treatments. Take note of your symptoms between treatments to help your practitioner understand how your condition is evolving. Most patients feel extremely relaxed after each acupuncture session. It is best for you to take it easy after receiving acupuncture to allow your body to integrate the treatment.