Acupuncture FAQ

Who needs acupuncture and herbs ?

You do! Seriously. Chinese Medicine is the yin to the yang of Western medicine. Chinese Medicine excels at preventative health and chronic illness, offering solutions that conventional medicine does not. Combining the best uses of Western medicine with the best that Chinese Medicine has to offer truly achieves holistic wellness for your family. You deserve the best of both worlds!

Do I have to “believe” in acupuncture for it to work ?

Oriental medicine, whether dealing with acupuncture or herbal formulas, is no more faith-based than Western medicine. Believing in the treatments can’t hurt, but it isn’t necessary for positive results. The biggest factor in success or failure depends on how motivated our clients are to keeping their appointments and taking the prescribed herbal formulas.

What should I expect ?

Expect to enjoy it! Most people are pleasantly surprised by the experience of an acupuncture treatment. Treatment produces a profound level of relaxation in most people and many patients enjoy a restful nap while on the table. Afterwards, most report a calm feeling of vitality and an improved sense of well being.

Does it hurt ?

People are relieved to learn that acupuncture needles are extremely thin and completely unlike the needles they have experienced in the past. We use gentle techniques to place these tiny needles and often the insertion is barely perceptible.

Once the needle is inserted there may be a mild sensation of heaviness, achiness or tingling in the area of insertion. This is normal and even beneficial in many conditions. However, it is very rare that a patient describes this sensation as painful.

Are the needles safe ?

Absolutely! Acupuncturists are required to follow OHSA standards and only sterile, single-use disposable needles are used. Patients are absolutely assured that there is no transmission of communicable disease from patient to patient.

Do I have to be sick to benefit from acupuncture?

Absolutely not! In recent years more and more people have discovered that it is much easier, safer and cost effective to maintain health than it is to recover it once it’s lost. Because of their ability to strengthen and nourish proper functioning in the body acupuncture and herbal medicine can be an important addition to any health program. Many acupuncture patients come in for monthly stress relief treatments and “tune-ups” for their immune system as part of their health maintenance routine. Preventative medicine is the best medicine.

How frequently do I need to come for treatment ?

The frequency of treatments varies with each individual. Most new patients begin treatment with weekly sessions lasting one hour each. Acupuncture has a cumulative effect, each treatment building upon the last. As patients experience improvement in their condition, treatments may be extended to every other week, every three weeks, monthly and eventually seasonally.

What does acupuncture treat ?

Acupuncture promotes the body’s natural ability to heal itself, so most conditions can be corrected or improved. Oriental Medicine is a comprehensive system of preventative care and health maintenance with its effectiveness being well documented throughout its long history. Chinese Medicine has proven to be exceptionally effective in treating: ( list provided by the World Health Organization)

Women’s Health: Menstrual Irregularities, Menopause, Natural Fertility Enhancement Pregnancy, Childbirth, Lactation Difficulties, Post Partum, Ovarian and Uterine Problems.

Men’s Health: Prostate, Infertility, Impotence.

Pediatrics: Asthma, Cough, Digestive Problems, Behavioral Problems, Ear Infections, Sleep Problems.

Pain Relief: Headaches, TMJ, Back Pain, Sciatica, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Post-Operative Recovery, Palliative Care.

Digestive Disorders: Indigestion, Constipation, Urgent Bowel Movements

Respiratory Problems: Asthma, Allergies, Common Cold and Flu

Mental Health: Depression, Anxiety, Stress Management