Acupuncture: Commonly asked Questions

What is Acupuncture? How does it work?

Acupuncture is among one of the oldest healing practices in the world.
It is a safe and effective system of alternative and preventative health care
that treats a wide range of health concerns. As part of Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM), acupuncture aims to restore and maintain health through the
stimulation of specific points on the body. Acupuncture assists the body in
optimizing the body’s healing mechanisms and providing a natural way to achieve
and maintain health.

Acupuncture regulates the nervous system, releases pain-reducing
biochemicals, increases immune function and resistance to disease, while
restoring homeostasis within the body. MRI scans and numerous scientific
research studies have concluded that acupuncture regulates hormones and the
endocrine system, reduces stress and promotes a sense of well-being, releases
endorphins for pain reduction, increases circulation, and stimulates tissue
growth and repair. Acupuncture points have been empirically proven to be
effective in the treatment of various health issues and the location of these
points have now been confirmed through electromagnetic research; electronically,
thermatically, and radioactively.

What Conditions does Acupuncture Treat?

Both the National Institute of Health and the World
Health Organization (WHO) recognize acupuncture as a holistic, safe, and
effective system of health care with the capacity to treat a wide range of
health concerns.

Musculoskeletal

Tennis elbow, TMJ, Sciatica, Low back pain, Arthritis
(Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid) Fibromyalgia, Frozen shoulder, Carpal Tunnel,
Meniere’s disease, Tendonitis, Bell’s palsy, Knee pain

Neurological

Post stroke paralysis, Migraines/headaches, Trigeminal
neuralgia, Intercostals neuralgia,
Dizziness/Vertigo

Gastrointestinal

Nausea/Vomiting, Constipation, Diarrhea, Indigestion, Food
allergies, Ulcerative Colitis, Ulcers, Bloating , Diverticulitis

Mental-Emotional

Depression, Anxiety, Stress management
Insomnia

Uro-Genital/Reproduction

Irregular, Heavy, Painful, or Absence of Menstruation, PMS,
Infertility, Menopause, Endometriosis, Dysmenorrhea, (cramping), PCOS,
Vaginitis, Cystitis, Stress incontinence, Prostatic hypertrophy, Prostatitis,
Impotence

Respiratory

Colds/Flu, Allergies, Emphysema, Bronchitis,
Asthma, COPD

Circulatory

Hypertension, Angina Pectoris, High cholesterol,
Anemia

Ears/Nose/Throat

Toothaches, Rhinitis, Sinusitis, Ear aches, Tinnitus

Dermatological

Acne, Eczema, Rashes, Herpes Zoster

Immune Disorders

MS, Lupus, AIDS/HIV, Hepatitis, Chronic Fatigue

Addiction

Smoking, Weight loss

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Acupuncture needles differ significantly when compared to the
hypodermic needles used to draw blood or inject medications. Acupuncture
needles are much smaller in diameter, extremely fine, and are no thicker than a
single piece of human hair.

For most patients, the needles produce little or no sensation
upon insertion and most patients would describe acupuncture as virtually
painless. While everyone experiences acupuncture differently, some individuals
may experience a tingling, heavy, or achy feeling that subsides after insertion.
Patients often report acupuncture as a very relaxing experience and it is not
uncommon for patients to fall asleep during treatment. Needles are typically
retained on average for 20 minutes.

How many treatments will I need?

Acupuncture is proven to have a cumulative effect. Therefore, in
order to achieve the best results, it is recommended to receive a course of
treatments similar to chiropractics and physical therapy sessions.
The number of treatments required varies by person, and often depends on the type of condition
the patient suffers from, whether the condition is chronic or acute, and the patient’s overall health,
age, and well-being.

Acute conditions require less time and frequency of treatment,
while long standing disorders or chronic health issues may take more time,
requiring follow-up sessions to further the healing process. Most patients will
notice improvement after one to six treatments. Often a patient will be seen
once or twice weekly in the beginning to obtain optimal results and decrease to
once a week or once every other week. Maintenance or preventative treatments aim
at seeing the patient every two to four weeks.

What can I expect during my first visit?

During the initial visit, a comprehensive health history and
detailed intake will be completed in order to assess your overall condition.
Generally, the first visit will take approximately 75 minutes, with subsequent visits taking 45min
to 1 hour. Treatments are highly individualized in order to meet each
patient’s medical needs. Please wear loose clothing and eat a small snack or
meal before your treatment. Please bring a list of current medications you are taking.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services.
We are dedicated in improving your overall health and wellbeing.