FAQ

Acupuncture  is not painful. The needles are extremely thin (about the width of 2 human hairs), solid, disposable and flexible. Sensations that patients normally experience are a dull ache or tingling which is associated with the movement of energy stimulated by the insertion of the needles. This is a desired affect and should not feel painful.  Many patients report feeling very relaxed during treatment.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

Acupuncture works through the neuroendocrine and vascular system. Acupuncture points  stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

Secondly, acupuncture causes local vasodilation and increased blood flow to affected areas of the body causing a decrease in body inflammation.   When an acupuncture needle is inserted it creates a micro trauma signaling the body to respond.  This reaction causes a  stimulation of the immune system, promoting circulation to the area, wound healing, reduction of inflammation, and down regulation of overactive pain receptors.       

Next, Motor point needling is a style of acupuncture that addresses the muscle imbalances in the body and corrects each muscle group to assist in releasing spasm, lengthening shortened muscles which quickly relieve compression of the nerves, and also reestablishes functional and balanced communication with the nervous system and muscle groups. Further, specific acupuncture points release tight segments of myofascial tissues—the membranes that surround and connect your muscles. When you balance the muscles, you decrease the stress on irritated areas, 

Lastly,  acupuncture works on the nervous system and supports the body in shifting from flight or fight to rest and repair. It is during rest and repair that the body can heal.  Acupuncture has been proven to lower stress hormones and moderate mood to reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.

​

​

HOW MANY VISITS WILL I NEED?

he number of visits you will need depends on several factors. One is how long you have had your current condition. Acute conditions, like a cold or flu will generally only require one or two treatments. Conditions that are more recent, like sudden pain from an injury or seasonal allergies may require 4 or 6 treatments before symptoms are reduced. Chronic conditions like autoimmune issues, arthritis, back pain or other problems that you have had for many years may take anywhere from 4 to 10 treatments until you notice significant changes. At your first visit, your acupuncturist will take a detailed health history and will determine an appropriate treatment plan based on your signs and symptoms and the findings of that visit.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM YOUR TREATMENTS?

Currently, the NIH has determined that acupuncture is effective in treating over 40 different disease categories. Following is a partial list of illnesses and conditions for which acupuncture has been proven to be effective. It is possible to treat these and many other conditions with acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

• Addictions

• Autoimmune issues

• Sinusitis

• Appetite suppression

• Arm and Shoulder Pain

• Arthritis

• Back Pain

• Bell's palsy

• Bursitis

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Circulatory Issues

• Cluster headaches

• Constipation

• Depression

• Detox

• Diarrhea

• Diverticulitis

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Plantar fasciitis 

• Fibromyalgia

• Gynecological Concerns

• Headache

• Hip Pain

• Immune System Deficiency

• Indigestion

• Infertility

• Insomnia

• Interstitial cystitis 

• Joint Pain

• Knee Pain

• Leg Pain, Cramps

• Lupus

• Lyme disease

• Migraines

• Neck Pain, Stiffness

• Nervousness

• Neuralgia

• PMS

• Post-operative pain

• Pregnancy Symptoms

• Raynauds

• Rheumatism

• Sciatica

• Shingles

• Sjogrens 

• Vertigo

• Shoulder Pain

• Trigeminal neuralgia

• Sinus Trouble

• Skin Problems

• Sports Injuries

• Stomach Problems

• Sore Throat

• Thyroid Conditions

• Ulcers

• Urinary Problems

• Whiplash