Frequently Asked Questions
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a medical therapy developed over 2000 years ago in Asia. Acupuncture stimulates specific points beneath the skin by the insertion of acupuncture needles. This process restores the balance of the body’s energy, also knows as “Qi”(pronounced chi). Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Moxibustion are some of the essential elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
What is the philosophy behind Eastern Medicine?
Eastern medicine considers mind, body, and spirit as inseparable. You can’t just treat the physical symptom but must incorporate the state of the person’s spirit. Western medicine treats only the symptom generally with unnatural substances that have serious side effects. Drugs generally don’t address why something went wrong to begin with. Eastern medicine does.
How does acupuncture heal?
Eastern medicine would explain the process through activating the qi in the channels to obtain the desired affect. We now know through medical research using fMRI’s that acupuncture points identify neurological capacitors that activate the CNS inducing a specific physiological response when needled.
What is an acupuncture treatment?
This is an opportunity to find out where & why your body is out of balance. You will complete a health questionnaire prior to your appointment. Your presenting signs and symptoms, along with your tongue and pulse will determine your personalized treatment.
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles on the body’s surface, in order to influence physiological functioning of the body (i.e. enhance the body’s innate ability to restore itself to full health). Acupuncture restores the body’s sense of “well-being”.
This is a very relaxing and healing experience that can only be obtained through this amazing ancient healing system. Science has shown that when acupuncture points are used for specific physiology the area of the brain responsible for that function is visibly activated when monitoring on a MRI.
Will it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are extremely thin made from silver alloy typically stainless steel. You may feel little or no discomfort as the needles are inserted as the process is typically painless. You may feel different sensations including slight soreness, numbness, warmth, or pressure. These energetic sensations differ from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and comforting.
Is it safe?
Acupuncture therapy has been used for thousands of years in China. Acupuncture is the treatment of choice for one-fourth of the world’s population! The needles are FDA approved, individually packaged, pre-sterilized and disposed after a single use.
What should I expect during treatment?
Your first visit, lasting approximately 1.5 hours, will give you the opportunity to set the tone for your unique healing journey with an in-depth exploration of your health and wellness. This session involves a clarification of your goals for treatment, a review of your health history, including pertinent biographical life experience, and a physical exam. You should bring a list of all medications and supplements to your appointment.
I will explain all the services available to you at the Acu-Na Wellness Center. Together, we will establish your personalized treatment plan. You will also receive your first treatment. Subsequent sessions will last approximately 60 minutes. Each session will begin with a “check-in” regarding our last session, and an update on your overall health, then implementing the appropriate treatment for that session. Your treatment plan may include: acupuncture, bodywork, herbal remedies, neuro-hormonal balancing, nutritional counseling and lifestyle changes.
What should I expect after the treatment?
After the first treatment has been administered, depending on the aliment being treated, many experiences may occur. Immediate, total or partial relief from pain or other symptoms may be experienced. Some patients experience a sudden burst of energy while others may feel relaxed. Many people experience a calming satisfaction. Small, localized bruises from minor bleeding under the skin are infrequent, but do occur. These are no cause for alarm, and despite the cosmetic inconvenience, they actually provide a kind of bonus treatment. The re-absorption of the blood continues the stimulation of the acupuncture point even without the needle in place.
How many sessions will I need and how often should I be treated?
Chinese Medicine is a holistic therapy and its effect is cumulative. As such, once beginning the process, expect to be committed to a series of sessions. Generally a course of treatment runs in the area of five to ten sessions. As for the frequency this will certainly vary, according to the nature of our focus. Acute conditions require more frequency than chronic conditions, though may respond more quickly to treatment, whereas chronic conditions may require more time and patience.
As a general rule expect to commit to appointments at least once (possibly twice) a week for one to two months, then spacing out accordingly to every other week. You will want to continue your treatments as you will be feeling progressively better with each treatment. Typically, once a state of balanced health is sustained, patients choose to move to more of a wellness program. One may choose to continue with once a week for relaxation and stress reduction or one might choose simply one a month.
Naturally, the greatest success comes to those who are motivated and committed to a full progression of treatment. We work with each patient to design a treatment strategy that will produce results and fit your budget. We want you to feel better!
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
Many conditions may be treated.
- General pain relief and control for arthritis, knee pain, hand and foot pain, sciatica, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, lower back and neck pain, tendonitis, etc.
- Circulatory problems with high or low blood pressure, cold hands and feet
- Neuro-endocrine imbalances can also be treated such as anxiety, nervousness, menopause, hot flashes, sleeplessness, depression, asthma
- Immune deficiencies such as allergies and sinus problems
- Digestive disorders like Crohn’s Disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, and constipation
- Other common elements treated include headaches and migraines; treatments to help stop smoking, and many more conditions
Will it conflict with my other medications?
Acupuncture will not conflict with any of your medications. Acupuncture is used to complement and supplement your physician’s treatments NOT TO REPLACE THEM. You should discuss this issue with your physician and acupuncturist.
