Q1. What is Acupuncture and how does it work? A1. Traditional Chinese Medicine is about 4000 years old and encompasses many forms of medicines such as herbs, cupping, moxa, and Acupuncture. Acupuncturists utilize very thin needles to access channels of energy in the body, or life force (called Qi or Chi), and influence its flow with the sole purpose of achieving harmony. When Qi or blood are stagnant, or there is improper flow of such energy, the body may suffer anything from stress symptoms, to pain and disease. Your body was designed with the tendency to regulate and balance itself (as in homeostasis), Acupuncture merely guides your energy in the right direction. Q2. Does Acupuncture hurt? A2. Acupuncture is not painful, per se. You may feel a pulling or tightening sensation, you may feel some discomfort which goes away in just a few seconds, or you may feel nothing at all. The more treatments you receive, the more your body will recognize its effects and the better your body will respond to the treatments. Overall, most people find Acupuncture to be a very relaxing experience and many of them fall asleep on the table or get into a trance-like or meditative state. Q3. What can Acupuncture treat? A3. Digestive disorders Upper Respiratory Disorders Pain (acute or chronic) Urinary and Reproductive Disorders Migraines Immune Function Menopause Eye and Ear Disorders Infertility and gynecological issues Depression, Anxiety & Insomnia Neurological Disorders Just to name a few… Q4. How many treatments do I need to see results? A4. This depends on the condition(s) and how your body is responding to the treatments as some people respond much quicker than others. Your mind-set on healing and your willingness to make adjustments and allow changes to happen in your life play a tremendous role as well. A successful Acupuncture program is also dependent on the specific results you are expecting, which should be discussed with your practitioner. For example, would you like the pain to get better temporarily or would you like to tackle the root of the imbalance so the pain is gone for good and does not resurface? However, most acute or chronic conditions will be treated twice a week initially and then drop to once a week until a certain result (your goal result) is reached. The closer together the treatments are, the better they work. Q5. What are the possible side effects of Acupuncture? A5. No substance is introduced to the body through Acupuncture; therefore the possibilities for side effects are minimal or nonexistent. You may experience some bruising which will go away in just a few days, or a small amount of bleeding (a drop). Acupuncturists are well trained to insure you are needled properly and in the right location. This is one the safest modalities out there and it is not contraindicated with any medication. Q6. Does my insurance cover Acupuncture? A6. Some plans do cover Acupuncture and some Acupuncturists do take insurance. Please bring your insurance card on your first visit and we will be happy to verify coverage for you. You can also call your insurance company and find out prior to your visit. Q7. How do I prepare for an Acupuncture treatment? A7. Do not come in with a full or an empty stomach. Make sure you’ve had something to eat some time in the day, but it is not a good idea to have a big lunch and come in for a treatment right after. Also, do not eat color candy or anything that could change the color of your tongue. You should not be under the influence of drugs (other than prescriptions) or alcohol. And avoid tobacco and caffeine soon before the treatments. Try to arrive a few minutes early to allow the body and mind to relax (from traffic, the heat, etc…) before your session, and most importantly to obtain a more accurate pulse reading. Q&A Q&A Top of Page
 
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