What is Acupuncture and could it help me?

Acupuncture is designed to restore a state of balance to the body by unblocking vital energy that flows through the body along energy meridians. A foundational element of Chinese Medicine, which is one of the oldest medical traditions, acupuncture involves stimulation of specific anatomical points on the body. Stimulation most commonly involves penetrating the skin with hair-thin, solid, sterile, one-time-use-only, metallic needles that are manipulated by the acupuncturist. 

Most individuals experience little or no pain from the needles and many people report feeling either energized or pleasantly relaxed following a treatment. Acupuncture is used to treat many conditions including pain management, migraines, nausea, allergies, fertility support, anxiety, and GI disorders. It promotes overall wellness. Acupuncture is also a powerful preventative medicine. It helps strengthen immunity and reduce inflammation.

How many treatments do I need?

The answer depends on how long you have been dealing with your condition.

As a rule, acute conditions can be addressed and resolved quickly. If the condition is chronic, in most cases, it will take more time to resolve the issue; if it takes time for the body to develop this condition, it will then take time to bring the body back into balance.

Other factors also impact the success of acupuncture such as your general state of health, age, lifestyle factors, and your body’s particular resonance with this modality.

It’s my observation that most people respond well to acupuncture. We will schedule treatments according to the nature of your condition. As you improve, fewer visits are required. The effects of acupuncture are cumulative.

What should I expect during my first treatment?

Your first treatment will be an extremely relaxing experience.

A detailed medical history will be taken upon the initial visit and then you will be treated in a peaceful, comfortable setting on a massage table. The diagnostic tools an acupuncturist uses include: palpating or feeling the pulses along the wrists; observing the color, moisture and shape of the tongue; and gently palpating specific areas of the abdomen for responses and pressure.

This all provides important information regarding the balance of health and the state of the body’s Qi (energy) in each person. After this information is gathered, then an appropriate series of acu-points will be needled. The initial visit lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and a half. Subsequent visits are 1 hour long. It is best to wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Do you only use acupuncture needles during the treatment?

Not always.

There are several specialty techniques that may be used during treatment session, including moxabustion (heat), tui na (massage), cupping (suction), gua sha (scraping), auricular therapy (ear acupuncture), or electrical stimulation of the acupoints.