How Does It Work?

Traditionally, acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (chee) or Energy and Xui (shway) or Blood through the discrete channels or meridians which transverse the body,- similar but not identical to the nervous and blood circulatory system. According to this theory acupuncture regulates the flow of Qi shunting it to those areas where it is deficient and draining it from where there is excess. The purpose is to restore the harmonious energetic balance of the body When the balance of this energy is disturbed, pain or illness results. Acupuncture treatment corrects the energetic imbalance by encouraging the body's natural ability to heal itself, without the use of drugs or surgery. Acupuncture essentially promotes the free balanced flow of Qi land Blood. In Chinese there is a saying, "There is no pain if there is free flow - if there is pain, there is no free flow."

How Deep Do The Needles Go?

That depends upon the nature of the problem, the underlying anatomy of the points selected, the patient's size, age and constitution, and upon the acupuncturist physician's style or school. In general, needles are inserted from 1/4" - 1 " in depth.

Does It Hurt?

Chinese acupuncture tries to illicit a strong stimulation from the needle. However, most people remark that they do not feel anything with the insertion of the needle, or they feel just a slight sensation which soon goes away. Quite a few people actually fall asleep during their treatment.

Are The Needles Clean?

The needles used are disposable and come in pre-sterilized, individual packages. This assures that there is no transmission of communicable disease from patient to patient.

Is Acupuncture The Only Method of Treatment?

Most practitioners are also trained to use a number of adjunctive therapies. These typically include: moxibustion (heat), Gua Sha (scraping), Auricular Therapy (ear acupuncture), Cupping (suction), magnets, electrical or laser stimulation, various types of massage, acupressure.

What Can I Expect After My First Visit?

Patients often experience the most dramatic results in the first treatment. Some patients experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain or other symptoms. This relief may last or some pain may return. In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief only to notice the pain diminish over the next couple of days. Generally, you should expect to feel better after herbal therapy and/or Chinese remedial massage.

How many treatments do I need?

A course of treatment may be recommended if you are a candidate. For most pain conditions, a course of 6-8 treatments is initially recommended, and afterwards a follow up examination is performed. Most patients will see a mild to moderate improvement within this period of time. If more treatment is needed, a new course of acupuncture will begin, until the patient is ready for maintenance care.

How long do the acupuncture sessions last?

The needles are left in place for 20-30 minutes.  If the Doctor recommends treatment on your first visit, plan 1 to 1 1/4 hours for your visit.  For follow-up visits, plan 30-45 minutes.