FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about
ACUPUNCTURE
What is Acupuncture?
In China acupuncture as a healing modality that has been around for more than 3000 years and is currently used by a third of the world’s population as a primary heath care system. Twelve major energy pathways, also called meridians, run through your body where the energy, Qi, flows. When the flow of qi is disrupted, symptoms will occur, resulting in an imbalance in your body. Acupuncture treatments help restore health by putting thin needles into specific acupuncture points to re-establish the natural flow of energy. It is based on the notion that the body is wise and taps into its own ability to heal itself.
How long is a treatment?
The first treatment takes between one and a half to two hours. The initial exam includes questions regarding signs and symptoms, health, and lifestyle habits. Your acupuncturist will read your pulses and check your tongue. (Please do not brush or scrape your tongue one week before your first visit). This information is evaluated to see where the Qi is blocked. Then according to the findings, a treatment is tailored to the individual. Additional visits take around one hour each.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments varies from each individual, depending on the severity of the condition. Some people experience immediate relief, some might need a week or months to get the desired outcome. It is important that acupuncture reaches the root of the symptom and therefore chronic conditions may take longer to heal.
Initially you will be seen weekly, where the treatments are designed to alleviate today’s pain and also treat the root cause, thus preventing the re-occurrences of the same symptom. After four to six weeks another evaluation is necessary to decide if future treatments are bi-weekly, monthly, seasonal, or no further treatment is needed. Many individuals prefer a seasonal “tune-up” to prevent the Qi from stagnating, and thus preventing symptoms and pain from reoccurring.
Do the needles hurt?
No, since the needles are thin they usually do not hurt. Some people feel a slight tingling, numbness, heaviness or dull ache where the needle is inserted. The needles are thin, the width of two human hairs put next to each other, solid, and flexible. The needles are used only once and then disposed of.
What should I expect to feel during and after treatment?
Sometimes people feel a surge of energy and feel extremely relaxed and calm during treatment and after treatment.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is a natural drug free modality with no side effects except for a feeling of well being and relaxation. The risk for infection is extremely low to non- existent, because the needles are sterile, solid, and are used only once.
How does acupuncture work in conjunction with other forms of health care?
Acupuncture is integrative with other forms of healthcare. When Western medical care is needed, referrals and consultations will be made by your practitioner where appropriate. Acupuncture also can be used in conjunction with surgery, to support a speedy recovery.
In China acupuncture as a healing modality that has been around for more than 3000 years and is currently used by a third of the world’s population as a primary heath care system. Twelve major energy pathways, also called meridians, run through your body where the energy, Qi, flows. When the flow of qi is disrupted, symptoms will occur, resulting in an imbalance in your body. Acupuncture treatments help restore health by putting thin needles into specific acupuncture points to re-establish the natural flow of energy. It is based on the notion that the body is wise and taps into its own ability to heal itself.
How long is a treatment?
The first treatment takes between one and a half to two hours. The initial exam includes questions regarding signs and symptoms, health, and lifestyle habits. Your acupuncturist will read your pulses and check your tongue. (Please do not brush or scrape your tongue one week before your first visit). This information is evaluated to see where the Qi is blocked. Then according to the findings, a treatment is tailored to the individual. Additional visits take around one hour each.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments varies from each individual, depending on the severity of the condition. Some people experience immediate relief, some might need a week or months to get the desired outcome. It is important that acupuncture reaches the root of the symptom and therefore chronic conditions may take longer to heal.
Initially you will be seen weekly, where the treatments are designed to alleviate today’s pain and also treat the root cause, thus preventing the re-occurrences of the same symptom. After four to six weeks another evaluation is necessary to decide if future treatments are bi-weekly, monthly, seasonal, or no further treatment is needed. Many individuals prefer a seasonal “tune-up” to prevent the Qi from stagnating, and thus preventing symptoms and pain from reoccurring.
Do the needles hurt?
No, since the needles are thin they usually do not hurt. Some people feel a slight tingling, numbness, heaviness or dull ache where the needle is inserted. The needles are thin, the width of two human hairs put next to each other, solid, and flexible. The needles are used only once and then disposed of.
What should I expect to feel during and after treatment?
Sometimes people feel a surge of energy and feel extremely relaxed and calm during treatment and after treatment.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is a natural drug free modality with no side effects except for a feeling of well being and relaxation. The risk for infection is extremely low to non- existent, because the needles are sterile, solid, and are used only once.
How does acupuncture work in conjunction with other forms of health care?
Acupuncture is integrative with other forms of healthcare. When Western medical care is needed, referrals and consultations will be made by your practitioner where appropriate. Acupuncture also can be used in conjunction with surgery, to support a speedy recovery.