Question 1

What is Acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy (chi) run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others. The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridian

Question 2

Is Acupuncture Painful?

Accepted Answer

Every person’s experience is unique. The range of sensation starts from nothing at all to a brief numbing, tingling, warming, radiating sensation, ache or heaviness in the area being needled. Some points are more sensitive than others. What most patients describe is that these sensations are fleeting and followed by deep relaxation.

Question 3

How Do I Prepare For My Acupuncture Treatment?

Accepted Answer

Be sure to eat a balanced meal before you come for your treatment. Avoid or keep to a minimum caffeine in coffee, tea, or sodas during the day of treatment. Avoid intense physical activity, very spicy foods and exposure to extreme heat like a sauna, before or after your scheduled treatment. Where comfortable clothes that will allow access to your legs, arms, and abdomen, or back. Please do not rush, take your time getting up from the treatment table. Depending on the nature of the treatment, some patients feel awake and enlivened, while others feel sensations of euphoria and bliss, and yet others are more relaxed or tired. What you feel will be unique to you and may not be the same for everyone.

Question 4

Does my insurance provider cover acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is a recognized health care treatment covered by most extended plans. However, be sure to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to see how much is covered and if you require a doctor’s note in advance for reimbursement purposes.

Question 5

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sterile disposable needles are used once and then disposed of immediately. The needles a much smaller in diameter and solid rather than the large, hollow needles used for injections or phlebotomy.

Question 6

What Conditions Can Acupuncture Treat?

Accepted Answer

Since acupuncture is a holistic system and addresses the whole person, it is effective for almost all physical, psychological and emotional symptoms. Listed below are just a few examples:
 
Stress
 
Depression
 
Sleeping Disorders
 
Headaches
 
Chronic or acute pain (back, knee, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hip pain, arthritis)
 
Menstrual Disorders
 
Allergies
 
Gastrointestinal Disorders (food allergies, peptic ulcers, chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gastrointestinal weakness, anorexia, IBS, and gastritis)
 
Urogenital Disorders (stress, incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunctions)
 
Gynecological Disorders (absent, irregular, heavy or painful menstruation, infertility in women and men, and premenstrual syndrome)
 
Disorders of the Bones, Muscles, Joints, and Nervous System, such as arthritis, migraine, headaches, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness and low back, neck and shoulder pain
Circulatory Disorders (hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis and anemia)
 
Emotional and Psychological Disorders (depression and anxiety)
Addictions (alcohol, nicotine, and drugs)
Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders

Question 7

Can I receive acupuncture when I am pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy and can help relieve many pregnancy and postpartum conditions. Because there are some acupuncture points that are contraindicated during pregnancy it is important to inform the practitioner if you are pregnant.  We highly recommend acupuncture during through your first trimester to help assist embryo development, prevent miscarriage, and address any other symptoms that may arise.

Question 8

Has your Acupuncture question been answered?

Accepted Answer

If not, please don't hesitate to contact us.  We are happy to help.

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