Do I have to choose between acupuncture and other types of health care?

Acupuncture is compatible with other systems of health care. We will be happy to work in conjunction with you and other health care practitioners.

Please inform your acupuncturist of any other health systems and/or medications which you are currently using so that we may integrate our efforts. Our wish is that you receive maximum benefit from all sources.

What can I expect during my treatment?

Your practitioner will carefully evaluate your personal condition by asking questions about past and present medical history, taking the pulses, observing the tongue, and palpating various areas of the body for tenderness. After arriving at a specific diagnostic conclusion, one or several of the following techniques will be incorporated:

Needles

Thin, sterile, stainless steel needles are placed in specific acupuncture points. The needles are at least five times thinner than typical hypodermic needles and insertion is usually painless. You may feel a dull ache, or tingling sensation when the needle is stimulated. Acupuncture is generally a very relaxing experience.

Moxibustion

Moxa is a Chinese herb (mugwort) which is rolled into sticks or cones and burned above the skin. This aromatic herb creates a sensation which is warming and pleasant.

Massage

Massage and body work are often applied in coordination with needling in order to aid relaxation and facilitate the movement of qi.

Herbs

Herbology is an intrinsic aspect of Chinese medicine. Herbs may be prescribed to reduce acute conditions or as a dietary supplement which will build and tonify.

Can acupuncture needles spread disease?

No! Modern day acupuncturists use sterile and disposable needles or follow Environmental Protection Agency standards for needle sterilization. Sterilization procedures protect against the transfer of AIDS, hepatitis and other viral and infectious diseases.

What is expected of me during and after treatment?

This time has been set aside solely for you. Relax and allow the healing process to occur. Feel free to ask questions or voice any concerns which arise during the treatment. Trust that all information is confidential. The treatment does not end when the needles are removed. Acupuncture has initiated a change within the body and now it is your right and responsibility to insure that these positive patterns are fostered. If possible, take some time to relax directly after your treatment. Most importantly, take an active part in your health care.

Your practitioner will be happy to discuss diet and lifestyle changes which will best benefit your specific condition. Occasionally symptoms of illness may temporarily increase after treatment. This is known as the healing crisis – a positive sign that the body is rallying it’s strength to move old blocks and patterns of disease so that a balanced flow of energy may re-establish itself.

How many treatments are needed?

The number of treatments needed to alleviate a disorder varies depending on the type of illness and the individual. Generally, acute diseases can be treated successfully within a few treatments. Chronic problems which have taken years to develop will not be “cured” overnight. Gradual change over time will reflect the gradual restoration of the body’s strength and vitality.

What kind of diseases can acupuncture treat?

Traditional Chinese acupuncture recognizes that may times aches, pains and other discomforts are only symptoms of a deeper, underlying health problem. Therefore, a comprehensive diagnosis is compiled which takes into account the individual’s body, mind and spirit rather than simply categorizing them into a one-sided symptom picture. The basis of acupuncture is to build the body’s own immune system so that disease will not penetrate. Prevention is the best medicine.
Acupuncture has been found useful for the following disorders: