Frequently Asked Questions

The Latest Questions

  • What conditions does acupuncture treat?
  • What is an acupuncture treatment like?
  • Are the needles reused?
  • Does acupuncture hurt?
  • How many sessions do I need to have before I feel better?
  • How will I feel after an acupuncture session?
  • How does acupuncture work?
  • How long does each session take?

Acupuncture can successfully treat many conditions, including:

    *Pain management (arthritis, sciatica, joint pain, back/neck pain, headaches/migraines, tendonitis, bursitis, muscle spasms)
    *Stress management
    *Mental Health (insomnia, depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD)
    *Women’s health (PMS, infertility, menstrual health, menopause)
    *Respiratory (asthma, cough, shortness of breath)
    *Ears, Nose, Throat (allergies, hay fever, sinusitis, colds, flu, tinnitus, earache)
    *Digestive (gastritis, GERD, bloating, ulcers, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, IBS, diabetes)
    *Pregnancy (induction, morning sickness, lactation)
    *Urinary disorders (urinary tract/bladder infections, kidney stones, incontinence, impeded flow)
    *Circulatory (anemia, high blood Pressure, angina)
    *Sexual dysfunction (infertility, impotence, low libido)
*Neurological (neuropathy, post stroke, Bell's Palsy, shingles, memory loss)
    *Acne, skin conditions
    *Side effects from cancer treatments
    *And more!

This varies greatly and is unique in each circumstance/visit. Generally, between 4-12 needles are inserted and left in for about 15-30 minutes. A treatment may include acupuncture, cupping, Chinese herbal medicine, heat therapy, dietary and lifestyle guidance, movement, and massage.

No. All needles used are sterile, disposable, FDA-approved medical devices, and for single use only.

Acupuncture needles are much finer than those used for injections and blood tests (25 to 50 times thinner than hypodermic needles) and the insertion of the needles is done very quickly. While some feel nothing at all, others experience a brief moment of sensation. Some describe it as feeling heavy, tingling or activating (desirable sensations known as "attaining qi"). Most people find the experience relaxing and many fall asleep during sessions.

Length, number, and frequency of sessions vary greatly. For most conditions, a series of several sessions are necessary to achieve the maximum benefit. After the initial consultation, we will determine the best treatment plan for you, including the techniques to be used, as well as the frequency and expected duration of treatment. Acute conditions, such as the common cold, generally require less time and frequency; whereas more chronic or severe ailments may require several (or several dozens) sessions. Appointments are scheduled further and further apart after the optimal response has been achieved. Some people experience great benefits from weekly or monthly sessions.

Patients typically feel relaxed and calm. After a session, it is a good idea to sit quietly, relax, and allow the treatment to settle in the body. A gentle walk or very mild exercise can also be helpful. Avoid big meals, vigorous exercise, alcohol, and stressful situations.

Chinese Medicine believes that channels/meridians of qi (life force, energy) run in regular patterns throughout the body. These energetic channels flow through the body to nourish the tissues and organs. Any obstruction (imagine a dam or a kink in a hose) in the proper movement of qi causes the body to be in disharmony and creates an imbalance in the body. Needling the acupuncture points can influence the channel by unblocking the obstruction and reestablishing the healthy and proper flow through the channel, and improves the function of the internal organs.

This improved energy flow produced by acupuncture and its related modalities results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities and promoting physical and emotional well-being. Western science has suggested a few theories on how acupuncture may work. They include conduction of electromagnetic signals, activation of opioid systems, changes in brain chemistry, sensation, and involuntary bodily functions (NCCAM Research study, 2002).

For your initial visit, set aside 75-120 minutes. For subsequent visits, plan on 45-60 minutes

Two ancient Chinese model of human torso with Chinese characters written at the acupuncture point locations