FAQ

How acupuncture works?

Acupuncture is a highly effective system of medical care based on the laws of nature. To understand the effectiveness of acupuncture, it is helpful to first understand a few things about our body’s core energy system. Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the vital, life-giving energy found both in nature and in the body. Qi animates the body and protects it from illness, pain, and disease. A person’s health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.

Qi moves through the body in precise channels or pathways called meridians which support all functions of the body, mind and spirit. There are 14 main meridians inside the body. Each of these is connected to specific organs and glands.

Meridian pathways are like rivers flowing inside the body. A river transports life-sustaining water and provides nourishment to the land, plants, and people as it flows on the earth. In a similar way, meridian pathways flow throughout the body, transporting life-sustaining Qi and providing nourishment to every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle in the body.

An obstruction to the flow of Qi is like a dam. When Qi becomes backed up in one part of the body, the flow becomes restricted in other parts. This blockage of the flow of Qi can be detrimental to a person’s health, cutting off vital nourishment to the body, including the organs and glands. When the Qi is moving disharmoniously, imbalance begins to surface in the form of specific symptoms.

Physical and emotional traumas, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, poor diet, accidents, or excessive activity are among the many things that can influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.

Normally, when a blockage or imbalance occurs, the body easily bounces back, returning to a state of health and well-being. However, when this disruption is prolonged or excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, illness, pain or disease can set in.

The gentle insertion of hair-thin acupuncture needles at specific points along the meridian pathways balances the Qi of the body to help restore harmony and vitality. The safe and often painless insertion of needles can unlock the obstructions and rebalance the Qi where it has become unbalanced. Once this is done, Qi can freely circulate throughout the body, providing adequate nourishment to cells, organs, glands, tissues and muscles. This process can eliminate pain and restore balance and harmony, as well as invigorate the body’s natural ability to heal itself – ultimately leading to optimal health and well-being.

Does acupuncture hurt?

The sensations that patients experience during acupuncture vary according to each individual. Some patients do not feel any sensations while other may feel a brief soreness or heaviness in the area being needled. Some points are more sensitive than others. Generally, patients describe the sensations as fleeting and the treatment experience as deeply relaxing.

Are the needles safe?

Yes. The needles used are extremely thin, about the thickness of two human hairs. Only sterile disposable needles are used. They are used only one time and then disposed of immediately. This eliminates any risk of disease transmission.

How Chinese herbal medicine works?

Chinese herbal medicine is an important complement to acupuncture treatments. In some cases, herbal medicine can be the central healing modality. Chinese herbal medicine uses natural substances to treat the whole patient. Over the past 3,000-5,000 years, Chinese herbology has evolved into an art form of its own. Ancient herbal information was gathered, compiled, formulated, tested and handed down from generation to generation. Today, practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine continue to prescribe herbal formulas because they are a powerful therapeutic method.

Chinese herbal medicine is based, in part, on working with Qi and substance of the plants and herbs, helping the body balance accordingly. It differs significantly from Western pharmaceuticals in that pharmaceuticals can be synthetic or taken from a part of an herb or plant, thereby increasing its toxicity without the other properties in the whole plant to create balance.

Chinese herbal medicine is formulated as a “poly-pharmacy.” Individual herbs are combined in order to enhance their actions and effects upon the body.

In order to create the most effective formula, the herbs are used in different quantities and for different purposes. This allows the herbalist to create a formula aimed at addressing individual needs. Chinese herbal formulas combined this way offer specific synergistic actions and effects upon body, mind and spirit, which can be a powerful and effective way to address symptoms and support the total person. This combination increases the benefits of a particular formula and minimizes any harmful side effects.

Is Chinese herbal medicine safe?

Yes. When prescribed and used correctly, Chinese herbal formulas rarely cause unwarranted side-effects. And the companies that manufacture the herbal products have strict quality assurance standards. They select the highest quality herbs and conduct the safest standards of production.

Do I have to be ill to benefit from acupuncture?

Absolutely not. You need not have any symptoms to benefit from acupuncture. Acupuncture was originally developed thousands years ago as a way to maintain good health and well-being. Many patients come for regular treatments to achieve increased effectiveness and enjoyment in life. Acupuncture can also be a powerful preventive measure to keep you healthy throughout the year.

How frequent treatments do I need?

Your health needs will determine the frequency of treatment. Most patients begin acupuncture treatment to receive quick relief from physical pain and discomfort or major emotional struggles. If your symptoms are noticeable, frequent, and/or have been long-term, you may benefit from consistent treatments over a period of time. Depending on your unique concerns, you may be encouraged to make frequent visits over a period of weeks or months to promote sustained recovery. Each visit builds on previous visits, paving the way toward eliminating your problems and complaints. Your age, lifestyle and the quality, quantity of your Qi determine treatment care.

Once your immediate needs and underlying problems have been addressed, you are encouraged to move to a maintenance schedule of treatment. This type of care preserves the initial progress you have made. Visits may be monthly or seasonally. Preventive care strengthens your body’s resistance, keeping you healthy, balanced and potentially free from illness. Similar to preventative dental or gynecological appointments, regular acupuncture visits often ensure that small problems are treated before they become major concerns.

What happens during a treatment?

Acupuncture treatments vary. Most treatments involve the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body. Other treatments include a variety of non-needle techniques, such as moxibustion, cupping, Gua Sha and Tui Na massage. Also, Chinese herbal therapies provide tremendous healing and rebuilding potential that are critical for success in treating chronic conditions.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

Please refer to Insurance section under New Paitents.