What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body to create well-being. Acupuncture is a part of Chinese medicine, an ancient medical system, which also includes Chinese Herbology and Qi Gong.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. Chinese medicine is a safe medicine with very few side effects. Most patients have no adverse reactions to acupuncture. Occasionally, you may feel soreness, numbness, tingling, itchiness, or notice bruising or swelling where the needles were. Some points might bleed a little. If any of these side effects do occur, they should normalize shortly.
Can I catch a contagious disease from an acupuncture needle?
Acupuncture needles come sterilized in a sealed package. Used needles are properly disposed of, and never reused on a different patient.
How does Acupuncture work?
Imbalances in the body can cause all kinds of symptoms, including pain and discomfort. Acupuncture works to balance the systems and energies of the body, alleviating the symptoms of the imbalance.
How long have people been using Acupuncture?
Although acupuncture has been growing in popularity in the United States since the 1970’s, it has been practiced in Asia for thousands of years. Over the centuries acupuncture has been studied and refined into the art and science that we have today.
I’m afraid of needles. Is Acupuncture scary?
The needles used in acupuncture are much smaller than the needles you’re used to at the doctor’s office. In general, they are as thin as a human hair. In fact, most acupuncture needles are so fine that they can actually fit inside the hole of the hypodermic needles that western medical doctors use for injections and blood tests.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
Although you may feel an occasional pinch or poke, acupuncture generally isn’t painful. There is a unique acupuncture sensation though. Often, people describe the feeling as heaviness, a dull ache, a throb, warmth, a pulse, or a twitching sensation. Often, it is unlike anything you’ve ever felt before, yet still comfortable.
What should I do to prepare for my Acupuncture appointment?
•Make sure you wear loose, comfortable clothing.
•You can brush your teeth, but it is best not to brush your tongue before an appointment.
•Try to wear minimal makeup, if any.
•Please refrain from wearing any perfumes or heavy scents.
•Think about the things in your life that you would like to change.
•Make sure that you have eaten something substantial within a few hours before the treatment. Don’t come to an acupuncture appointment on an empty stomach!
How many Acupuncture treatments will I need to get better?
The number and frequency of treatments varies from person to person. A typical treatment plan is 1-3 treatments a week for 4-8 weeks. The frequency of treatments can decrease as your body rediscovers its own balance, eventually weaning off of acupuncture entirely, or coming in for occasional “tune-ups.”
Remember to be patient with yourself. Chinese medicine is a gentle medicine. It can take time.
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