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Custom Professional TreatmentsTry acupuncture and you are bound to receive great results without negative side effects! Painless and profoundly relaxing, it is great for stress, strains, acute back and neck strain or pain, headaches(including migraines), addiction, and much more!
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COMMON QUESTIONS:
We've answered many common and frequently asked questions about acupuncture here.
Simply click on a question below to see the answer.
Simply click on a question below to see the answer.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting very thin needles in specific parts of the body to treat disease or alleviate pain. It is a medically-based system that has been used as a form of primary healthcare by over one-third of the world’s population for thousands of years. The use of acupuncture is growing rapidly in the U.S. because it has been found to be an effective and affordable form of healthcare. It does not work against western medical ideas and can be used in conjunction with western medicine to reduce the need for expensive drugs and invasive treatments. Patients find acupuncture to be painless and profoundly relaxing. Try acupuncture and you are bound to receive great results without negative side effects!
Why should I get acupuncture?
The benefits of acupuncture are numerous. Here is a brief summary.
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture:
- is a safe and cost effective treatment with very few side effects and is useful at any time in life.
- is a useful and economical choice for preventative care.
- is an effective way to treat pain and is useful for those who don't take well to pain medication.
- is useful for seasonal transitions and allergies.
- accesses the rest and digest part of the nervous system and promotes relaxation and improves sleep.
- treats a variety of conditions(see below).
- is fantastic for men's and women's health and fertility.
- stimulates the immune system to help fight illness or prevent new illness from taking hold.
- is useful for pre-surgery prep and allows for a more speedy post-surgical recovery.
How does acupuncture work?
There are many theories on how and why acupuncture works but no one really has a clear explanation. Most likely there is a complex range of factors involving different body systems that allow it to have such a range of effects. I have my own thoughts:
Physically, by inserting a needle through the skin we are creating a micro-trauma, which stimulates a healthy immune response in the body and sends the body reminder messages that healing needs to occur. Think about when you get a cut. The body begins producing red and white blood cells and other healing materials and it sends this healing material to the site of the injury. Acupuncture, on a physical level, does just this.It kicks on the immune system and sends naturally created healing materials throughout the body.
It also stimulates the rest and digest part of our nervous system once the needles are in. This is becoming a bit of a rare state for us these days. Getting into this state of being can help our digestion, emotions, and sleep. How lovely!
One of the most widely referenced studies by Dr. Bruce Pomerantz, an American physician, found that the body produces lots of endorphins, our natural pain killing chemical, while receiving acupuncture.
It also works on the emotional and spiritual levels, though you do not have to have any specific beliefs for it to work. To me, it seems to bring us closer to our most pure consciousness and it allows us to deepen our understanding of our bodies, our thoughts, and our hearts.
Physically, by inserting a needle through the skin we are creating a micro-trauma, which stimulates a healthy immune response in the body and sends the body reminder messages that healing needs to occur. Think about when you get a cut. The body begins producing red and white blood cells and other healing materials and it sends this healing material to the site of the injury. Acupuncture, on a physical level, does just this.It kicks on the immune system and sends naturally created healing materials throughout the body.
It also stimulates the rest and digest part of our nervous system once the needles are in. This is becoming a bit of a rare state for us these days. Getting into this state of being can help our digestion, emotions, and sleep. How lovely!
One of the most widely referenced studies by Dr. Bruce Pomerantz, an American physician, found that the body produces lots of endorphins, our natural pain killing chemical, while receiving acupuncture.
It also works on the emotional and spiritual levels, though you do not have to have any specific beliefs for it to work. To me, it seems to bring us closer to our most pure consciousness and it allows us to deepen our understanding of our bodies, our thoughts, and our hearts.
What does acupuncture treat?
Virtually anything! In short, it is great for sprains/strains/ acute back/neck strain or pain, TMJ, Bell's Palsy, headaches(including migraines), Palpitations, early stages of cold and flu, asthma, tendinitis, arthritis, insomnia, Raynaud's, anxiety, stress, addiction, IBS, reflux, hemorrhoids, gynecological issues(including PMS), shingles, and pre-post surgery for accelerated healing.
Here is a list of diseases, symptoms or conditions for which the World Health Organization has deemed appropriate for treatment with acupuncture. This is not a complete list! If there is anything not on this list you are curious about, please call and ask! See the link below.
Click here for a more specific list.
Here is a list of diseases, symptoms or conditions for which the World Health Organization has deemed appropriate for treatment with acupuncture. This is not a complete list! If there is anything not on this list you are curious about, please call and ask! See the link below.
Click here for a more specific list.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
No! This does not mean that it will always be painless. You may feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted, but it is much less than the prick you feel during an injection, since the needles are much thinner. You may feel a heaviness, numbness, tingling, or mild soreness after the needles have been inserted, but it is not painful. Most patients have stated that there is little or no pain as very fine, sterile, disposable needles are used. Most of all, an acupuncture treatment should be a deeply relaxing and peaceful experience. Treatments are available without the use of needles through bodywork therapy.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Most often a series of treatments are necessary to resolve a condition. Usually short term, acute conditions will respond within a few treatments and chronic, longer-term conditions may take longer. Each case and condition is treated individually. We will determine a plan for your specific needs and will discuss that with you at the first appointment. The number of treatments required depends on each person's condition and response to acupuncture. A consultation is required to determine requirements. Treatments can be between 45 to 90 minutes in length with the first consultation usually lasting longer. One acupuncture session does not usually result in lasting pain relief. Usually, at least two sessions a week for four to five weeks is a normal course of treatment. It may take several treatments before you notice any drastic benefit, so try at least five or 10 treatments before giving up.
Can Children be treated with acupuncture?
Children of all ages are treated and respond well to acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment. In addition, young children of those apprehensive of the use of acupuncture needles may be treated without needles using bodywork. In addition, herbal formulas are usually prescribed to enhance the acupuncture treatments and to provide further care between treatments as well.
Should I Consult With My Physician before Getting Acupuncture And Oriental Medicine Treatment?
It is advisable to always inform your doctor or physician about any treatment that you are seeking and it is also very important to have a list of medications and supplements that you are taking available during your first consultation with your acupuncturist. Some physicians will also refer acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners to patients.
Does the Medical Establishment Approve of Acupuncture?
Yes. There are approximately 6,500 licensed acupuncturists in the U.S. and 3,000 doctors who perform acupuncture as part of their medical practice. In addition, the World Health Organization currently recognizes more than 40 medical problems which can be helped by acupuncture treatment. The FDA regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices.
Will My Health Insurance Policy Cover Acupuncture Treatment?
We do not currently does not accept insurance. Some insurance companies will pay for acupuncture treatment. Because each insurance provider has different restrictions, it is best to consult with your provider to determine if your treatment will be covered.