• How does acupuncture work?

 

We insert sterile hair-thin needles into specific acupuncture points along meridians of energy flow that run across the body. This ancient medicine used empirical science to study the effects of each of these points and meridians. We design a point prescription customized to each patient's needs to shift energy and allow the body to heal itself. In Western scientific terms we puncture the body and cause natural opioids to release and resolve pain, improve circulation, and move blockages.

  

• Does acupuncture hurt?

 

Acupuncture needles are hair-thin and flexible. You may feel a tiny prick as the needle goes in and a slight achy feeling as the energy reaches the needle. Once all the needles are inserted you will relax on the table for 20-30 minutes. Many people fall asleep as the body interacts with the needles and starts the healing process. 

  

• What can acupuncture treat?

 

From the common cold or flu to pain and stress, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can treat many different disorders. A few specific things we treat: acute/chronic pain, stress, depression/anxiety, digestive issues, women's health, headaches, and insomnia. We bring the body back to balance and can prevent future issues from arising.

  

• What should I wear?

 

Wear comfortable loose clothing or bring along a pair of shorts. We may need to access points on the legs, back, or abdomen, with your consent. Please wear a mask.

 

• Should I eat before coming?

 

Yes, be sure to eat a good meal before coming in so your body has the energy and resources to help heal itself.

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• How often do I need to come and for how long?

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This depends on the severity of your condition and how long you have had it. Here are some general guidelines. Each case is unique and we will discuss your individual needs throughout your treatment process.

 

-With minor acute conditions (ie. minor ankle sprain or common cold) you should come 2-3 times the first week to quickly resolve the problem, with maintenance sessions as needed after initial relief.

 

-With chronic or severe acute conditions (i.e. post-surgery, broken bones, joint injury, arthritis), it may take several months to resolve. With severe acute trauma it is best to come in right away to start the healing process. We should meet 3-4 times in the first two weeks, and then re-evaluate, moving to 1-2 sessions per week. Once there is a marked improvement we can shift to 1-2 sessions per month to maintain. Remember, chronic issues can slowly return and prevention is essential to keeping the body in balance.

 

-For menstrual issues or fertility treatments we should meet 1-2 times per week through 3 cycles to see results and then re-evauluate.

 

This is a scientifically based medicine, not magic. Treatment time depends on your immune system and the severity of what we are up against. The longer you have had an issue, the stronger we need to work to build your body's natural healing ability and see results.

 

• I feel better after a couple treatments! Can I just stop coming and feel better forever?

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Once we see results, the work is not yet over. We must maintain to prevent future issues from arising and keep past issues from resurfacing. Once chronic symptoms have subsided, we will need to check in and do maintenance sessions 1-2 times per month to keep the issue from coming back. This will keep the body balanced and keep cyclical issues (digestion, migraines, chronic pain, etc) from popping back up. 

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We will work together to heal you through lifestyle and diet changes, acupuncture, herbs, and adjunct modalities. Let's do this!