FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What should I expect?
A:When you go into a typical adult acupuncture session, the patient wears loose clothing and lies on a massage table or is seated in a chair. After answering some brief questions about the nature and location of the health problem as well as basic questions about general health, allergies and other existing conditions, the practitioner will concentrate on specific acupressure points, energy trigger points, muscles and joints surrounding the affected area. Never go for a treatment just after eating…wait at least an hour.

Q: How long will my treatment last?
A: Treatment sessions last from 30 minutes to over an hour. Patients often return for additional treatments for chronic conditions. As with most “energy-based” treatments, the patient usually feels either relaxed and tired, or surprisingly energized by the treatment and release of pain.

Q: What exactly is it? Where did acupuncture originate?
A: In ancient China, medical therapy was often classified into “external” and “internal” treatments. Acupuncture was one of the external methods, especially suitable for use on the elderly population and on infants. Today it is subdivided into specialized treatment for “infants”, “adults”, “orthopedics”, “traumatology”, “cosmetology”, “rehabilitation”, “sports medicine”, etc. Acupuncture has been used extensively in China for over 2,000 years.

Q: How about afterwards?
A: Acupuncture has no side effects unlike many modern drug-based and chemical-based treatments. It has been used to treat or compliment the treatment of many conditions, especially specific musculo-skeletal disorders and chronic stress-related disorders of the digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems.

Q: Is acupuncture painful?
A: Occasionally a patient may feel slight pain when the needle is inserted, but that feeling should dissipate quickly. Most people are pleasantly surprised and feel very little. Of course some people are more sensitive than others and may feel numbness, tingling, a heavy sensation or light throbbing. All of these sensations are quite normal.

Q: Do you use sterile, disposable needles?
A: Yes, always.

Q: Are acupuncture and herbal medicine safe?
A: Overall acupuncture and herbal medicine have fewer side effects than other modalities used today — when practiced by a licensed professional. You will sign a consent form that discusses potential risks and side effects of treatment. These risks are minimal compared to the use of pharmaceuticals.

Q: What happens at the first treatment?
A: You will need to fill out a patient intake form detailing your health history and current health concerns. Please come 10-15 minutes in advance of your scheduled appointment time to fill out paperwork. We will then discuss your current concerns. I will ask questions, take your pulse and look at your tongue. You will then lie on the table and enjoy the treatment. Please come wearing loose, comfortable clothing.

Q: Should I eat before my treatment?
A: It is best to eat a light meal or a snack before your treatment. Do not come hungry or on a full stomach.

Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: That depends on the condition being treated. For acute or mild conditions, it is possible to see results after one or two treatments. For chronic or more internal conditions, it will take longer. I will discuss a treatment plan with you.

Q: Should I stop seeing my doctor?
A: No. Western medicine excels at recognizing disease conditions through blood, urine, tissue and imaging tests. Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used in conjunction with Western medicine for the past 50 years in China. Some conditions are best treated by Western methods, while others are effectively treated by Traditional Chinese Medicine. Many Chinese Medicine doctors are also MDs, and the two systems complement each other in many ways.

Q: Should I stop taking my prescription medications?
A: No, it is important to take medications as prescribed by your doctor. Acupuncture and herbs can help gradually decrease the need for certain medications, like medications for pain or allergies. It is always important to consult with your doctor before decreasing or stopping medications of any kind.