What is Acupuncture?
Several thousand years ago, East Asian practitioners discovered that the body forms disharmonies as a result of the various physical and mental stresses of life. Oriental medical theory explains these disharmonies as an imbalance of opposing forces called yin and yang. This imbalance disrupts the movement of the body's vital energy (qi) along the meridian pathways, which are channels through which the body's energy is thought to flow. Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of qi. By inserting and manipulating needles at specific points on the body, I help return the body to its natural balance and promote the body's ability to heal itself.
What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?
Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like hypodermic injections at the doctor's office. They won't. Acupuncture uses hair-thin, flexible needles that you will hardly feel when inserted. When gently stimulated, the needles may produce a unique sensation that Oriental medicine calls de qi. Patients often describe de qi as an achy pressure, or spreading, traveling feeling. You may also feel an "electrical" sensation moving down the meridian pathways. Most patients find these acupuncture sensations deeply satisfying and leave the treatment feeling relaxed both mentally and physically.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more then one treatment is necessary. It depends on your condition, but you will usually begin to feel relief after just the first few treatments. Chronic conditions may take longer to respond than acute, depending on the type, severity, and duration of the condition. Preventative treatments and treatments for general well-being may also be scheduled on an as-needed basis.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. Acupuncture is used by millions of Americans every year. Acupuncturists are required to undergo extensive education, including detailed study of human anatomy and training in Clean Needle Technique. As required by law, I use pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles to ensure complete safety. Acupuncture is one of the most effective, natural, drug-free therapies available in the United States. Acupuncture has extremely low risk of negative side effects.
Your First Visit
I encourage patients to wear comfortable clothing when coming for treatment. When you arrive for your first acupuncture appointment I will ask you to complete a comprehensive intake form (if you have not already downloaded the form from this website). The acupuncture intake form asks questions about your current state of health, past illnesses, and family history. These questions are important because the holistic approach of Oriental medicine takes everything into account. Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex landscapes and everything that happens to them leaves evidence of past conditions.
After reviewing your intake form, we will discuss your condition and I will examine your pulse and tongue, which are two of the basic diagnostic methods of Oriental medicine. The acupuncture points I choose will depend on your condition. Once the needles are inserted, I will leave you to lie comfortably for up to 30 minutes with the needles in place. Many people find acupuncture treatment deeply relaxing and it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during this time.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture works by activating the body's own healing powers, so it can be beneficial for many health conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented many symptoms, illnesses, and conditions that have been shown in controlled clinical trials to be effectively treated with acupuncture. Below are some common conditions I can treat, but please feel free to contact me about your specific health condition.
Pain
- Sports injuries
- Muscle pain
- Back, neck and shoulder pain
- Leg, ankle and foot pain
- Arm, wrist and hand pain
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis Elbow
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Jaw pain (TMJ)
- Dental pain
- Sciatica
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Headaches and migraines
- Postoperative pain
Digestive Issues & Nausea
- Heartburn, Acid Reflux
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Chronic indigestion
- Chronic loose stools or constipation
- Peptic ulcer
- Acute and chronic gastritis
- Morning sickness
- Nausea and vomiting
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
Respiratory Complaints
- Sinusitis
- Allergies
Reproductive Issues
- Infertility
- Increased efficacy of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
