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Acupuncture Frequently Asked Questions

I’VE NEVER HAD ACUPUNCTURE BEFORE. WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?

DOES IT HURT?

WHAT DO I DO? WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?

ARE THERE ANY CONTRAINDICATIONS RELATED TO ACUPUNCTURE?

I'VE NEVER HAD ACUPUNCTURE BEFORE. WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting very fine sterile needles into the skin to stimulate specific points (called acupoints) for therapeutic purposes. These points may also be stimulated by magnets, heat, electric stimulation or pressure.

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WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?

Eye, ear, nose, throat disorder:  sinusitis, sore throat, hay fever, earache, nerve deafness, ringing in the ears, dizziness, poor eyesight

Circulatory disorders: high blood pressure, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis, anemia

Gastrointestinal disorders: irritable bowel syndrome, spastic colon, colitis, constipation, diarrhea, food allergies, ulcers, gastritis, abdominal bloating, hemorrhoids

Gynecological/Genitourinary disorders: premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irregular, heavy or painful menstruation, endometriosis, menopause, fibroids, chronic bladder infection, complications in pregnancy, morning sickness, kidney stones, impotence, infertility in men and women, sexual dysfunction

Immune disorders: Candida, chronic fatigue, HIV and AIDS, Epstein Barr Virus, allergies, Lupus, MS, hepatitis

Addiction: smoking cessation, drugs, alcohol

Emotional and psychological disorders: anxiety, insomnia, depression, stress

Musculoskeletal and Neurological disorders: arthritis, neuralgia, sciatica, back pain, bursitis, tendonitis, stiff neck, Bells Palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, headaches and migraines, stroke, cerebral palsy, polio, sprains, muscle spasms, shingles

Respiratory disorders: asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, colds and flus

Acupuncture can also help treat: Chemotherapy/radiation side effects, diabetes, dermatological disorders, weight control

And others not listed here.

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DOES IT HURT?

The insertion of the needle into the acupoint is generally painless or felt as a tiny pinprick. The needle, which is the size of a hair, usually goes just under the skin and rarely draws blood. Once the correct stimulus has been obtained, you may feel some pressure, heaviness, tingling, warmth, or an electrical sensation in the region of the point. The needles are sterile, single use, tiny needles that are tapped into the prescribed point through a tiny tube to ensure sterility and painless insertion. Many people feel a very relaxing sensation for the duration of the treatment.

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WHAT DO I DO? WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?

Your first appointment will include a consultation as well as a treatment – it should be scheduled for 1 ½ hours.  In the first 30 minutes, the acupuncturist will do an extensive intake to gather all information that will be needed to make a clear diagnosis and to find out all the things that make you unique. The next 45 minutes is where you will be resting with the needles in. The last 15 minutes will be left to discuss a treatment plan and recommendations for diet, herbs, etc. All follow-up appointments will be 60 minutes in length. You are encouraged to let the acupuncturist know if at any time you feel uncomfortable.

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ARE THERE ANY CONTRAINDICATIONS RELATED TO ACUPUNCTURE?

• If you are intoxicated. This is true for all forms of bodywork.
• If you have just had a large meal - wait for 2 hours.
• The practitioner will advise about these:
  • Certain points are contraindications with particular conditions (i.e., pregnancy)
  • Caution should be used with certain conditions (i.e., excessive needling with increased fatigue. Moxa or cupping may be used instead)
• After an acupuncture session, wait for 2 hours to exercise. Increased physical activity will help achieve best results if you wait for 2 hours to exercise.

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