Frequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture is an ancient system of complementary medicine that’s worked to keep people healthy for over 2,500 years. Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of hair-thin needles at key points on the body. These needles interact with the fascial network (our internal messenger system) to alter brain chemistry and stimulate internal responses, such as regulating hormones like cortisol, releasing pain-relieving endorphins, increasing circulation, reducing inflammation and more. Primary acupuncture benefits include managing pain, digestion, sleep and hormone-related health–as well as mental health issues like stress, anxiety and depression. Acupuncture not only has the potential to help you feel better, but it can also help you look better. It’s an ancient Chinese beauty secret known to reduce wrinkles and inflammation while boosting collagen and elastin.
Acupuncture is scientifically proven for more than 300 health conditions! Hair-thin needles inserted in specific combinations at specific points interact with our internal messenger system by releasing chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, brain, etc. These biochemical changes stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
Our treatments are designed with your comfort and relaxation in mind. When the needles are put in, it’s common to feel nothing at all. Sometimes, there’s a brief dull ache or warm sensation. Most people report how relaxed they are during the treatment, often falling asleep. We encourage you to find out for yourself, but personally we feel that an acupuncture nap is the nap to end all naps! Be warned: you may never nap this well again… When the treatment is over, you’ll barely notice when the needles come out. And chances are you’ll be so blissed out you won’t even feel it at all. Post-treatment, you should feel calm and relaxed at a minimum–and pat yourself on the back for taking the time to invest in your health. The rest of how it will feel depends on your particular health needs and treatment.
No, never! Every needle is a single-use, sterile needle. Once it is used, it is properly disposed of. Every patient gets new needles opened at the time of treatment.
You will often feel improvement from the very first session. However, because every patient case varies, timelines can be provided following an initial assessment.
As a general rule of thumb, the following holds true :
– For more minor, non-chronic injuries or movement challenges, we can see dramatic improvement within 4-6 sessions.
– For more major or chronic injuries or movement issues, we ballpark around 10-12 sessions.
– For severe or long-term chronic issues, it may take up to 20 sessions to see a significant resolution of your symptoms.
Eat a light meal 1-2 hours prior to your visit.
It is best to wear comfortable, loose clothing. If we are working on the lower body, wear or bring shorts. If we are working on the shoulder, neck or mid-back area, wear a tank top with access to the area that hurts.
We aim to see improvements after each visit such as increased range of motion, ease of movement, and decreased signs/symptoms.
Many patients report slight post-workout soreness and occasional bruising in both the area treated and the area of referred symptoms. This soreness typically lasts up to 24 hours following treatment.
Rest, relax, and recover.
We usually recommend drinking additional water to flush out the fluid we release. To alleviate the soreness that may follow treatment, we recommend rest, water, applying ice or heat to the area, and performing stretches for the treated muscle. We also recommend Epsom salt baths as the magnesium in Epsom salt is great for muscle relaxation, and the heat of a bath helps increase blood flow.
You are welcome to come in with your partner, although if you both want treatment you will be assigned separate practitioners. If you would like your partner to accompany you during a consultation, you are very welcome to bring them along, but please note that the consultation will be primarily focused on you individually, and that you will be the only one receiving the treatment at that time.
Unfortunately I do not offer electrical stimulation during pregnancy unless the exact goal is to promote induction of labor. The research on whether or not acupuncture can cause a miscarriage is unclear, so we err on the side of caution and do not preform this modality during pregnancy.
Because any other electrical current may interfere with the pacemaker’s ability to regulate heart rate, we do not use this modality on patients with a pacemaker. Please inform your acupuncturist if you have a pacemaker.