Faq
- Is acupuncture safe?
- Does acupuncture hurt?
- Does acupuncture really work?
- Is acupuncture going to interfere with my other medical treatments or medication?
- Is there something religious going on here?
- How many sessions does it take?
- How many needles are you going to use?
- Do I need to do anything special before a treatment session?
- Do you take insurance?
Is acupuncture safe?
When done correctly by a trained practitioner, acupuncture is one of the safest healing methods available. However, there are some things to be aware of. Since needles are being inserted into the body, an acupuncturist must be extremely careful when working around major organs or around the face. Needling particularly sensitive parts of the body such as the genitals, the anus, the navel, nipples, and eyeballs is strictly forbidden. Likewise, it is forbidden to needle into scar tissue, open wounds or open sores. I will always tell you ahead of time where I plan on working, and I will never perform acupuncture in an area you don’t want me to.
A skilled acupuncturist knows the correct needling depths and angles that avoid danger areas. Acupuncture needles are also very thin and fine, factory sterilized, and single-use only. Generally speaking, the only occasional side effects that we see are local bruising, soreness and numbness. Even these are very rare and go away within days.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture should not be painful. You may feel a quick, sharp sensation when the needle is first inserted, but this should go away almost immediately. If it doesn’t, let me know, and I’ll adjust the needle, reinsert it, or we’ll decide not to use that area at all. After insertion, you may feel a dull ache, perhaps a feeling of electricity or tingling, a sensation of heat or cold, or it may just feel strange. Sometimes you can feel Qi moving up or down from the insertion site, or even in another part of your body. Obtaining this Qi sensation is an important part of an acupuncture treatment, and I may manipulate the needle slightly until it arrives. It can feel odd when you first experience it, but it’s nothing to worry about, and something that experienced patients can even come to look forward too. However, you should never have to put up with any sensation that is beyond your tolerance level. If you do feel uncomfortable, let me know right away. You should feel in charge of your treatment session at all times.
Does acupuncture really work?
I certainly think so, or I wouldn’t be doing it! The Chinese are a pragmatic people; Chinese Medicine would not have survived and flourished for hundreds of years if it didn’t work. There are numerous studies that show the beneficial effects of receiving acupuncture.
However, since Western science operates on a reductionist rather than a holistic model, it’s sometime difficult to measure acupuncture’s effects in a controlled study. Please keep in mind, acupuncture is neither a miracle cure nor a sham placebo; it is simply a different healing method.
Is acupuncture going to interfere with my other medical treatments or medication?
No, it shouldn’t. Acupuncture uses your own natural healing powers and energy, and so isn’t really bringing anything into you that wasn’t there already. But since acupuncture works to move energy and remove blockages, it may sometimes increase the effects of some medications. If you have any concerns, please consult your physician. By no means should you discontinue any other treatments you’re receiving without your physician’s advice.
Is there something religious going on here?
Not really. While acupuncture does share some philosophical roots with Taoist thought, and can be used to address emotional and even spiritual issues, there is nothing religious or mystical about it. Acupuncture is part of a practical healing system, and can be used as nothing more than that. It should be compatible with almost everyone’s spiritual and religious beliefs.
How many sessions does it take?
That’s hard to judge. As a general rule, the longer you’ve had the condition, the longer it’s going to take to relieve it. You should never feel as though you’re going to have to have an unlimited number of treatments. We’ll always work together to assess the nature and duration of your treatment. However, one of the benefits of acupuncture is that it goes beyond healing illness and can become a regular part of a healthy lifestyle.
How many needles are you going to use?
That also depends. Most of my treatments use anywhere from 5 to 13 needles total. I find that when a practitioner is using more than that, he or she doesn’t have an accurate diagnosis or is trying to do too many different things. I’ll let you know every time how many needles I think I’ll be using. The image that some people have of a patient with dozens of needles sticking out everywhere isn’t the way I practice.
Do I need to do anything special before a treatment session?
Don’t receive acupuncture on an empty stomach and don’t get it if you’ve just had a big meal. Something light an hour or two before is just right. Don’t get acupuncture if you’re extremely upset, feeling faint, or having serious physical symptoms. Do let me know if you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Do wear comfortable clothes, and be prepared to be spending some time in a relaxed state. You may need a few minutes to readjust after a session, but you should be quite capable of handling ordinary tasks like driving afterwards.
Do you take insurance?
I do work with some insurance plans. Please ask me which ones I’m currently accepting. Even if I’m not part of your plan, I can always generate an acceptable receipt that you can submit for reimbursement.