FAQs

How does acupuncture work?

The skin is the border to your country. And when the skin gets broken, the body sends out troops. First, a blood clotting factor gets released, so you don't bleed to death. Then there is a knitting factor that gets released to begin knitting the skin back together. Some white blood cells get sent to the area, to make sure that infection doesn't spread into the body. There is an increase in the production of cells to form new skin, we call it a scab or scar tissue. An analgesic gets released to reduce pain and stop you from going into shock. And after a day you have a little thin scab. And after a couple of days it is thicker, and then after a week or so it goes away, and we have nice normal tissue again. This happens automatically. Sometimes we look down and there is a scab and we don't even remember doing anything to cause it. So the body has done it without our thinking about it. This indicates that we have a system inside of us, that is always there taking care of us. All we are doing is tapping into that system, and marshaling it into action for you. We break the skin, at some specific sites, that then marshals that system into action for you. That is acupuncture in a nutshell.

Even the surgeon who cuts you, depends upon what is referred to in Western medicine as the "primary healing system." Primary meaning, first, as in the first wave of defense. The surgeon knows, and depends upon the fact that when he or she cuts the body, it will mend itself back together.

If time allows and there is further interest on the part of the person/patient, the next question may be about these meridians. I will begin to explain the channel/meridian system in this way:

Think of a map of the city and one normally thinks of a road map with all the streets and intersections laid out. And that is one type of map of the city, (whatever city you are practicing in). Now think of a "topographical map of the city." And, in it you see the hills and valleys, rivers and lakes, peaks and streams. It is the same terrain or territory, but you are getting totally different information about it. The first map, the road map, can be compared to what we, you, I, and the Western doctors know about the anatomy of the human body. The second map or topographical map is what we, as acupuncturists, are looking at when we see the body. This is what we call the meridians or channels of the body. They are interconnections within and of the same territory, but with different information than what the road map provides. These are the connections to that primary healing system.

You may be familiar with the old song. "The toe bone connected to the foot bone, and the foot bone is connected to the ankle bone." Well, as I tell my patients - that is true, and that is the way we see the body.

Does acupuncture hurt?

There are about five sensations that you can feel with acupuncture. When I first put the needle in, there may be a slight prick, like plucking a hair. Then you may feel tingling or numbing like sensation. Sometimes it will shoot like electricity, like you hit your funny bone, and that will be the most disturbing sensation, but each of these will just last a couple of seconds and be gone. And on occasion you may feel a heavy or aching sensation. These are all normal, and have been noted over thousands of years.

Before the patient leaves the treatment room, I let them know that they may feel little twitches or tingling in their bodies, over the next 24 to 48 hours, and that is just the treatment working. Just like when you cut yourself you don’t get a scab immediately, the body has now been stimulated toward healing. In addition you may feel like sleeping earlier that night. These are all normal experiences.

Why would I see an acupuncturist?

Most patients today know and seek acupuncture for the treatment of painful conditions. Modern science has now identified many conditions for which acupuncture is a helpful and healing modality. As a result, patients use acupuncture for a wide range of physical conditions. Such as supportive cancer care, palliative treatments, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, painful periods, fertility, anxiety and stress, and sinusitis among many others. Many who are not experiencing ailments also use and seek treatments as a preventative therapy to maintain wellness. The greatest reason to begin acupuncture treatment is to cultivate vitality, radiant health and to stimulate the tremendous innate healing power of the body, mind and spirit.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

A growing number of insurance companies will reimburse for acupuncture treatments. Consult your insurer for the terms of coverage on your policy.

Are the needles safe?

Yes. Sterile disposable needles are used once and then disposed of immediately.

Are there different styles of acupuncture?

There are many styles of acupuncture. Some use more or less needles, some use electrical stimulation, and some use microsystems such as ear acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, and hand acupuncture. To learn more about the distinction before making an appointment, feel free to consult with the practitioner.

I want to come for treatment, what do I do next?

Contact me at the telephone number or email displayed on this website. We will discuss your concerns and schedule an initial visit. During your first visit, we will explore a treatment schedule that will best meet your needs.

How do I get the most out of each treatment?

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and intense physical activity before and after treatment. 

What is Tai Chi Chuan?

Tai Chi Chuan (better known as Tai Chi here in the West) is an ancient Chinese system of exercise for health and longevity. It is composed of a series of slow, graceful, rhythmic exercises designed to increase circulation throughout the body, improve balance, and calm the mind. It is often referred to as moving meditation. Scientific studies completed over the last twenty years provide evidence that practicing Tai Chi Chuan increases physical balance, reduces osteoporosis, increases cardiovascular fitness, reduces stress, and increases mental focus and self confidence.