Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that uses needles to stimulate different points in the body. Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine which theorizes disease to be caused by disruptions in the natural flow of energy, or qi, in the body. The needles stimulate movement of this qi along channels, called meridians.

What types of conditions can acupuncture treat?

·        Joint or muscle pain

·        Sports injuries

·        Headaches and migraines

·        TMJ and jaw issues

·        Menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, etc)

·        Infertility (including pre- and post-IVF transfer)

·        Chronic stress

·        Insomnia

·        Menstrual concerns (PMS, PCOS, irregular cycles, menstrual cramps, etc)

·        Mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, etc)

Does acupuncture hurt?

Everyone has a different sensitivity levels but acupuncture rarely hurts if it’s done correctly. Needles are inserted very quickly to bypass the layer of skin that contains nerves. When needles are inserted into muscles, most people barely feel anything at all. There tends to be more sensation when needles are inserted into shallow areas of skin, in the hands or feet, or near bones but this is usually described as “pinchy” and tends to go away after the needle is inserted.

Some people notice sensation while the needle is in but this is rarely described as painful. There is usually an achy, dull, heavy or tired sensation and most people do not find it bothersome once they know this is a normal, expected reaction.

Are the acupuncture needles reused?

Absolutely not! Each individual needle is sealed in a sterile, plastic package prior to each use. The area where the needle will be inserted is sanitized with alcohol before treatment begins and each needle is inserted only once. Once the needle is removed, it is placed into a biohazard sharps container to be disposed of safely.

How many acupuncture treatments do I need?

It completely depends on your condition. Generally at least 4 treatments are required to correct the underlying imbalance but this may vary based on how long your condition has been present and how severe your symptoms are. At first, treatments are performed weekly in order to see best results. Your treatments may later be spaced out to bi-weekly, monthly or as needed depending on your progress. Acute conditions typically resolve completely but regular treatment may be required long term for chronic conditions.