If you are planning to try Acupuncture, here are some commonly asked questions
What can Acupuncture do?
Physical injuries and pain management
Arthritis
Chronic pain: neck, shoulder, arm, hands, carpal tunnel, back, sciatica, leg, foot
Women's health and fertility: irregular cycles, PMS, painful periods, peri/post-menopause, hot flashes, IVF support, infertility, hormonal imbalance
Sleep and Insomnia
Digestive issues: IBS, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion
Stress related conditions, Anxiety
Allergy
Skin, Dermatological: dermatitis, Herpes zoster (shingles), psoriasis, eczema, rash, acne, wrinkles
Athletic Performance & Recovery
Side effects of Cancer: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite,
Headaches, Migraines
Chronic fatigue
Fibromyalgia
Stroke rehabilitation
Bell’s Palsy
Asthma
Mental Health
Weight loss
General health maintenance through strengthening the immune system and harmonizing the functions of the various organ and meridian systems.
Acupuncture can also help: reduce dependency on pain medication, prepare for and recover from surgery, manage chronic pain when surgery is unavailable, and increase the effectiveness of other therapies (i.e. physical therapy, chiropractic, massage therapy). And, of course, one of the best reasons to choose acupuncture care is that it is a safe, natural, drug-free treatment option.
For more information, please go to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture
Does Acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture generally does not hurt. When the needle is inserted, there is often a slight pinch, followed by varying sensations of warmth, tingling, or a radiating dull ache. During acupuncture, patients commonly experience heaviness in the limbs, a pleasant feeling of relaxation and often fall asleep.
Most of us associate needles with hypodermics used in injections at the doctor's office. Hypodermic needles are much thick and hollo
w. Acupuncture needles are much thinner and solid. In fact about 40 acupuncture needles can fit inside the needle used for blood draws!
Is Acupuncture safe? Are there any side effects?
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are known to be safe and low-risk treatment modalities with minimal side effects under the care of professionally trained and licensed practitioners. Your practitioner will discuss with you any potential side effects that you may experience depending on which modality is used during your treatment.
To become an acupuncturist the practitioner needs to gradate with their Masters in Traditional Medicine as well as pass State Boards. Acupuncturists are considered to be primary healthcare providers in California.
Like other medical Providers, Acupuncturists must complete CEU’s (continuing educational units) to stay current in their field. They must renew their licenses every two years and must possess malpractice insurance.
To determine if a practitioner is qualified, see if they are either state board licensed (California).
Are needles sterile?
Yes, in the clinic I practice at we use sterile single-use disposable needles.
How many treatments will I need, and how frequently?
The number and frequency of treatments will depend on your condition and response to acupuncture. Usually, a series of treatments are needed. Acute conditions generally require fewer treatments while severe or chronic conditions require more.
Acupuncture can be scheduled as often as daily
or as little as once a month. Some patients respond after only one or two treatments, while it may take several weeks for others. Your provider will discuss with you the optimal treatment plan for your case based on your individual case.