Acupuncture FAQ’s 

What Does Acupuncture Treat?

The goal of acupuncture is to help your body heal itself. It's used to alleviate both symptoms and underlying conditions. Acupuncture can help with many conditions, including: 

  • Respiratory: Common colds, cough, allergies, asthma

  • Digestion: Irritable bowel syndrome, GERD, heartburn, nausea, bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation, low appetite, excessive appetite, gastritis, peptic ulcer

  • Urogenital: Urinary incontinence or urgency, urinary tract infections, infertility

  • Gynecological: Irregular menses, painful periods, PMS, menopausal symptoms, low libido, PCOS

  • Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, "brain fog", feeling "stuck", worry, grief, low energy, insomnia, stress, PTSD, agitation, anger

  • Musculoskeletal & Nervous System: Acute and chronic muscle pain (back, neck, shoulder, arm, hand, wrist, hip, knee, and foot pain), muscle spasm, tightness, stiffness, arthritis, traumatic injury, post-operative pain, migraine/headache, neuropathy and others

  • Circulatory: Numbness, cold hands/feet, hypertension, hypotension, anemia

  • Endocrine: Body temperature regulation, excessive sweating or night sweats, excessive thirst

  • Addiction: Alcohol, cigarettes, prescription medication, sugar

  • Skin Disorders: Dryness, rashes, poison oak 

  • Much more, so please ask! 

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system developed over thousands of years aimed at preventing and treating a wide range of illness.

The diagnostic methods used by a TCM practitioner (e.g. reading the pulse, observing the tongue, asking questions) establishes a diagnosis and treatment within the Traditional Chinese Medicine system. A western medical diagnosis isn't always necessary for the acupuncturist. In fact, in many cases, acupuncture helps issues that are undiagnosed or even misdiagnosed by western medicine.  And, a lot of people seek out acupuncture as a "last resort" when not finding answers or effective treatments elsewhere for their condition.  The holistic approach of TCM is one of the key features of a successful acupuncture treatment, and one of its most prominent differences from conventional biomedicine. 

a large abstract painting hangs on the wall above the clinic exam table covered with a soft flannel sheet. There is a small plant and wooden cabinet partially in the frame.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine where specific points on the body are stimulated to balance the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”) or energy. Where Qi is blocked or deficient, illness and pain arises. 

In a biomedical sense, another way to think of acupuncture is harmonizing the body's systems and allowing the body to repair itself while maintaining health. Acupuncture points are places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. This stimulation boosts the activity of your body's natural painkillers (endorphins), reduces excess inflammation, regulates the immune system, affects endocrine function, and increases circulation.

How Long Will a Treatment Take?

Your first visit will take one and a half to two hours. Routine follow up appointments range from 45 minutes to 1 hour.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

How many treatments you’ll need will depend on severity and complexity of what is being addressed. We'll get a better idea after your first few sessions and talk about what’s right for you. Once we're both happy with your progress, routine "tune-up" appointments, every 2-4 weeks will keep you where you want to be. 

Does It Hurt?

This is a common first question from people who've never had acupuncture before. Fortunately, acupuncture needles are nothing like hospital syringes. Unlike a hollow syringe, acupuncture needles are completely solid and thus can be extremely thin and flexible. In fact, over 40 acupuncture needles can fit into the diameter of a single syringe! I laughed with relief the first time I saw an acupuncture needle. I have a pretty serious needle phobia, yet I am totally OK with acupuncture. It's just that different. I want you to feel relaxed & ready for a wonderful rest, not bound up and full of worry.  You'll be relieved to find out how blissful an acupuncture treatment actually is. Please let me know about any anxiety you might have about your session so we can address that right away.

How Do I Prepare for My Treatment?

Before your session, it's good to have a light meal or snack. It’s also recommended you wear comfortable, loose clothing, and there is space for you to change if you need to. It is helpful also to bring a list of any medications or supplements you are taking, and your insurance card if you need help figuring out your insurance coverage.