Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific acupuncture points to stimulate the body’s response to heal itself. Traditional explanations of acupuncture involve its effect on improving the flow of qi (‘vital energy’) and on balancing Yin and Yang throughout the body. By stimulating specific points on the body with pressure or fine needles, acupuncture practitioners are able to restore healthy function, thus resolving symptoms and improving disease.

Based on classical descriptions with a modern understanding, we now know that the flow of qi corresponds to nerve transmission, connective tissue, and metabolic components carried in blood, such as oxygen, hormones, neurotransmitters and nutrients. This also encompasses the functional energy of each organ system. In Summary, Acupuncture aims to assist people in achieving balance, providing relief for many ailments, and maintaining optimal health.

When performed by a licensed and trained professional, acupuncture is extremely safe. All licensed acupuncturists use individual packages of sterile, disposable needles.

Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than a strand of hair and their insertion is practically painless. It is nothing like receiving an ordinary injection. In some cases, you will not even know the needles are in place. In others, there may be some tingling, warmth, heaviness, or a feeling of various sensations throughout the body. Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing, and many fall asleep during treatment.

That depends on the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series of 10-20 treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative and other complex conditions may require treatments over a longer period of time.

To help reduce the number of treatments, your practitioner may suggest dietary modification , specific exercises regimes, relaxation techniques, self-massage, an/or Chinese herbal medicine, all of which may help to increase the efficacy of acupuncture.

Prospective patients should ask about the practitioner’s training and background. And most importantly, the practitioner’s experience in treating your specific issue.

Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated health care profession in over 40 states in the U.S. Additionally, the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) certifies both acupuncturists and Chinese herbal practitioners.

Practitioners who have passed the NCCAOM exam are entitled to have Dipl. Ac. (Diplomate of Acupuncture) after their name.

• Wear loose clothing.
• Women should not wear one piece dresses.
• Avoid wearing stockings.
• Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full or emotionally upset.

Relaxation is the key to a comfortable treatment. There is no need to be frightened. Ask your practitioner any questions you have so that you can get the most benefit possible from the treatment. Do not change your position or make sudden movements. If you are uncomfortable, tell your practitioner.

The outcome of the treatments differs between patients based on how long they’ve experienced the pain or disease. Patients may not feel relief after the first treatment as it can take time for your body to catch up to the process of healing. We ask for your patience as we guide your body through this process. Depending on the condition, the acupuncturist will recommend a treatment plan including how many times the patients should get treated. Patients that follow the treatment plan will see improvement. Acupuncture takes time but it is effective and at the end of the day your body will thank you!