Treatment FAQ

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture started more than 2,000 years ago in China and is one of the oldest forms of medicine still in use today. It promotes physical and emotional health, prevents illness and treats many medical conditions. With the insertion of extremely thin, sterile needles, acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, causing the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters and hormones, and increases blood flow. This affects immune reactions and other systems and energizes the body’s natural healing abilities.

Does it Hurt?
The sensation caused by acupuncture varies. Some people feel a slight pinch as the needles are inserted, but most people feel no pain at all. The needles are just a little larger than a cat’s whisker or a human hair.

How Safe is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects except feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once and then discarded.

How Deep Do the Needles Go?
Although the depth of the insertion varies, typically needles are inserted 0.5” to 1.5”

How Much Does it Cost?
Initial treatments are $75 and follow-up treatments are $50. We only accept cash at this time.

How Long Will the Session Last?
A typical session is 50 to 55 minutes, including a brief intake, needle insertion, needle retention and needle removal. However, the first session is generally longer (up to 2 hours) due to the extensive initial intake interview. Needles are retained anywhere from 20 to 35 minutes.

What Does Acupuncture Treat?
Although it is most well-known in the U.S. for treating pain, acupuncture is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) for its ability to treat a wide variety of ailments including:

•Respiratory Disorders
Asthma, allergies, sinus congestion, chronic cough, bronchitis and emphysema

•Gastrointestinal Disorders
Indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, food sensitivities, anorexia, ulcers and gastritis

•Gynecological Disorders
Irregular menstruation, painful menstruation, infertility and pre-menstrual
syndrome (PMS)

•Musculoskeletal Disorders
Arthritis, polymyalgia, back, neck, shoulder, hip, knee and foot pain

•Nervous System Disorders
Headaches, dizziness, neuralgia and insomnia

•Emotional & Psychological Disorders
Stress, depression and anxiety

•Addictions
Nicotine, alcohol, prescription and recreational drugs

How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments depends on the individual, their constitution, and the details of their condition. Generally speaking, the more chronic the condition, the longer it will take to treat. Some people have drastic reductions in symptoms in a few treatments, others require a longer course of consistent sessions.

How Should I Prepare for My First Treatment?
The first treatment usually lasts up to 2 hours because a detailed intake must be performed. Bring questions or any documentation you may have relating to your condition. Take notes of any related factors, (what makes the condition better, what makes it worse) as well as timeframes (frequency, time of day). Come dressed in loose, comfortable clothing where your arms up to your elbows and your legs up to your knees are accessible. Make sure you have eaten at least an hour before your treatment.

What Does Normal Mean?
“Normal” is a subjective term and means different things to different people. For some people urinating 20 times a day is normal. For others, 3 times a day is what they are used to. It is important when discussing your symptoms to be as detailed as possible.

What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is the burning of the herb “moxa” (Chinese Mugwort) over specific points in order to induce a therapeutic effect.

What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a tool used to scrape the body’s surface in order to stimulate blood flow, nerve reaction and tissue reconstruction to a specific area. It is often used on the large muscles of the back and neck to treat pain and release tension.