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What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the meticulous placement of hair-fine needles into certain areas or “points” on the body. These points are selected based on the individual condition or concern of the patient.

What does acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is a time-tested treatment for acute or chronic pain conditions as well as internal conditions that involve some kind of inflammation or imbalance in the body. Pain conditions can include back pain, neck pain, hand/wrist pain, hip pain or any kind of musculoskeletal injury or inflammation. Pain conditions may arise from acute injury, osteoarthritis (wear and tear of joints over time), chronic pain from old injuries as well as chronic pain manifesting from inflammatory illnesses.  

Acupuncture is also a great tool to improve women’s health as it relates to hormones, fertility, regulating menstruation and peri-menopausal symptoms like brain fog and hot flashes.

Some other conditions that acupuncture can treat include:

  • Inflammatory Autoimmune Conditions like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, MS, Fibromyalgia, Myasthenia Gravis, Lupus, etc..
  • Skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema
  • Hives and other allergic conditions
  • Gastrointestinal issues that may include: Reflux, GERD, IBS
  • Depression, Anxiety, Stress
  • Fatigue, Insomnia
  • Addiction
  • Stress

The fact is, acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of conditions and disorders. The best way to know if acupuncture is the right option for you is to schedule a free consultation or an initial patient appointment.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture acts as a catalyst that prompts the individual healing response and thus promotes the body’s own ability to repair itself.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

Acupuncture is most effective when done in a series of treatments. Most people start with 4-6 treatments when addressing acute or semi-chronic conditions. Long-standing conditions may need between 8-12 treatments. Most people only need maintenance treatments after their series has been completed.

What does acupuncture feel like? Is it painful?

Acupuncture is painless but not sensation-less. The insertion of an acupuncture needle can create a sensation of slight achiness or pressure. Sometimes, there is a very faint sensation or absolutely no sensation at all. The initial insertion of a needle should never be painful, but at times there may be a very brief sensation of mild sharpness.


How are the needles sterilized? How do I know they are safe?

Acupuncture needles are all sterilized and individually packaged in blister packs. The needles are sterilized most often via gamma ray or ethylene oxide gas. After the individual needle is used, it is thrown away using appropriate biohazard containers. Acupuncture needles are always sterile and never reused.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Licensed acupuncturists have spent thousands of hours understanding the anatomy of the body and how to carefully and safely select the points that are appropriate for each individual. A licensed acupuncturists knows the anatomy not only of the traditional channels, but also precisely where the nerves, blood vessels and arteries are located. The use of needles are done with thorough awareness of appropriate placement and depth based on this knowledge.

Can I use acupuncture in combination with Western medical treatments?

Absolutely. Acupuncture is a perfect complementary treatment to many Western medical treatments. Acupuncture is great at speeding healing and reducing swelling after surgery. It is also great at reducing nausea caused by chemotherapy or pregnancy. Acupuncture is also a great adjunct to pain management programs that involve physical therapy or chiropractic adjustments.

How deep do the needles go? How big are the needles?

Acupuncture needles are hair thin and can range from shallow insertion (3mm) to a deeper insertion (1-2 inches). It depends on the specific condition and area of the body being treated.

Is there any pain or soreness afterwards?

At times there can be a little bit of soreness in the area where a needle is placed. This usually only last a few hours.

Are there any possible side effects?

Possible side effects may include slight bruising or tingling for a day or two at the needling sites. There have been very rare instances of fainting, scarring and infection.

How long are the sessions?

The average acupuncture session lasts about an hour. Sometimes, we will add manual therapy, massage or cupping to your session. This may increase your time in session time to about 75-90 minutes.

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