How it Works
Acupuncture is the insertion of thin, disposable, stainless steel needles into key points on the body for the purpose of healing pain, anxiety, chronic illness, and much more. The brain responds by releasing endorphins—an excellent pain-reliever!—and other chemicals that activate the body’s powerful self-healing mode. From the Chinese Medicine perspective, Acupuncture activates the flow of life force energy, Qi, along pathways in the body for the purpose of restoring ideal function. It is common for my patients to tell me they feel the best they have in years!
What Does Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture treats a wide variety of physical conditions, including the following:
- Low Back Pain
- Hip Pain
- Neck Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Migraines/Headaches
- Arthritis/Joint Pain
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Allergies
- Constipation
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Fertility
- Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS/PMDD)
- Menopausal Syndrome
- Bell’s Palsy
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Tendonitis/Bursitis
- Tennis Elbow
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Knee Pain
- Sciatica
- Addiction/Smoking Cessation
- Auto-Immune Disorders
- Eye Disorders
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Erectile Dysfunction/Impotence
- PTSD
Acupuncture FAQs
What should I expect?
When you arrive, we will review your medical history and the issues you’d like to work on. After this assessment you will lie on a comfortable treatment table and we will begin the treatment. Acupuncture needles, usually about 5-20, will be placed at strategic points and we will then leave you to relax for 20-50 minutes, depending on the condition we are treating. You will be given a pager in case you need to reach us during the treatment. Then the needles will be removed and we will discuss recommendations and follow-up plans. Your treatment may also include cupping, massage, injections, etc., which will be discussed prior. Wear comfortable clothing that can slide above the knees and elbows.
Does it Hurt?
Acupuncture is not painless, but it certainly is not painful. Most first-time patients arrive a little nervous but quickly relax after the first needle is placed. “I thought it would hurt” is something we often hear. The hair-thin, stainless-steel needles do not inject medication or withdraw body fluids and are not inserted into the blood vessels or nerves. If ever there is an uncomfortable needle, we simply adjust or remove it.
Is it Safe?
Acupuncture is very safe. We earn a national ‘Clean Needle Technique’ certification to become licensed, and we only use disposable, sterilized needles. And because we receive extensive training in human anatomy and physiology, along with thorough safety training, treatment by a licensed Acupuncturist poses very little risk.
How Long Will It Take to Get Results?
Acupuncture works a lot like Physical Therapy, where results build with consistent treatment. Typically, recent injuries and acute conditions require 2-4 weeks of treatment, given 1-3 times/week. Chronic conditions often require 4-8 weeks of treatment, given 1-2 times/week. We often find that sleep and digestion improve quickly, and anxiety/stress often reduces right away as well. We will frequently assess your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Co-treatment with Chiropractics, Massage Therapy, and/or Physical Therapy is an excellent way to speed up and sustain your results
New Patient Paperwork
Prior to your first appointment, you will be emailed 3 Consent Forms (included below for optional review) and a Health History Questionnaire. You may complete these using the links in your email, or you may complete them with us during your initial intake.
Experience the healing benefits of acupuncture today! Call us at (206) 486-8687 to schedule your appointment!
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