Frequently Asked Questions

What does acupuncture treat?
The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of health problems, including:

Digestive Disorders: Gastritis and hyper-acidity, spastic colon, irritable bowel syndrome.

Respiratory Disorders:  Sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, allergies, asthma, persistent bronchial cough, recurrent chest infections, and recovery from a respiratory infection.

Neurological and Muscular Disorders:  Headaches, migraines, acute/chronic neck pain and tension, rib pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendonitis, low back pain, muscle spasm, trigger points, sciatica, and osteoarthritis of the knees. For acute muscular disorders and pain, the sooner it is treated with acupuncture, the faster the recovery.

Urinary, Menstrual and Reproductive Disorders: Infertility, menopausal symptoms, painful periods, PMS, irregular menstruation.

Other Issues:  Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Insomnia

Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is a very safe modality.  Any possible risks or side effects will be reviewed with you prior to your first treatment.  You may read the informed consent on the forms section of this site.  Acupuncturists use pre-sterilized, single use, disposable needles. 

What does acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture needles are incredibly fine and people experience a variety of sensations, but not usually pain.  Most patients’ experience with needles is having blood drawn or receiving inoculations with a hypodermic needle.  Medical hypodermic needles are stiff, hollow, and thick for forcing liquid into or withdrawing it from the patient’s flesh, which can be uncomfortable, if not painful.  Typically, acupuncture needles are fine and flexible, no bigger around than a human hair or piece of thread.  In the hands of a skilled acupuncturist, the slender needle produces little or no sensation.   The sensation that acupuncturists call Da Qi or the arrival of qi is generally a slight tingling, heaviness or a dull ache.  First-time patients are usually amazed at how comfortable they are during the treatment.

Most people experience a feeling of deep relaxation during and after treatment; some patients may feel a little disoriented. It is a good idea to give yourself time to continue relaxing after your treatment.  It is best not to engage in strenuous activities the day of treatment, nor to use alcohol or recreational drugs.

How many treatments will I need?
If your condition is acute, (the onset was recent and sudden), your condition can most likely be treated in 2 to 3 sessions.  If your condition is chronic, (you have had the condition for a long time or it comes and goes), you may need a longer course of treatment over several months before you experience significant change.  Most people experience some changes after 2 or 3 treatments.

If any type of change is experienced after treatment the prognosis is good, even if symptoms seem to worsen at first. They will improve after becoming seemingly worse. A follow-up treatment can be given 2-7 days after the first in order to support the cumulative effect of acupuncture. Symptoms may improve for 3-5 days and then return; follow-up treatments will extend the length of time the symptoms subside; they will completely disappear with subsequent treatments. After patients experience the healing effects of acupuncture they often opt to come in for "tune-up" sessions periodically in order to maintain their health and treat any imbalances that may occur as a result of everyday life.

How much does it cost?
The initial treatment is approximately 1-1/2 hours and costs $90.  Subsequent sessions cost $65 and last 60-75 minutes.  Some health insurance plans do cover acupuncture.  Each session consists of an intake, the insertion of needles and application of other modalities, if appropriate, followed by a 15-20 minute period during which the needles are retained. 

What should I do before a treatment?

• Please eat something a couple of hours before your treatment.
• Wear/bring loose fitting, comfortable clothing (pants that can easily pass over your knees, shorts, tank top).
• It is best not to come to your treatment after heavy physical work or sex. Also, after treatment it is best not to engage in strenuous activities for the rest of the day.
• It is best not to drink coffee or take other stimulants before treatment as they may interfere with your ability to comfortably relax during your treatment.