What I should know before I come for my first treatment?
It is important to wear comfortable clothing so that points on the upper arms or legs can be reached if needed. It is also very important to have eaten within the last 2 hours to avoid getting light-headed when the needles are in. No alcohol should be drunk before a treatment.
What should I tell the practitioner?
Please make sure to tell your practitioner if you are pregnant or have a pacemaker. It is also important to list all of the medications you are taking in order to help the practitioner know which herbs to prescribe.
Will acupuncture hurt?
The needles that are used in acupuncture are very fine and are not painful like hypodermic needles. There is usually a sensation of warmth or heaviness at the insertion point, but most patients find that there is no discomfort. The needles are retained for 30-40 minutes or longer depending on the issue being treated.
How are the acupuncture points chosen?
Each point has a specific function and indication. Based on your health history and present symptoms along with your Chinese Medicine Diagnosis, the practitioner will choose the appropriate acupuncture points. The points may be distributed over the entire body.
What is cupping?
Cupping is an ancient suction technique that helps to draw blocked energy/toxins from deep in the body to the surface so that the body can eliminate them and brings fresh new blood into those areas. It can leave marks on the body that look like bruises but that don’t hurt. These marks generally go away after about a week giving increased flexibility and movement in the area.
What will I feel after the treatment?
This will vary for each patient. Most people feel very relaxed and happy. You should refrain from vigorous activities for at least two hours after your treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
This can vary from person to person. Two issues that affect the number of treatments are how long you have had the condition and how badly it has effected your health. It is also important to be consistent with the treatments so that the healing can be built upon. A course of acupuncture is usually anywhere from 4 – 12 treatments once or twice a week depending on the severity and condition being treated.
Are the herbal treatments necessary?
Herbs complement an acupuncture treatment and are encouraged but are not required. Each herbal formula is picked to treat your specific constitution and condition.
Do you accept insurance?
I accept most insurance as long as your plan covers acupuncture. When you make an appointment please let me know if you have insurance. I will need all your insurance information from you so I can check with your insurance company on your coverage, what your co-pay will be and how many visits you get per year.