Acupuncture

What Is Acupuncture?
Most people know that acupuncture is an excellent remedy for many types of pain. But acupuncture can also reduce stress, help with weight loss and addiction problems, and alleviate cold and flu symptoms. Along with or as an adjunct to Western medicine, acupuncture provides highly effective treatment for many common complaints, and may provide additional relief for problems that do not respond completely to Western medical treatment.

What other problems are commonly treated?
A partial list includes: Allergies, Arthritis, Asthma, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue, Cold & Flu, Constipation & Diarrhea, Depression, Eczema, Fibroids, Fibromyalgia, Headache & Migraine, Herpes Zoster, Immune Disorders, Impotence, Ingestion, Insomnia, Irregular Menstruation, Knee Pain, Menopausal Syndromes, Neck & Shoulder Pain, PMS, Sciatica, Sprains, Stress & Anxiety, Tendonitis.

Do I have to be ill to benefit from Acupuncture?
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine can be used to boost the immune system to prevent illness.  Many patients receive periodic treatments to increase vitality and to stay strong and healthy.  According to an old Chinese saying, "A mediocre Chinese physician may be able to treat ill patients, but a good Chinese physician keeps his patients from getting sick in the first place."

How does it work?
According to traditional Chinese medical theory, acupuncture promotes the body's innate ability to heal itself by balancing the flow of Qi(Chi) - the body's electromagnetic energy or life force - along channels identified over centuries of meticulous clinical observation by Chinese practitioners. Tiny disposable needles are inserted along these channels at areas of maximum energy - the acupuncture points.

Does it Hurt?
Often people want to try acupuncture but are afraid of needles. However, the tiny disposable and sterile filament needles used for acupuncture bear no resemblance to hypodermic needles, and insertion is virtually painless. Brief needling sensations vary from a pinching or stinging sensation to a feeling of numbness or distention and are a sign that the treatment is having a positive effect. In fact, most people find acupuncture treatments relaxing and refreshing.

How long does it take?
The initial visit takes about 90 minutes and consists of a complete consultation and treatment. Follow-up treatments last about 45 minutes. Most patients feel beneficial results within six to 12 sessions. Chronic conditions may take longer.

How often should you get treated?

It depends on the condition and the individual. For someone in good health looking for a tune-up, once every four months may be enough. However, those with an acute condition may require a treatment every other day. Patients with a chronic health problem should initially come in at least twice a week for optimal results. Once the condition improves they can taper off to once a week. The effects of a treatment are cumulative.