Frequently Asked Questions

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that Traditional Chinese Medicine is affective in treating over 43 common medical disorders including:

Digestive Disorders: food allergies, peptic ulcers, chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, digestive weakness, anorexia and gastritis.

Urogenital Disorders: Stress incontinence, urinary tract infection, sexual dysfunction.

Female Issues: Irregular, heavy, or painful menses, infertility, PMS.

Respiratory Disorders: Emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies and bronchitis.

Disorders of the Muscles, Bones, Joints, and Nervous System: Arthritis, migraines and other headaches, nerve pain, insomnia dizziness, pain in the neck, upper and lower back pain, whiplash, car accidents.

Circulatory Disorders: Hypertension, angina, arteriosclerosis, and anemia.

Emotional and Psychological Disorders: Anxiety and Depression, PTSD.

Ear, Eye, Nose and Throat Disorders: Dry eyes, ringing in the ears, chronic sore throat.

Addictions: Alcohol, quit smoking, and drugs.

Supportive Therapy for other painful, chronic and debilitating health concerns.

When the needle is inserted, the patient often feels nothing or a slight pinch. This usually subsides after insertion.  The most common sensations you can expect to feel with acupuncture include warmth, pressure, energy traveling, or possibly a deep ache, similar to a sore muscle. Any sensations you may feel normally dissipate after a minute or two as the acupuncture opens up the flow in the energetic pathway.  Most people describe a sensation of ‘circulation’ followed by deep relaxation.

Yes. We use only single-use sterile, nontoxic disposable needles. In addition to being free from side effects commonly found with drug therapy, acupuncture is simple, safe, and effective at treating a wide range of illness 

Your first appointment typically lasts about 90 minutes.  During this visit, a full consultation and treatment will be performed. A full health history is taken, and you will be asked questions regarding your medical history, symptoms, diet, and lifestyle. These questions help us to gauge your overall state of health, to further understand the underlying causes for any presenting illness or imbalance. 

As part of the exam, physical assessments may be performed, and acupuncture points may be pressed as we look for tender areas. We will provide a pulse and tongue diagnosis. Pulse diagnosis can give us detailed information on the state of your body’s internal organs. Tongue observation gives us information on how your body is functioning, and we can detect imbalances in different body systems. After your consultation, a treatment plan will be discussed, which will outline the anticipated course of treatment for your specific concern.

Follow-up visits normally last 45 – 60 minutes, and are typically scheduled one or two times per week. Each case is unique, but patients will generally begin to achieve results after 1 to 6 treatments.  

The number of treatments needed will vary according to the person and the condition. Some people experience almost immediate relief, others take months or even years to achieve results. Conditions that have been present for many years require more sessions to eliminate the underlying problem. Acute conditions may only take one to three sessions.

Usually one or two treatments each week is recommended at first. A typical series will start with six sessions.  Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes. As the problem is being resolved, the treatment schedule can be adjusted. We will decide together how often you will need to receive treatment.

Each visit builds on the next, and the effects of acupuncture are cumulative. You will feel progressively better with each session. Acupuncture is not a single session miracle cure, it is a form of therapy, usually requiring more than one visit. 

•  Be sure to have a light meal before you come for your appointment.   Do not eat large meals just before or after your visit.
• Wear loose fitting clothes that can easily be pushed up to elbows and knees without restriction to the arms or legs. 
• Do not come under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs, caffeine.  
• Write down and bring any questions you have.  We are here to help you. 
• Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol up to six hours after the visit.
• Avoid stressful situations.  Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
• Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and types of problems. 
• We prefer that you not use any fragrances including scented laundry detergent, fabric softener, fragrant makeup, perfumes, shampoo, smoke, etc. 
• We do treat patients for allergies and odors can be potent challenges that remain in the office long after you

Yes. Both traditions are valid.  It is prudent to use the best of each to develop a more complete health care plan. Feel free to get the opinion of your Primary Care Provider (PCP) or other health care professional about the use of acupuncture. We are always willing to call and discuss your treatment plan with your doctor.  In any urgent or emergent situation it is always best to call them or 911 first. But please remember to call us too. 

It depends on whether you want the eastern or western answer. 

From a western viewpoint, the acupuncture needles stimulate neurotransmitters to release chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin, to provide our bodies with natural pain relief.  The needles also stimulate the pituitary to release hormones that balance reproductive and endocrine functions. 

From an eastern viewpoint, our bodies run on energy called Qi, which circulates the blood, chemicals, hormones, and nutrients in our body. Acupuncture stimulates the flow of Qi energy to provide proper functioning and balance in our body, mind, and spirit.

Chinese herbs are an optional complement to acupuncture treatments that provides additional nourishing support. Taking an herbal formula between acupuncture visits enhances and speeds healing. Herbs may come in pill, powder or dry bulk form. Herbal compounds typically involve the combination of several Chinese medicinal herbs, individually selected based on one’s constitution, environment, and medical condition. 

Yes. Acupuncture has traditionally been used as a preventive medicine. Recent research has now verified that acupuncture stimulates immune function, which increases resistance to bacterial and viral infections. Acupuncture can dramatically increase overall vitality and energy. It treats the underlying causes, resulting in a deeper kind of healing. Many people find that occasional acupuncture tune-ups are the best medicine to ensure continuing health.

We accept cash, checks, and most major credit cards. HSA and FSA payments are accepted if you have a card with a Visa or Mastercard logo on them. 

Acupuncture packages are good for six months from the purchase date.