Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE AND CHINESE MEDICINE?

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is a complete medical system that includes acupuncture, Chinese herbs, Tuina, Shiatsu, nutrition, and exercise.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine originated in China over three thousand years ago. Today, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine are used for preventive care, health maintenance and treatment of disease. The World Health Organization officially recognizes acupuncture as suitable for the treatment of over two hundred common clinical disorders.

The goal of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is to help restore balance and harmony to the body. TCM theory explains that imbalance is the root cause of all disease that may manifest itself in the body. This imbalance can be as simple as a headache, or body pain. This is the body telling us that there is an imbalance that needs to be treated and return the body to a balanced and healthy state. TCM also addresses environmental and lifestyle conditions. Acupuncture addresses the underlying cause of disease, not merely the symptoms. When the cause of the problem is corrected, the results are long-lasting or permanent.

IS ACUPUNCTURE PAINFUL?

Acupuncture needles are very fine. They are generally the thickness of a human hair. There should be little to no discomfort with needle insertion. The needles are inserted at specific points of the body according to the patients signs and symptoms. Disposable, sterile, one time use needles are used for safety

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

In general, it is advised to do one to two treatments per week. Many conditions can be remedied quickly. Acute conditions respond to treatment much more quickly. Chronic illness may require treatment for several weeks or longer. A chronic illness takes a long time to manifest and can also take longer to heal.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

I offer a sliding fee scale. I also accept most insurances that include acupuncture in their plan.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

The first treatment will take longer due to the intake and review of the patients medical history. You can expect a first treatment to take two hours. Follow-up treatments take about an hour.

CONDITIONS TREATED

Pain: headaches, body pain, osteoarthritis, sciatica, bursitis, tennis elbow, neck problems, tmj, trigeminal neuralgia, carpel tunnel, spasms, sports injuries

Gastrointestinal disorders: indigestion, pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and eating disorders, colitis, ulcers

Urogenital disorders: innerstitial cystitis

GYN disorders: irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation, premenstrual syndrome, and menopausal problems, fibrocystic breast disease, infertility

Pregnancy care and childbirth: morning sickness, edema, fatigue, pain with labor

Respiratory disorders: common colds, chronic coughs, asthma, allergies, sinusitis

Disorders of the bones, muscles, and joints: back pain, neck and shoulder pain, joint pain, injuries, numbness and tingling, musculoskeletal aches and pains.

Cardiovascular: hypertension, palpitations, heart disease, poor circulation

Nervous system disorders: MS, and post stroke

Emotional and psychological disorders: depression, and anxiety.

Sleep and stress disorders: nervous tension, insomnia and other sleep disorders, low energy, and other stress related problems

Supportive therapy: for many other chronic and debilitating disorders.

Addictions: nicotine, alcohol, drugs

Autoimmune: rheumatoid arthritis, MS, chronic fatigue, lupus, and HIV/AIDS