What will my appointment include?

The first appointment includes a comprehensive health history as well as a diagnosis of the patient's pulse and tongue. Each following visit includes a pulse and tongue diagnosis, an assessment of your current condition, the insertion of needles, and a discussion about self-care. An acupuncture visit generally lasts 30 to 60 minutes.

Is acupuncture safe?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and that they be labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only.

Will it hurt?

People experience acupuncture differently, but generally the procedure isn’t painful. The acupuncture needles are extremely thin. Most people feel either no pain at all or a brief, sharp sensation as the needles are inserted. It is common to feel a deep aching sensation when the needle reaches the correct spot. After placement, the needles are sometimes moved gently where sensations may again be experienced. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.

What can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture can treat a wide range of conditions, including asthma, infertility, allergies, insomnia, arthritis, headaches, digestive disorders, addictions, chronic pain, sinusitis, fibromyalgia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, menopause, anxiety, depression, and the effects of chemotherapy.

How many treatments will I need?

The frequency of acupuncture sessions will depend on the individual's needs. A typical series of treatments may last for several months. In some cases, the treatment is ongoing.

Other treatment modalities--including moxabustion, a form of herbal heat therapy; cupping, the process of using suction cups on specific areas to purge stiffness and pain; and gua sha, the stroking of an area of skin with a smooth-edged instrument to relieve stagnation or pain--may be used depending on the needs of each patient.