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What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment method that is several thousands of years old!  It is known to fit under the umbrella of Chinese Medicine today, but it can be traced back to the age of cavemen!  It treats a wide range of illnesses and medical conditions in addition to musculoskeletal issues and injuries! The treatment approach taken follows a holistic model.  Meaning, when diagnosed and treated, the body is looked at as a whole and factors in the strong connection between the mind and body and how they could both be the cause of imbalance in the body.  What acupuncture aims to do is to bring the body back to balanceby promoting the body's natural ability to heal.  The body's energy system (what acupuncturists call "qi") is tapped into and directed in such a way to allow the body to heal itself!

What does Acupuncture do?

Acupuncture is very beneficial to the body!  The list of benefits goes on and on.  However, there are a few that I would like to share with you...

 

1.  Acupuncture releases endorphins which acts as a natural painkiller among other things

 

2.  Acupuncture regulates the endocrine functions of the body

 

3.  Acupuncture increases circulation, which ultimately allows for the body to heal more effectively!

 

4.  Acupuncture increases the strength of the body's immune system which can help fight off various germs and even help in improving allergies!

 

These are just some of many advantages of getting acupuncture!

What needles do you use?

Each needle used is pre-sterilized and is used only once.  The main brand that I use in my practice are Seirin needles made in Japan and DBC made in Korea.  These are the most advanced acupuncture needles on the market!  The needles are hair-thin, made of stainless steel and have a rounded tip (unlike hypodermic needles) for smooth insertion.    

Does Acupuncture hurt?

Every patient has a different experience with acupuncture needles.  Some do not feel anything, while others feel the energy moving throughout their body.  Other times, certain points could be achy, heavy or even feel sore.  All of these reactions are completely normal and depend entirely on what your condition is at the time of needling. For example, if you walk into my office stressed out, your nervous system will be more reactive and therefore, your perception of pain may be higher than another day. I will work with you to assess your tolerance of these sensations and adjust the treatment accordingly.  After all, acupuncture is not intended to be a torturous experience so I do not intend on making it one.  Instead, I would like you to feel as relaxed as possible!

Is Acupuncture safe?

Yes!  Acupuncture is one of the most forgiving forms of medicines.  The treatment is completely natural!  If any side effects occur, they are always minor such as bruising around acupoints or tenderness in certain areas after treatment. I have found the tenderness and soreness to be common after trigger point therapy (which is the release of muscles using needles) and it simply feels like you just had a workout and exhausted your muscles a bit.  In any case, this tenderness and soreness can be minimized by staying very well hydrated and resting. I always tell my patients to welcome any side effects and learn from them because it is the body's way of communicating with you and trying to progress in the right direction!

What is Qi?

To put it simply, qi is energy (although that is an understatement)!  Each and every individual has qi flowing through their bodies whether it be excess in some or deficient in others.  Either way, we all have qi and one of the many aspects of acupuncture aims to balance it in order to heal the body.  Basically, when qi flows freely through the body, there are no issues or pain.  When there is an excess or deficiency of qi, pain conditions and even illness could occur.  

What can I expect during an Acupuncture treatment?

During your first visit, the acupuncturist will discuss your medical history including previous injuries, illness, surgeries, etc.  Additionally, your current health condition will be discussed along with any other symptoms (as minor as they may seem).  Afterwards, a treatment will be given.  Depending on how much history you have, the whole process could vary in time between 1.5 hours to 2 hours (including the treatment).  Every visit thereafter will last, on average, for about an hour.  

How often do I have to come in for treatment?

This is one of the most common questions asked.  However, there is not one answer.  Each person is different!  Therefore, it depends on the person and the condition they have which will provide a better estimate as to how long the treatment period will last.  Chronic conditions will usually take longer to treat as opposed to acute conditions which, sometimes, could be resolved in one treatment!  I have what I call the "treat and track" method. I treat and closely track the changes that are occurring within you. Whenever anyone has a problem, there may be one layer to it, or several. For this reason, I look at my treatments as taking away all the layers that are in the way of you feeling your best. 

Do I have to believe in Acupuncture in order for it to work?

Some of the biggest skeptics of acupuncture have gotten treatment and, in turn, they have become its biggest advocates!  Also, animals and babies don't have preconceived notions about acupuncture, but it works on them wonderfully as well!  So, to answer the question, you do not have to believe in acupuncture for it to work.  It isn't magic (even though it can seem magical at times)!  It's medicine! Once the needling begins, your body's self-healing mechanism is awakened. Blood starts circulating better, your already programmed painkillers, anti-depressants, etc. start to work more optimally and by the end of treatment, many patients report feeling relaxed and balanced. 

How should I prepare for treatment?

You want to allow your body to be open to energy changes that will occur with the acupuncture treatment.  Therefore, it is best to eat a light meal before the treatment.  Also, please do not smoke, drink, or exercise excessively before treatment.

What should I wear during treatment?

The best thing to wear is loose fitting clothing, that way the acupuncturist can access the abdomen, legs and arms easily!  Sometimes, depending on where the main complaint is, it is necessary to access the thighs and upper arms.  In this case, maybe a change of clothes into a tanktop or shorts is necessary.  

Do you accept insurance?

Unfortunately, I do not accept insurance in my practice. However, if your insurance tells you that they will provide reimbursement for acupuncture services if provided a "superbill," I would be happy to provide one for you.

What methods of payment are accepted?

Cash, check, credit/debit card ( with surcharge) and Venmo

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