What is acupuncture?

The Traditional theory of acupuncture is that proper physiological function, immunity, and physical and emotional health depends on the circulation of nutrients, substances, and energy called Qi (chee) through a network of channels known as meridians. This network connects every organ and part of the body, providing balance, regulation, and coordination of physiological processes. 

When you are ill, overworked, in pain, have a poor diet, or are stressed, your body’s energy is directed to and concentrated in the opposite direction of when you are healthy, calm, and in harmony. In other words, in these circumstances, the flow of Qi (energy) through the body is disrupted or blocked.  A practitioner of acupuncture stimulates the appropriate acu-points through acupuncture treatment by placing fine needles on the body. This process activates the body’s Qi, and helps to restore sufficient, continuous, and even flow of Qi throughout the body; thus, restoring health and balance to the body and promoting its natural healing ability. 

 The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that influence the body’s own internal regulating system.

 Acupuncture is a very safe and effective way to restore the health and balance of the body, treat a wide variety of medical problems, and relieve pain and other symptoms. Acupuncture restores homeostasis in the body.

Does acupuncture work?

Yes, it does! The longevity of acupuncture over several thousand years and its holistic and comprehensive approach toward the well-being of humans (and animals) have been recognized by all major health institutions. The World Health Organization (WHO), National Health Institute (NIH), John Hopkins Medicine, and others all recognize acupuncture to be an effective treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapies to treat a broad range of health issues. Because animals such as horses and dogs respond positively to acupuncture treatments it proves that the effect of acupuncture is not a psychosomatic /placebo effect.

What medical issues can acupuncture treat?

While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a skilled practitioner, it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used or as the support or adjunct to other medical treatment forms for many medical disorders.

The scope of acupuncture is preventive care, treatment of various illnesses, and promotion of health and well-being. Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including but not limited to:

Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, and diarrhea.

Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections.

Neurological and musculoskeletal disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendonitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis.

Gynecological disorders: PMS, menstruation disorders, fertility challenges, menopausal conditions.

Oncology treatment side effects: Nausea, body/bone pain, fatigue.

Multi Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS), Long-Covid

Emotional conditions: Stress, Anxiety, depression.

What does acupuncture feel like? 

Acupuncture uses hair-thin needles. The needle is inserted to a point that produces a sensation of pressure or a very slight ache or prick. Sometimes, depending on the cases, a mild electric current may be applied to the needles to stimulate the Qi flow.

While for certain points in the body there might be a light compression, the vast majority of patients describe acupuncture as a warm/dull heavy sensation. Some people report acupuncture makes them feel energized. Others say they feel relaxed. Because some points are more sensitive than others, I typically inform you that some points will be giving you a deeper feeling than others.  When the needles are removed, the sensation will quickly disappear.  It may take up to 48 hours to feel the effect of the treatment.

What will my acupuncturist do? What does the initial visit feel like?

During the initial exam which may take about 1 to 1.5  hours, I will take your full health history. Questions will be ranging from symptoms and health to lifestyle. I will check your pulse and tongue and may conduct a physical exam. I will then organize the information to create a complete and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked or imbalanced. After the interview process, you will receive an acupuncture treatment. The needles are usually retained for about 15 - 25 minutes. 

There are hundreds of acupuncture points in the body and each point has unique and specific functions. In an acupuncture session, a number of points will be inserted to initiate the healing process. The points which your acupuncturist will use may vary from session to session.  The follow-up visits with your acupuncturist may last up to 30-45.

How many treatments will I need?

Because of the uniqueness of medical conditions, lifestyle, and constitution, the prescribed treatment for everyone will vary from person to person. The length of treatment also differs from person to person, but you should plan 5-10 weekly sessions before you get results.  Patients with acute pain get faster results than those who have chronic or lingering pain. 

Because the imbalance to the Qi (energy) is typically a gradual process, creating a balanced Qi is also a gradual process. Therefore, I may suggest one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance.

How should I prepare for my acupuncture treatment?

• Relax before, during, and after the treatments to ensure maximum results.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points. I will provide a gown if needed.

• It would be best to avoid a large meal right before and after treatment. However, I also advise not to be very hungry at the time of your visit.

• The color, texture, coating, and shape of your tongue are indicative of your health. An acupuncturist will use these attributes of your tongue to diagnose your health. Therefore, it is highly recommended not to scrape or clean your tongue 24-48 hours before your acupuncture visit. 

• After your visit, try to avoid stressful situations and try to prolong the calm status that you gained during your visit.

• Please make sure to take notes of any changes that may have occurred between each visit, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems, etc.

Is acupuncture safe? 

Acupuncture is one of the safest drug-free healing methods. The needles are sterile and disposable (discarded after one-time use).  Applying needles may rarely cause slight bruising and/or bleeding. The re-balancing of the body will potentially present itself in the shape of changes in emotions, appetite, energy, and the digestive system.  

Insurance

I am not in any insurance network. I may submit claims for a few PPO insurances. For the majority of insurances , I can provide a superbill that you can present to your insurance for reimbursement. 

What to expect in initial acupuncture visit

The initial visit includes consultation and treatment. In my practice I examine the ailment's relationship with you holistically rather than as an isolated issue, symptom, or area.

During this visit I will consider your health comprehensively. As a result, it may be longer than subsequent sessions. I will ask you about your general state of health, lifestyle, diet, health history, sleeping patterns, and emotional state. I will analyze the symptoms of the ailment, possibly your tongue (shape, color, and coating), pulse, and complexion, among other things. This is also a rare opportunity for you to have an honest discussion about any aspects of your health with someone who considers it her principal objective to help you recover the equilibrium between your physical, emotional, and spiritual self.

Once I gather enough information, I will design the most effective, personalized treatment plan for you to reach your optimum health.

I will use acupuncture to stimulate specific areas on the skin that affect the function of certain organs in the body. However, the treated areas will not always be physically close to the part of the body experiencing the symptom. For example, often to treat headaches I will insert needles in your feet and hands. I will occasionally accompany acupuncture with cupping, herbal formulas, massage, tapping, and moxa (a smoldering herb which is used to warm acupuncture points and encourage the body's energy flow.)

The length, number, and frequency of treatments will vary according to the ailment and the person. Generally, acute problems require less number of visits. Chronic and severe conditions may require several treatments.