Frequently Asked Questions

What is a typical acupuncture session like?
How should I prepare for my acupuncture treatment?
Do the needles hurt?
How are the acupuncture points chosen?
How will I feel after the treatment?
How many treatments will I need?
Are the herbal treatments necessary?
What can I expect from a group acupuncture setting?

What is a typical acupuncture session like?
Your first visit typically involves gathering a lot of information, including:

• your health history
  
• your present health concerns
  
• information about your lifestyle and behavioral tendencies
• your immediate and future health goals
  

Once we have decided on a course of action, acupuncture is given. You will likely fall into a deeply relaxed state. Acupuncture is so relaxing that people often fall asleep, or at least "zone out", during the treatment.

When appropriate, an herbal formula will be ordered for you to take at home. between treatments. This often enhances and prolongs the effects of the acupuncture. Herbs are especially important when frequent acupuncture isn’t an option.

Massage will be incorporated into the treatment when appropriate.

How should I prepare for my acupuncture treatment?
For your first visit, arrive 10 - 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork.

Wear comfortable clothing that can be pulled up from your feet and hands to reveal your lower legs and forearms. We may need to access your belly or back as well, so loose clothing is best. But a sheet can be provided for modesty if you need to disrobe to allow access to these areas.

Bring a written list of any pharmaceuticals, herbs and/or supplements that you are taking and, if possible, jot down your general daily diet.

If you have not eaten within the previous 4 - 6 hours, please have a small meal or snack before the appointment. Getting acupuncture on an empty stomach can cause lightheadedness - even fainting due to the movement of energy within your body. Having something in your stomach “grounds” you.

Do the needles hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very, very thin. Often there is no discomfort and even no sensation at all upon insertion - though this depends on the individual. Some people (an dsome points!) are more sensitive and do feel a pin prick as the needle is inserted.

Once the needle is in, there can be a sensation of aching, warmth or buzzing in the area of the needle and also in the nearby vacinity of the needle or even shooting away form the needle along the meridian. Sometimes your will feel movement of energy (tingling, warmth) far from where the needle was inserted. All of these responses are indications to us of the condition of the point and the Qi flow. Many clients find these sensations welcome and interesting. Over time you come to know what to expect and what various sensation mean in your own body.

How are the acupuncture points chosen?
Each point has a specific function and indication. Based on your health history and current symptoms, the appropriate acupuncture points are chosen. Points will vary from week to week as your conditions change.

How will I feel after the treatment?
Most people feel very relaxed and sometimes even a bit "out there" - in a positive sense - after acupuncture treatments. Some people find that they sleep far more deeply than usual the night after a session.

How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed varies from person to person. Important factors include the duration and severity of your health condition as well as consistency of treatment. Two to three treatments may be sufficient to treat an acute condition and a series of several months duration may be needed to resolve more chronic conditions.

Are the herbal treatments necessary?
Herbal formulas compliment an acupuncture treatment and are encouraged but they are not required. Each herbal formula is made to treat your specific constitution and conditions. You can also choose to forego acupuncture in favor of "Herb Only" treatment!

What can I expect from a group acupuncture setting?
Group acupuncture (Acupuncture For Everyone) offers an opportunity for more people to get acupuncture more often at an affordable price. Group sessions provide the full benefits of acupuncture at 1/3 the price.

Individuals drop in during a concentrated time slot, leave their payment in an envelope and take a seat. The acupuncturist takes your pulse and talks with you briefly. S/he will then places needles for profound relaxation and one or two individual complaints. Once the needles are in, you will fall into a deeply relaxed state. The needles are retained for a minimum of 20 minutes and up to 45 minutes depending on your desire and the scheduling requirements of the group. Others will be seated around you - most likely in a circle and chairs - though this will depend on each locations parameters.

There is no need to disrobe for group acupucnture sessions. There are acupuncture points on the arms, legs, and head to address any complaint anywhere in the body.