1. How does Acupuncture work?

The human body is a closed system, and when something like a needle is inserted into this system, the body goes to work to identify the foreign object. This is done by rushing blood containing white blood cells to the area. By focusing the body’s attention to certain areas, the flush of blood (called the histamine response) brings nourishment to the area in need of support . In practice, we focus attention to the area that needs the healing, or unblock built-up excess that is causing stagnation, all by using the body’s own natural system.

2. What is Qi?

You may have heard the term Qi (pronounced “chee”) when acupuncture is discussed. Qi has been defined many different ways, but I like to think of it as the body’s energy flow that helps move blood and aids in organ function. We generate Qi, and our energy level changes depending on the food we eat, how we manage stress, injuries we sustain, and how hard we push ourselves. What we seek in health is balance, so where there is excess, we reduce and where there is deficiency, we tonify. I use a combination of acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, and other modalities to help you reach your balance. During an acupuncture treatment, you may experience an electrical sensation or a sudden sensation of warmth or cool tingling that spreads from the point of insertion. This is a normal and expected sensation called “de Qi“. Although the sensation may come on unexpectedly, it subsides quickly and is seen as a good sign that the body has “woken up” and is actively attending to the area.

3. What do I have to prepare?

Acupuncture works best when you take part in the treatment. so come with an open mind and feel free to ask questions.

• Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing so that acupuncture points are more easily accessible.
• If you brush your tongue as part of your morning routine, delay this until after the appointment to help with your diagnosis.
• Avoid coffee before appointments, as caffeine can heighten needle sensitivity.
• Eat a snack before your appointment to give your body the energy it needs for the treatment. Do not eat a large meal before treatments.

4. Is it safe?

Board certified Acupuncturists have hundreds of hours of training in placement and depth of needles, making the insertion of acupuncture needles extremely safe by these professionals. Most patients report a sense of relaxation or a boost in energy after having treatments.

5. Does it hurt?

Acupuncture needles are about the thickness of a hair, and much thinner than the syringe to which most people are accustomed. Some patients do not feel any insertion of the needles at all, and others may sometimes feel a slight, momentary sensation upon insertion. Such things as caffeine and stress can heighten sensitivity to the needles as tension can cause some surface resistance. If you have some anxiety, I would suggest deep breathing and meditation to relax before treatment. Treatments are typically quite relaxing and some patients even drift into a comfortable sleep, wakening with the feeling of having a power nap.