Common Questions


Do the needles hurt? 

The acupuncture needles are extremely thin (the diameter of a single hair) and pretty painless. It's normal to feel a slight dull ache or heavy sensation at the site for a few moments. Needles are inserted into spaces in the tissue at varying depths depending on the anatomy. Nothing is being injected or drawn out. Most patiens are pleasantly surprised and state that they had a different expectation.

 

What is a typical treatment like? 

For the first treatment, we start with a thorough intake to discuss your health history and current issues, and to devise a treatment plan. Diagnostics are used to assist in pinpointing the pattern presentation. These include assessment of the pulse, a visual of the tongue, and palpation of both the abdomen and the extremities. Once the diagnosis has been made, acupuncture points are selected and each area is sanitized properly. The number of needles utilized will depend on your specific pattern, your constitution, and the necessary protocols needed to achieve our goal. Your comfort level is my highest priority. The treatment typically induces relaxation, so people find they can easily rest while the needles are doing their work. Before leaving the room, I may apply a heat lamp to specific areas, turn the lights to your preferred level, and turn on music in the background. Needles are left in for 30-40 minutes. 

 

How many sessions are needed? 

For acute conditions it may take only a few treatments to feel relief, but for chronic, long-term issues it may require multiple treatments for 6 weeks to 3 months or longer. It really depends on your specific case, the severity, and your willingness to follow recommendations that assist with the healing process. We will create a treatment plan at your first appointment to clarify expectations. The good news is that consistency pays off and people do get better! 

 

Is Acupuncture the same as dry needling?

No. Acupuncture is NOT the same as dry needling. The only similarity is that they both use thin, sterile acupuncture needles. As described above, acupuncture is a system of Traditional Chinese medicine that addresses root causes of dysfunction and illness, whereas dry needling is a Westernized method of eliciting a myfascial trigger point release of a tight muscle. It does not address the root cause. With dry needling the needles are inserted deeply and with a great amount of stimulation. The felt experience is not the same as it is with acupuncture treatments, which tend to be relaxing and restorative. Acupuncture is performed by practitioners with either a Master’s or Doctorate degree in Acupuncture and East Asian medicine with a minimum of 660 hands-on hours of needling, depending on the program. Any number of needles may be placed on various parts of the patient’s body in line with their specific diagnosis. Dry needling is performed by physical therapists and chiropractors with simplified training in dry needling with 54 hours of hands-on needling. Dry needling needles are retained for only 30 seconds for the desired effect, while acupuncture needles are retained for 20-45 min for a transformative healing experience.

What are some of the benefits I can expect?

  • Reduction or elimination of pain

  • More energy

  • Improved immune function

  • Balanced emotions

  • Increased ability to manage stress

  • Improved digestion and elimination

  • Better sleep

  • Regulated menstrual cycles 

  • Body temperature modulation

  • Improved focus and concentration

  • Better fluid metabolism and regulation