Frequently Asked Questions
1
Does acupuncture hurt?
No. But honestly, sometimes you may feel a small pinch. It varies treatment to treatment. The vast majority do not hurt.
Acupuncture needles are very thin, unlike hollow hypodermic needles used to administer medications or draw blood. Instead of adding or removing substances from the body, acupuncture needles work with the communication systems of the body, historically called qi (chi).
2
Is acupuncture safe?
When performed by someone appropriately trained, yes. Points are powerful, and weekend or online training does not teach the theory behind the points, which points to avoid in certain situations, or what to do if energy was moved inappropriately.
3
Are the needles reused?
My needles are single use and disposed as medical waste.
4
How is this different from dry needling?
Dry Needling falls under the Acupuncture Umbrella. It uses the same needles, however the chosen site location, technique, and theory behind it are different.
Dry needling focuses on releasing tension from specific muscles and needles are not retained.
Acupuncture, systematically uses known points on the whole body to work with a variety of complaints (musculoskeletal issues, chronic dis-ease, mental-emotional stress, etc.) and the needles are retained 10-45 minutes.
Unfortunantly, dry needling by those not trained in meridian theory often unintentionally activates points. Repeated dry needling, using acupuncture points, can lead to yin/yang and elemental imbalances which can manifest as anything from hot tempers to diarrhea, or chronic coughing to headaches, or fatigue to seizures.
5
How should I prepare for a treatment?
Please wear loose comfortable clothing if possible. This is so I can access more points for your treatment (often on the arms and legs). I never needle through clothing.
If possible do not eat immediatly before your appointment, but please arrive well hydrated.
6
What does a treatment look like?
We begin with assessment, discussing the issues and concerns you may have. I often ask to look at your tongue and feel your pulses. On the treatment table I continue the assessment with hands on diagnostics, feeling the abdomen, arms, legs… even if that’s not where pain is located.
The observations are used to find the correct acupuncture points for your body, in that moment. Because no two headaches are the same. No two backaches. No two people with constipation, are the same.
The needles are inserted and the client remains on the table relaxing for 15-20 minutes (up to 45 minutes).
Sometimes other techniques are added to the treatment such as electrical stimulation, massage, cupping, far-infra red, craniosacral therapy, or gua sha.