Acupuncture

Acupuncture:

The health benefits of acupuncture, an ancient system of healing practiced in Asia for many centuries, are becoming well known. Even mainstream medicine is starting to accept that acupuncture can help with issues such as relaxation and pain relief.

Acupuncture usually involves the use of needles, a fact that discourages many people from even trying it. Acupuncture needles are very thin, about the size of a hair strand. Although you might feel a slight pinch, insertion of a needle is generally painless. Common sensations at the site of a needle include tingling, heaviness, warmth, or nothing at all.

Why Choose Acupuncture?

For centuries, the goal of an acupuncture practitioner has been to ‘tap into’ specific points on a patient’s body to promote and restore the balance of energy in the body.

Research has verified that acupuncture stimulates immune function which increases your resistance to bacterial and viral infections. Acupuncture can dramatically increase overall vitality and energy. It treats underlying causes, and promotes a deeper kind of healing. Its effects profoundly changes people’s lives on the emotional level as well.

Restoring the body's delicate balance via acupuncture can help relieve a wide range of health related issues, including all of the following:

Hormonal Disorders; PMS, Menopause, Hot Flashes, Night Sweats
Pain from degenerative disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disc disease and more.
Low Immunity
Fibromyalgia
Aches and Pains; Back and Joint Pain
Headaches/Migranes
Neurological problems: TremorsParkinson Disease, Alzheimer's
Cognitive Disorders; ADHD, ADD, OCD,
Digestive issues, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Emotional issues; depression and anxiety
Stroke rehabilitation
Addiction recovery support
Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Skin Conditions and Allergies

1) “Does acupuncture hurt?”

We hear this question in clinic very often! One of the big misconceptions about acupuncture, is that because there are needles involved, it must hurt. However, acupuncture is practically painless! The needles we use are hair-thin – and first time patients will often express their surprise when they realize how different acupuncture feels to what they expected.

The sensations a patient can experience with the needles may be numbness, tingling, distension, heaviness, warmth, or a radiating feeling. All of these sensations are considered desirable sensations in terms of the treatment – often they show us that we’ve achieved the response we want from the body. Any sensations tend to dissipate within a few seconds, leaving the patient in a very calm state – so much so they often fall asleep! Most people who come in, even those who are scared of needles, find that acupuncture is a comfortable, relaxing, and enjoyable experience.

2) How many acupuncture sessions will I require?

This can be a difficult question to answer, as there is no “one size fits all” in acupuncture. With each patient, I will come up with a unique, individual, and holistic treatment plan based on your symptoms and health history.

For a loose guideline based on my own clinical experience, patients with acute conditions (something severe and sudden in onset) may only require 3-6 treatments to heal, whereas chronic conditions (long-developing symptoms) may take longer. I tend to find that many patients find that acupuncture benefits them in someway almost immediately, and many feel things such as reduction in pain, stress-relief, increased energy, and better sleep after only a few treatments! It is important to note that every person is different, and acupuncture is such a great medicine as it takes this into consideration.

3) Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. Because acupuncture treatment is drug-free, you avoid the risk of drugs which can cause side-effects or dependency. During each acupuncture session your doctor will adjust the treatment according to your progress, so you receive constant monitoring of any changes.

4) How Long Are Visits?

Total Visit time is one hour. Acupuncture Treatments are usually 40 mins.

5)What can I expect from acupuncture?

Most people are surprised at the depth of relaxation, the intensity of energy which occurs, and sense of well-being and healing which occurs from the rebalancing of energy.

Relief from symptoms may be felt immediately or gradually in the following days (or weeks) depending on the severity of symptoms and how long you’ve had it. You will find you will look forward to treatment for the many benefits that are received from acupuncture.

Many who have lived with their condition for so many years believe they will just have to make do. Others live with pain thinking that “someday” it will go away. Acupuncture has succeeded in many cases where other treatments have not. We have seen people achieve complete relief of decades old problems after just a few visits.

1st time patients can save time by filling out patient forms online ahead of their appointment.
Wear loose fitting clothes, your licensed acupuncturist may need to access points covered by your clothing-Sports Bra, Shorts or Pants that can be rolled up above the knee
Avoid alcohol before your session
Drink Water and Eat Before Session
Arrive at least 5 minutes early so you can relax and silence your phone
Share your wellness concerns and goals with your licensed acupuncturist
Lay back and relax, its okay to fall asleep!
Consider lifestyle advice given by your acupuncturist
Follow your treatment plan and remember that acupuncture is a process that takes time!