Jump to: Conditions We Treat, Related Techniques, and FAQs
About Acupuncture Care
Acupuncture is an ancient healing technique that has been practiced for over 5,000 years in China. It is based on the concept of universal life energy called Qi (“chee”) present in every living creature. This energy is said to circulate throughout the body along specific pathways that are called meridians.
As long as this energy flows freely throughout the meridians, health is maintained. If the flow of energy is blocked, however, the system is disrupted, and pain and illness occur, much like an electrical grid short-circuiting that causes blackouts.
Acupuncture works to “re-program” and restore normal function by stimulating certain points on the meridians in order to free up the Qi energy. Acupuncturists use very small, thin needles to stimulate meridian points. In addition, moxabustion (heat), fire cupping, and gentle electric stimulation may also be used in treatment.
Conditions We Treat with Acupuncture
Acupuncture is used to treat virtually any condition, from the common cold to more severe, chronic conditions. We invite you to make an appointment to see how acupuncture can improve your health.
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Sciatica
- Tennis elbow
- Knee pain
- Shoulder pain
- Sprains
- Facial pain
- Headaches
- Dental pain
- TMJ syndrome
- Arthritis
- Nausea
- Morning sickness
- Epigastralgia
- Stroke
- Hypertension
- Colic hypotension
- Depression
- Ulcers
- Gastritis
- Leucopenia
- Dysentery
- Dysmenorrhea
- Post op pain
- Side effects of chemotherapy
Acupuncture is also effective for:
- Fertility
- PMS
- Menopause symptoms
- Quitting Smoking
- Addictions
- Weight Loss
- Anxiety
- Facial Rejuvenation
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Acupuncture FAQs
How long does the first acupuncture treatment take?
The initial visit will last approximately 1.5 hours. During this time, a comprehensive examination will be performed, which will include information gathered about your chief complaint(s), past health history, general constitution, pulse taking, and tongue analysis.
Your examination may also include: taking of vital signs, range of motion examination, neurological examination, and orthopedic examination.
How long do follow-up acupuncture treatments take?
Return visits should last approximately 1 hour.
How long are the needles left in?
A typical treatment will last (time with needles in) approximately 28 minutes (the time it takes for the qi in one’s body to cycle through the body once). This time will be adjusted according to the individual needs of the patient.
How many needles are used?
This varies depending on individual needs, but typically 20 -30 needles are used for a treatment.
How big are the needles?
Acupuncture needles are typically small and very thin. To get a sense of the thickness of the average acupuncture needle, consider this: 1-2 acupuncture needles can fit inside the “barrel” of a needle used to give a flu shot. The typical needle is approximately 1 inch in length (including the handle) and 0.25 mm in thickness (32 gauge).
Additionally, acupuncturists use filiform acupuncture needles, which “part the skin” rather than tear at it as a normal hypodermic needle would. The difference is in the design of the acupuncture needles. A hypodermic needle is essentially a hollow barrel that is cut at an angle with a jagged edge that can tear the skin. In contrast, a filiform acupuncture needle is thinner and comes to a solid point for more gentle insertion.
How many times will I need to be treated?
Generally, a course of acupuncture treatments consists of 10 visits/treatments. These visits can be on consecutive days, as is usually the case in China (5 visits a week, for 2 weeks) or as more commonly occurs in the United States, one visit a week for a period of 10 weeks. It may take more treatments or fewer treatments, depending on your personal needs. Your condition will be re-assessed on every visit, and alterations to your treatment plan will be made accordingly.
When will I notice a change in my condition?
Usually, patients leave with less discomfort and are more functional than when they walked in. For some, positive effects are apparent immediately. For others, the effects are too subtle to perceive, especially at the beginning of treatment. It is very important to give acupuncture a chance to work. It works on a cumulative effect, and each successive treatment is more powerful. After 5 to 10 treatments, the improvements become more and more apparent.
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