WHAT CAN ACUPUNCTURE TREAT ?

Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years - it promotes healing, alleviates pain, and improves overall well-being. 

This is a common and valid concern for those seeking acupuncture treatment. Unfortunately, it prevents someone from ever trying acupuncture at all.

Often times, people assume the needles used in acupuncture are similar to the  needles used for vaccines or when you get your blood drawn for labs. Those needles (hypodermic needles) are very different from acupuncture needles!

Hypodermic needles have a hollow center and a cutting edge to allow substances to be injected into the body, which is why they are relatively thicker than the needles acupuncturists' use. 

Acupuncture needles are solid, flexible, and about the width of 2 to 3 strands of hair. No substances are ever injected through an acupuncture needle. 

My goal is to keep your treatment pain-free and comfortable. All I ask is that you communicate if you feel a sharp sensation for more than 15 to 20 seconds, so I can adjust them.

If you are still apprehensive about acupuncture needles, ask me about the needle-free options I offer:

- Shonishin (a Japanese needle-free technique that involoves the use of tools to provide cutaneous stimulation without puncturing the skin)

- Cupping

- Gua sha

- Moxibustion

- Acupressure

Before your scheduled appointment, you'll be asked to fill out new client forms online. The information you share on these forms give me insight into your health history. It also helps guide the thorough in-take you'll have at your first appointment. 

Other things to be mindful of:

• Please eat at least 1 hour prior to your appointment (this can include a small snack or light meal). Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages at least 6 hours prior.
• Try to wear loose-fitting or comfortable clothing. No worries if this isn't possible! A sheet is available to drape you appropriately.
• Avoid wearing any strong fragrances or scented lotions. 
• Bring all of your questions and concerns!

Each person is different, so the frequency of acupuncture treatments vary for each client. It also depends on the duration and severity of your condition(s).

Some clients respond faster to frequent acupuncture treatments, this can mean 2 or more treatments a week, while others may only need to come in for acupuncture once a week.

Here are general guidelines for the average number of acupuncture treatments before improvement is observed:

• Acute conditions: 3 to 4 treatments
• Chronic conditions: 8 to 10 treatments 

At your first appointment, we collaboratively establish your specific treatment plan.

I recommend starting with 4 to 6 weekly acupuncture treatments. At each appointment,  we re-assess and discuss your progress, then incorporate any changes to your plan.

Once we stabilize your condition(s), we can eventually space your acupuncture treatments out to once every 2 weeks, then once a month, and eventually once every season. 

Before judging whether or not acupuncture is working for you, keep in mind that the effects of acupuncture are cumulative. Each treatment builds on top of the last treatment, so patience is key! 

Along with acupuncture treatments, I may also suggest (with your permission) lifestyle recommendations and/or additional resources because these can have an impact on your progress as well. 

I believe you are able to evolve into your most authentic self when you continue to be an active participant in your healing outside of the treatment room. 

Please contact me and I would be happy to help!