How does acupuncture work?
Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
What is Acupuncture good for? Do I need to have a reason to go?
Is acupuncture safe?
Does it hurt?
What can I expect treatment to be like?
Is there anything special I should do for the treatment?
How do I make an appointment?
What is "efflorescence"?
What is Five Element Acupuncture?
What is Tai Massage?
How does acupuncture work?
No one knows for sure. However, what is known is that it does work. This traditions is thousands of years old. Moreover, many current studies have shown its effectiveness. Some suggest a connection with neurotransmitters. I think this does not capture the breadth of treatment that occurs on all levels of body, mind and spirit. A friend explains the phenomena as a tuning fork: the needle is like the tuning fork, create resonance and harmony in the body.
The deeper question is "Will acupuncture work for me?" In the end, only you can answer this. I can feel the qi (energy) when I place the needles, and I can note specific changes in you and your energetic pulses, and in this way know how treatment is serving you. However, I cannot say what you will experience. Moreover, I cannot ensure the treatment will hold in the following days. My goal is for you to know this state of harmony and learn to find your way there on your own. This is the other aspect of treatment, "word as needle". I will give you coaching and guidance to help solidify the changes wrought during treatment. Thus, to get the true benefit of acupuncture, you have to "work" too!
Back to Top
Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
No. Animal acupuncture is very effective. Like the tuning fork analogy, you don't have to will the resonance to happen. On the other hand, it will enhance your treatment to maintain practices as suggested outside of the treatment room. For example, you might benefit from drinking more water. In this way, if you are more open, you might get more benefit.
Acupuncture treatments are cumulative in nature and I require a 5 treatment commitment. By then, you will not need to believe. you will know if acupuncture works for you or not.
Back to Top
What is Acupuncture good for? Do I need to have a reason to go?
My intent is to treat the whole you on all the levels of body, mind and spirit. Each treatment is catered to your body/energy's current dynamic state. Again, like the tuning fork analogy, it can be used to maintain your well-being.
I always treat according to what shows up. However, I find that in focusing on the whole person, multiple symptoms resolve, and this is generally my first approach. Other traditions may focus more on specific complaints, analogous to a diagnosis in Western medicine. These conditions have been studied for their response to acupuncture. A list World Health Organization conditions approved for acupuncture can be found in the Alternative Medicine Foundation article under Resources.
Back to Top
Is acupuncture safe?
Most common adverse effects are bruising and bleeding. Adverse effects can be dependent upon the particular points and their anatomic location, and the type of tradition or technique used (different types of needles/needle technique/point stimulation, depth of insertion, adjunct modalities like cupping, guasha, etc).
There are few contraindications to acupuncture. Occasionally, select conditions limit the use of certain points. In these instances, other points are used.
Back to Top
Does it hurt?
The needles I will be using are approximately the width of a hair. Most people feel some sensation when the needle is inserted. This is dependent both on the person's sensitivity and how the energy is moving. For example, if the energy is "stagnant" and I am working to move it or I am working in an area where the energy moves very fast, the sensations are often stronger. However, the degree of sensation is not directly correlated to effectiveness of treatment. Some patients fall asleep during the needling and still have very satisfying treatments. All patients note that this discomfort is transient. However, they also note the sensation of "ease", "heaviness", "peacefulness," "calm", and "whole" remains.
Back to Top
What can I expect treatment to be like?
The first appointment is about 1.5-2 hours. I will get to know you and listen to you. We will also discuss goals for treatment. I will then do a brief physical exam. Except for taking blood pressure, this is not like a western medical exam. For example, I will look at your tongue and feel your wrist pulses, but I am gauging different things than during a medical appointment.
During this and future appointments you may be asked to undress. However, most points used are on your lower arms/hands and lower legs/feet.
Subsequent appointments are generally 1 hour long. I will briefly interview you and then I will feel your pulses. Usually both sides of your body are needled. The number of needles used varies and can be as low as 4. Sometimes needles are left in for several minutes, sometimes they are taken out right away. It all depends on the type of treatment and how your body responds to treatment. I may also use an herb called Moxa (Artemesia vulgaris) on certain points.
This time of treatment is your time to relax and breathe. I invite you to give extra time to yourself after the treatment. You'll find yourself in a different state of mind and way of being that is often conducive to relaxing.
Treatment is cumulative in nature and it is best if initially you get treatment weekly. As things progress, you may only need acupuncture monthly and then seasonally. This is a mutual decision, as you gauge how well treatment holds and how well you are doing cultivating treatments on your own.
Back to Top
Is there anything special I should do for the treatment?
For the very first appointment, you should not wear strong perfumes or makeup. For all appointments, it is a good idea to have eaten and drink lots of water over the course of the day. Otherwise, all you have to do is relax.
Back to Top
How do I make an appointment?
Appointments are for acupuncture only, and do not entail any medical advice. Acupuncture is cumulative in nature and regular appointments initially help you to get the full benefit.
Go to your Practitioner's page or the "Contact Us" page to email us or give us a call! Each practitioner has different office hours, and can arrange your appointment individually.
If you are unsure who to see, call us at 888-953-0005, and we'll find the practitioner that fits!
Back to Top
What is "efflorescence"?
It can be associated with the state of blossoming or a gradual developing and unfolding. This is also my intention in treatment: honoring the light in you and helping you manifest your unique gift to this world.
Back to Top
What is Five Element Acupuncture?
This is an ancient tradition of acupuncture that is more spiritual in nature, yet can very profoundly affect someone on the body, mind and spirit levels. It is holistic and individualized. In these and other ways, Five Element is different that TCM. Please see Classical Chinese Medicine vs Traditional Chinese Medicine on the "Links" page. Most Five Element practitioners use a combination of different styles according to what best serves their client for that moment.
Back to Top
What is Tai Massage?
Translated in Thailand as "the ancient manner massage", Tai massage involves deep massage and stretching, using yoga-like poses. It operates on a theory of meridian-like channels, distinct but sometimes similar to acupuncture meridians. In Thailand, it is regarded as a medical discipline used to treat many ailments.
The massage is generally both relaxing and energizing. Clients remain fully clothed, and no oils are needed.
For more information, please see Kim's page.
Back to Top
|
