Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Frequently Asked Questions

What does acupuncture feel like?
Each person experiences the needle sensation differently. Responses can range from “I don’t feel anything” to “It feels warm and tingling” to “It’s a dull, achy sensation like getting a deep massage”. Occasionally it can feel sharp, but usually dissipates quickly. The beauty of a treatment is that one does feel sensations in their body.
My technique is gentle and many of my patients report not even feeling the needles go in. While this is not always true, I do my best to be pain-free with a tender touch.

What about the needles?
An acupuncture needle is so thin, it is the width of a human hair. Each needle is sterilized, used only once, and discarded properly.

Depending on the condition, I may use anywhere from one to twenty needles. I prefer to use the minimal amount of intervention for the maximum benefit. The location of the needles may vary: arms, hands, legs, feet, abdomen, back, head, or neck. Before I put the needles in, I do a few minutes of massage to relax the patient. It only takes a few moments to put the needles in. I encourage my patients to close their eyes and rest for 15-30 minutes.  I usually leave the room for a few minutes to allow the patient relax in peace, but I will remain in the room if requested by the patient.    Those who do not want to come alone may bring a trusted friend.

What can acupuncture treat?
*Acute and chronic pain
* Allergies
* Anxiety & Depression
* Arthritis & Joint Pain
* Asthma
* Chemotherapy-induced side effects
* Colds & Flus
* Digestive Problems / Gastrointestinal Disorders
* Fertility Concerns (male and female)
* Headaches / Migraines
* Menopause Symptoms
* Menstrual Irregularity & Pain
* PMS Symptoms
* Preventive Care / Health Maintenance
* Surgery Recovery
* Sleep Disorders / Insomnia
* Sports Injuries
* Stroke Recovery
* TMD / TMJ
* Urinary Problems

The World Health Organization (WHO), the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, and various government reports have studied and commented on the efficacy of acupuncture. There is general agreement that acupuncture is safe when administered by well-trained practitioners.

To view the World Health Organization’s list of illnesses that may benefit from acupuncture treatment (which is more detailed than the above list), visit
www.longevity-center.com/world_health_organization.html

When can I expect results?
Dramatic results are unusual after a single treatment but not unheard of. Most patients will experience a gradual relief of their symptoms or improvement of well-being over the course of therapy.

In China, it is customary to receive a daily treatment for ten consecutive days. This is ideal, but not always realistic in our society. Since everyone responds to acupuncture uniquely, I suggest observing how an individual feels after one treatment and then determining the best treatment strategy. Typically once a week for four to six weeks is a good place to start. Of course, chronic conditions will require much longer courses of treatment. Because acupuncture works best on a cumulative basis, frequency and consistency play a significant role in the medicine’s overall effectiveness.