FAQs
What does Acupuncture treat?
Chinese medicine is an entire medical system which means that it has a system in place to treat almost any ailment through a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, tui na (massage), nutrition and exercise. My personal interests are in digestive health, emotional/mental health, pre/post natal care and pediatrics, however if you have a musculoskeletal injury or pain, don’t let that stop you from coming in, Acupuncture is great for that too!
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture is not sensation-less yet it is not pain-full. Depending on the condition being treated, we may go for more or less stimulation to the points. Sometimes this can feel like a deep ache, other times a movement sensation, heaviness, warmth, and traveling sensations are all normal. Although acupuncture needles are much smaller than a hypodermic needle, we have varying thinness and thicknesses which we adjust per patient. For example, pediatric patients get special needles specifically made to be pain-free. If you are scared of needles just let your practitioner know and they can adjust the treatment style to make you comfortable. Another tip is to avoid caffeine before your treatment since caffeine can increase sensitivity to needle insertion.
How do I prepare for my first acupuncture visit?
Make sure you have eaten a light meal before coming to treatment. If you come on an empty stomach there are higher chances that you could feel faint/dizzy or nauseated from too much qi movement from the needles.
Wear loose fitting clothing which allows access to points above the knees and elbows without cutting off circulation. We do have sheets to cover you if you forget, but it is much more comfortable for you if you don’t have to remove your clothing for treatment.
Make a list of any herbs, supplements, pharmaceuticals and other treatments you are receiving to share with your practitioner. This will allow your practitioner to match their treatment and suggestions to your lifestyle and other treatment modalities you may be receiving.
Lastly, Know that acupuncture is a cumulative medicine which requires more than one treatment to get lasting results. Be prepared to see your acupuncturist more than once, especially when you are just starting out so that you get the best results. It is typical to see your acupuncturist 1-2x per week for the first month or so and then space out treatments as needed.
Is it safe to get acupuncture during pregnancy?
Very! As long as you are working with a skilled practitioner. In patients with a normal pregnancy, I like to see patients 1x a month to help aid the transitions and support fetal development. In patients with more complicated conditions, we will need to evaluate on an individual basis what that person needs. Induction is something offered at 40+ weeks which requires daily treatment.
What does a pediatric session look like?
In a pediatric session it will consist of getting to know your child and making them comfortable in the treatment room. There are toys available for children to play with and we will be asking both the parent and child (if they can speak) questions pertaining to the child’s health. Treatment begins with light body massage or tui na and is followed either by cutaneous electric stimulation or needling. These things will be tested on the parent before being done to the child so that the parent knows what the treatment feels like (very comfortable). After that there may be some more light massage followed by an herbal recommendation if needed. I can show the parents how to administer herbs to their child which is not as daunting as you might think! Parents will also be counseled on nutritional advice, lifestyle and how to do the massage techniques on their children at home to enhance the treatments.
Full sessions usually last between 25 mins to 45 mins since children’s attention spans are short. It’s a quick, comfortable and efficient practice!
Why are you putting a needle in my hand or foot when we are treating another area of my body?
Our body is intricately connected by physical structures such as fascia, muscles, skin etc. but is also connected via meridians (Qi). Some of these meridians run from the tip of your head to your toes which is why we can treat one are of your body with a needle somewhere else. Our bodies are amazing and what happens in one area of the body has an effect on the entire system in some way. This is why Chinese medicine practitioners treat the entire system with each treatment instead of only treating isolated areas.