Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Prepare For My Treatment?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably not one piece.
Give yourself enough time to arrive relaxed for your treatment and try to not schedule too much for the rest of your day.
You do not want to be hungry during your treatment. Eat preferably 2 hours before that. You might want to have a small snack prior to your treatment if it has been a considerable length of time since your last meal.
Relax! There's no need for apprehension. We'll do everything possible to make your experience enjoyable.
What Will My Treatment Be Like?
The first part of the treatment you will be answering questions about your health problem. The actual treament is performed while you are lying down, with soft music and perhaps an eye pillow. I do very gentle needling and may complement this technique with cupping, moxibustion or gua sha.
What Should I Expect After Treatment?
Some people are energized by treament, while others feel relaxed.
Many patients experience dramatic results from the first treatment. Some patients notice immediate relief, others feel a gradual improvement over several hours. In some cases the patient may notice symptoms diminishing over a couple of days. A chronic, long-term problem may require several treatments before you notice a change.
Most people are surprised at the depth of relaxation, the intensity of energy which occurs, and the sense of well-being and healing which occurs from the rebalancing of energy.
How Does Acupuncture Work According To Medical Science?
Acupuncture Augments the Immune System
Acupuncture has been shown to raise blood levels of white blood cells, prostaglandins, gamma globulin and overall anti-body levels which suggests that acupuncture has the effect of increasing the strength of the body's immune system. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for many chronic diseases, chronic infections, preventative medicine during cold and flu season and can be a helpful adjunct in cancer treatment.
Acupuncture Increases Circulation
Acupuncture has been shown to increase circulation in the body, especially to the areas adjacent to points being needled. Histamine and other vasodilators are released by the body in response to acupuncture. This is useful in healing injuries, minimizing scar tissue, etc.
Acupuncture Causes the Release of Endorphins
Endorphins are the body's natural pain killers and acupuncture strongly stimulates their release. Endorphins are thought to be around 10x stronger than morphine, the strongest pharmaceutical pain killer available. This is why acupuncture is so effective in pain management.
Acupuncture Raises Levels of Important Neurotransmitters
Acupuncture has been shown to affect certain neurotransmitter levels such as serotonin. Low levels of serotonin are associated with insomia, addiction, depression, sugar cravings, obesity and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Acupuncture raises serotonin levels and can be an effective treatment for these conditions. This also explains why acupuncture makes you feel so good.
