FAQ

DO THE NEEDLES HURT?
The sensation that people experience during an acupuncture treatment varies from person to person.

When the needles are inserted you may feel a slight pinch, or you may not feel anything.

While the needles are in you may have a sensation of a dull ache or heaviness around the point or area. These sensations are signs that qi is arriving at the point. The effect is positive and relaxing.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?
The number of treatments needed vary from patient to patient depending on the condition.

Some people only need a few treatments. For others it may take months or even a year or longer to reach their health goals.

In general, chronic conditions take longer to treat than acute conditions.
WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture for effectively treating over 43 ailments including:

* Gastrointestinal disorders: Constipation, diarrhea, IBS,peptic ulcer
* Gynecological disorders: Irregular menstruation, PMS, infertility, menopause
* Musculoskeletal disorders: Chronic pain, osteoarthritis, headache including migraines
* Mental and emotional disorders: Stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia
* Addictions: Alcohol, nicotine, drugs
* Urogenital disorders: Urinary tract infections, sexual dysfunction

The National Institute of Health (NIH) and clinical experience also find acupuncture effectively treats:

* Neurological disorders: Post-stroke recovery, Bell's Palsy & trigeminal neuralgia, movement disorders

* Upper respiratory disorders: Asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinusitis, sore throat, laryngitis, colds and flu

* Digestive disorders: Colitis, gastritis, heartburn, food allergies

* Urinary and reproductive disorders: Cystitis, menstrual cramps, heavy periods

* Immune function: Recurrent infections, supportive treatment for cancer and AIDS patients

* Eye and ear disorders: Tinnitus, Meniere's disease
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is the stimulation of points along pathways of the body which the Chinese call meridians. These meridians traverse the body's surface and connect internally to organs. By stimulating specific points along meridians, qi is allowed to flow, and blockages are cleared.

Acupuncture is a complete system of health care that treats the body holistically, meaning that not only the symptoms are taken into account but your entire body and mind are taken into consideration as well when forming a treatment plan. It includes the insertion of fine needles into particular points on the body selected according to the theories and principles of Chinese medicine for the purpose of restoring balance to the functioning of the body and its internal organs. Needles are prepackaged, single use, sterilized needles.
WHAT IS CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY?
Craniosacral therapy is a subtle and profound healing practice which assists the body's natural capacity for self-repair. In a typical session, the client lies on the table fully clothed while the therapist gently places their hands lightly on the body, tuning into what is happening by listening with their hands. A deep sense of relaxation generally occurs, and with this the flowing of the cerebral spinal fluid is easily refreshed.

The work can address physical aches and pains, hormonal imbalances, acute and chronic diseases, recovery from car accidents and other traumas, emotional or psychological disharmonies, or simply help to develop vitality, health and well-being.

The craniosacral system is the deepest physiological system in the human body, thus working with this system in conjunction with acupuncture can help shift deeper patterns in the body.

There are a few different styles of craniosacral therapy. While they have aspects in common, the style I practice is an anatomy-based and fluid model, closest in theory and practice to the Biodynamic School.

Craniosacral therapy can treat many longstanding conditions such as frozen shoulder, headaches, TMJ, menstrual pain and PMS, post-operative conditions, visual disturbances, exhaustion, stress, and more.
WHAT IS LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE?
Lymphatic drainage is a holistic approach to promoting a healthy lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels and ducts that move fluid throughout the body and is responsible for moving toxins away from healthy cells and carrying germ-fighting materials to cells when they are under attack by viruses.


Though fluid moves through the lymphatic system, it does not have its own pumping mechanism. Lymphatic drainage is a type of therapy that is intended to help the body produce a free-flowing lymphatic system.


Lymphatic drainage is a type of therapeutic, detoxifying work popular in Europe.

Lymphatic drainage therapy consists of light touch massage. The treatment primarily focuses on specific lymph nodes of the body, as well as the natural flow of the lymphatic system. This action removes blockages in the lymph system and promotes greater health.

When the lymphatic system becomes blocked, lymph nodes may become swollen. Further, the system fails to remove the body’s toxins and can even affect white blood cell counts. Lymphatic drainage promotes health in the lymphatic system as well as other bodily systems such as the circulatory, respiratory, muscular and endocrine systems.

I incorporate lymphatic work into treatments as it is clinically indicated. It excels at treating swellings, edema, and immune problems. It is extremely relaxing.
WHAT IS QI?
The concept of Qi (pronounced "chee") is at the center of Chinese Medicine. While there is not an exact, adequate translation, Western culture translates "Qi" as "life force" or "energy". Qi is what every living entity possesses and is what is accessed with the acupuncture needles.

Qi is everywhere in the body and flows through channels or meridians on which the acupuncture points are found.

The basis of acupuncture is expressed in this famous Chinese saying: "Bu tong ze tong, tong ze bu tong" which means "free flow: no pain, no free flow: pain." Acupuncture is used to reestablish the proper flow of qi in the body to regain health.

For more information on acupuncture and other alternative therapies click the following link: National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine

Know your Acupuncturist!  Not all acupuncturists have the same amount of training!  Follow the link below for more information on the difference between Medical Acupuncture and Traditional or Chinese Acupuncture: Medical Acupuncture Facts