Q: I don't like needles. Does acupuncture hurt?
A: If an acupuncture needle is inserted correctly you should feel, at most, a very minimal sensation as it passes throught the skin. It is nothing like getting an injection, and the needles are only slightly thicker then a hair. Later, you may experience a heavy sensation around the insertion sites. This is completly normal, and lets you know the acupuncture is working. Acupuncture should be a relaxing experience.

Q: How are acupuncture needles different from getting a shot?
A: The needles that you are familiar with are much different then the needles used in acupuncture. Acupunture needles are so thin that many would be difficult to insert without a support tube. The result being that they are very comfortable. Once the needle are inserted, you generally forget they are there. Acupuncure needles are not hollow; no fluids passes through them. So all the effect they produce are a result of the needles interacting with the body at the acupuncture point. When you get a shot, the needle is just a means of getting the medicine into your body.

Q: When will I start seeing results?
A: Most of the time you will see some improvement right after your first treatment if you are coming in for some kind of pain, such as headache or back pain. However, it is not unusual to need at least 4-6 treatments to feel significant change.

Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: The amount of treatments you will need depends on a number of factors, such as the severity of the problem and how long you have had it. Chinese medicine can treat many diseases and each one will have it's own treatment. Generally I like to start many people off with two visits per week for the first 2-3 weeks and the go to once per week.

Q: Will my problem return if I stop acupuncture?
A: Certain types of chronic conditions, often where there is degeneration, may return without occasional maintenance treatments. Problems that are triggered by stress, or emotional causes, can also resurface if those triggers are stimulated. Maintenance treatments keep the improvements going, and are spaced out according to each person's unique needs.

Q: What is an Acupuncture treatment like?
A: At your first treatment we will discuss your problem extensively during the intake. Here I will use the information you supplied on the intake forms, along with additional questions to get to the root of your problem. To make further determinations, I examine the pulse and tongue, which gives me a glimpse as to how your internal systems are working. You may also be counseled about your diet and lifestyle habits, and how they may be affecting your condition. After this, you will lay comfortably on a treatment table and a select number of hair fine acupuncture needles will be inserted in into select points. You will generally lie for about 20 minutes after this. Most people report deep relaxation during the treatment and many fall asleep!

Q: What does it mean if I feel worse after a treatment?
A: It is not common, but a certain amount of people may feel a slight increase of their symptoms, several hours to one day after an initial treatment. This is not a bad thing, because it means the body is detoxifying. Drink a lot of water and allow the day to pass. The following day will usually show a marked improvement.