Medical Services FAQs

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Increasingly, it is being used for overall wellness, including stress management.

Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as chi or qi (chee) — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance.

In contrast, many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. Some believe that this stimulation boosts your body's natural painkillers.

Acupuncture is widely acknowledged as one of the safest forms of medicine. Acupuncture needles are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and disposable. Acupuncturists undergo extensive training and are regulated by the individual states’ medical board.

One of the greatest advantages of acupuncture is that it has virtually no side effects. Occasionally, a small temporary bruise may appear at the site of an acupuncture needle. When compared to the laundry list of cautions and side effects for the average pharmaceutical drug, acupuncture is a very low risk!

The frequency of treatment depends on your medical condition, typically two to three times per week. Many conditions respond faster to frequent acupuncture treatments, while other patients only need to come in once a week. Once your condition is stabilized, you won’t need to come in as frequently. When you come in for your first treatment, we’ll formulate a specific treatment plan for you.

 In Chinese medical theory, acupuncture works by balancing the body’s Qi. Qi can be described as a form of bioenergy that runs along meridians. If Qi gets blocked, it shows up as an imbalance or illness. Basically, if you have a health condition, some part of your body’s system is out of whack. Chinese medical theory allows us to diagnose the imbalance and balance it.

In Western medical theory, acupuncture appears to work by stimulating parts of the brain. It also stimulates the body to release natural biomolecules such as neurotransmitters, vasodilators, and hormones. The exact mechanisms that bring this about are unknown, but the effects are measurable.

When people come in for the first time, they aren’t sure how long they should stay and rest with the needles in. We often tell our patients to stay for at least 30 minutes for the treatment to take effect.

Resting with the needles in longer doesn’t necessarily mean you will get a better treatment or more benefit from the treatment. However, if you are in a restful state, feel free to stay as long as you like. The body heals best when it is resting.

However, if your mind is wandering and you aren’t restful, it won’t help you to stay longer. The best thing to do is to listen to your body.

No, the needles do not hurt. In fact, most people barely feel anything when needles are inserted. Some people feel a slight pinch, and others ask, “Is it in yet?” Acupuncture needles are solid, flexible, and very, very thin (about the width of two hairs).

There are certain sensations associated with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. These may include slight cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling, or an electric sensation traveling along a meridian. If any discomfort is experienced, it is usually mild and temporary.

The short answer is no, you don’t. We are all trained a little differently, so we might use different techniques or use different points. However, building a relationship with one acupuncturist can help tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs and track your progress over time.