FAQ
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of the oldest established medical systems, it dates back to more than 5,000 years. It is based on the 5 elements, “qi” (pronounced chee) which is energy or the life force, the yin and yang which symbolizes many things, one of them being balance and other ancient theories. From a western perspective, the definition is close to that of the messenger pathways of our nervous and circulatory systems, the meridians in Chinese medicine act as conduits for the passage of energy. Acupuncture releases endorphins and other biochemicals achieving homeostasis. Chinese medicine continues to be utilized extensively throughout the world. Due to it’s consistent effectiveness it has little to no side effects. One of the reasons why TCM is so effective is because unlike Western medicine it can get to the root of the issue and not just treat the manifestations and symptoms. When combined with herbs and other modalities the effects can be even more dramatic. Other modalities include but are not limited to: acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, tui na, gua sha, electrical stimulation and qi gong. Chinese medicine remains a very popular and widely used form of medicine in the world today.
Does acupuncture hurt? What if I am afraid of needles?
You will more than likely not feel majority of the needles. First, you will feel the plastic guide tube that holds the needle. Normal sensations after the needle is inserted are: tingling, heaviness, energy, sensations in other parts of the body, and temperature changes (feeling warm or cooler). Most needles are very thin and painless, if you are quite nervous, we will do our best to ensure you feel safe and comfortable. We may do a guided meditation or breathing exercises, use essential oils prior to the treatment, or ask you to cough or take a deep breath prior to inserting the needle. Most patients find acupuncture to be extremely relaxing, many even fall asleep.
What does Acupuncture treat?
It can treat a long list of ailments. According to the World Health Organization, it can treat the following:
- low back pain
- neck pain
- sciatica
- tennis elbow
- knee pain
- periarthritis of the shoulder
- sprains
- facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders)
- headache
- dental pain
- tempromandibular (TMJ) dysfunction
- rheumatoid arthritis
- induction of labor
- correction of malposition of fetus (breech presentation)
- morning sickness
- nausea and vomiting
- postoperative pain
- stroke
- essential hypertension
- primary hypotension
- renal colic
- leucopenia
- adverse reactions to radiation or chemotherapy
- allergic rhinitis, including hay fever
- biliary colic
- depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke)
- acute bacillary dysentery
- primary dysmenorrhea
- acute epigastralgia
- peptic ulcer
- acute and chronic gastritis
What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Dry needling is NOT acupuncture. These are two extremely different theories and it is important to understand the difference. Dry needling can be taken as a weekend course or few hours depending on the state. This is typically practiced by chiropractors, physical therapists, and other western medical practitioners. To differentiate an Acupuncturist’s name is typically followed by L.Ac. or Lic. Ac. Not “Certified Acupuncturist” or “Acupuncture Specialist.”
What should I expect before, during, and after a treatment?
Before:
You should eat something before coming in. Come dressed in loose or comfortable clothing, more than likely we will need to access from elbows and knees down and/or the stomach area. So, please wear pants that can be raised or come in shorts. Please try to print and fill out paperwork before coming in. If you are unable to print before your appointment, please arrive 10-20 minutes prior to fill paperwork out. I will have paperwork waiting for you if needed. Please park in the street and walk up the driveway. The gate will be open and I will greet you at the entrance to the left of the garage.
During:
You will more than likely not feel a majority of the needles. If you do a feel a needle, it will be for just a few seconds. Needles can be readjusted if you feel pain. After needles are inserted you can feel: warmth, tingling, itchy, movement, pulsations, or sensations in other parts of the body.
After:
You will feel quite relaxed and possibly sleepy. Also, you may have some bruising, soreness, and tingling.