Acupuncture FAQs
“There must be something to acupuncture.
You never
see any sick porcupines
”
- Bob Goddard
- I have a very low threshold for pain. Will it hurt?
We use very small, hi-grade, stainless steel needles that are smaller than the smallest sewing needle, are disposed of after use, and are painless or at the most feel like a mosquito bite. For those who have a deep fear of needles, we can either start with just a few needles, and use low-level electrical stimulation—electro-auricula acupuncture (eaa)—or simply use pressure on the acupuncture points instead. Although that being said, the most profound results come with the use of needles.
- How many treatments will I need?
This depends on whether the problem is due to a chronic, acute or severe illness. For chronic illnesses, we typically recommend a series of ten appointments a week apart, with different needles used at each appointment. For acute illnesses, we recommend more concentrated appointments, closer together. For severe illnesses, we recommend every day appointments, spaced out only after the symptoms improve.
- Sometimes when I am sitting for long periods at a time, I feel a restlessness in my body, although I am not tired. Could that be a blockage of Chi ?
Yes, there can be a stagnation of chi and blood that can cause the restlessness. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which includes Acupuncture and herbs would help keep the keep the chi and vital fluids ( lymph, blood, water) moving.
- Are there any health problems that acupuncture cannot help?
No, acupuncture does not treat diseases; it treats the individual. It is based on pattern diagnosis—find a pattern based on pulse and tongue diagnosis.
- How would your acupuncture treatment differ from one of a Chinese Acupuncturist?
A Chinese acupuncturist trained in China would have more uniform training, and typically see more patients. A Japanese style or trained acupuncturist, the emphasis is on smaller needles, shallower insertion, palpation and frequently would use more needles (12 -16).
- How many times per week would I need a treatment?
This varies depending on the individual, but typically 1-2x per week.
- How long is an acupuncture session?
About 45 minutes with the first 15 minutes a dialogue.
- The last time I had an acupuncture treatment, I got very tired afterwards. Why does that happen?
An acupuncture treatment will stimulate blocked chi and fluids. It moves toxicity, and it takes a lot of energy to move toxicity out. When the chi is very deficient, there are not enough raw materials for an evergy source.
- I am actually afraid of needles. Is there a needleless form of acupuncture you do, or could you recommend someone?
Yes. See answer #1 above.
- Can I get acupuncture treatments without the Chinese herbs?
Yes, but it depends on the condition. Herbs are chosen based on the patients symptoms.
- Is acupuncture contraindicated against any medicines?
There are herb/drug contraindications, but no needle/drug contraindications. Electro-acupuncture is contraindicated with pacemakers, since the electrical device can stimulate the heart rhythm.
- I am six months pregnant. Can I still do acupuncture now? If so for how much longer.
Yes, acupuncture can be very helpful up to delivery, during labor and afterwards. Precautions are usually only needed during the first trimester, and then needleless acupuncture can be substituted then.
- When a friend of mine gets acupuncture, some of the small needles are left in his body until the next session. Is that necessary?
Would you recommend doing that? Yes, that is called ‘needle retention therapy’, but it is not commonly done in the United States, due to medical legal reasons. Often pellets are left in the ears for continued stimulation until the next visit.
- Do some people not respond the acupuncture treatments, or if it is done properly for the health issue, are there always improvements?
Acupuncture is like any other therapy where it isn’t for everybody. This is especially true if there is a lot of fear around needles or some aspect of acupuncture.
