While many patients are initially wary of the needles, they soon discover that the experience is quite soothing, and are surprised that acupuncture is virtually painless. Often patients do not even realize that a needle has been inserted. Some patients report a tingling sensation around the needle. Others feel a warm or a dull, aching, pulling sensation. And others do not feel any sensation. An important fact about acupuncture is that it should NOT feel like a needle and it should NOT feel sharp.
How deep do the needles go?
The depth of the needle depends on the area of the body being treated. Generally the needles are inserted 1/8 inch to 1 inch deep.
How big are the needles?
Acupuncture needles are hair thin. As a comparison, it would take about 12-15 acupuncture needles to equal the width of one hypodermic needle used to give a standard injection.
What should I expect during treatment?
During the first visit, you will be asked to complete a confidential intake form outlining your current and past health history. We will then discuss your primary health issues, as well as other aspects of your life. Learning about your concerns and about who you are gives us a complete picture of your condition and enables us to determine an individualized course of treatment for you.
We will also examine your tongue and pulses on both wrists, two essential diagnostic tools in Oriental Medicine. From an Oriental Medicine perspective the Pulse and Tongue can show the health or weakness of different areas of your body. We ask that patients do not brush their tongues prior to the acupuncture visit, as the color and texture of the tongue coating yields valuable information for our assessment of your condition.
Once a treatment plan is determined, you will be asked to lie on a comfortable massage table. Sterile, disposable hair-thin needles will then be gently inserted into several specific points. These needles are left in for about 15-40 minutes. Many patients feel immediately relaxed and experience a very reparative sleep during the treatments.
Oriental Medicine is comprised of Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Tuina (Chinese Medical Massage), Diet and/or Exercise. These modalities may be used separately or in combination depending on your condition. If appropriate, during the treatment, moxibustion (the practice of burning the herb mugwort near or on an acupuncture point to provide a warming, nourishing effect), electrical stimulation, Essential Oil Therapy or Tuina (Chinese Medical Massage) may also be integrated. If used, these methods will be thoroughly explained to you during your treatment.
We will provide Chinese herbal, dietary and exercise recommendations if appropriate.
We also offer individual Herbal Consultations and Tuina/Acupuressure sessions. Call for details.
How long does treatment usually last?
The first treatment usually lasts 1 to 2 hours. Subsequent treatments last about 1 hour.
Do you use disposable needles?
Yes. We ONLY use disposable sterile, one-time use needles.
How often and how long will I need treatment for?
The frequency and duration of treatments varies from case to case depending on your condition. Chronic conditions may take longer to treat than acute conditions.
Generally, it takes at least 6 to 12 visits to resolve any problem. However, you will likely see some positive results after just the first or second session. Commonly we see patients once a week for at least four weeks and then reevaluate the necessity for and frequency of further treatments. Some patients do not need further treatments. Others come just one time per month or a few times per year for a "tune-up".
While you may notice some rapid improvements after the first treatment, often the healing effects are gradual. This is because the goal of Oriental Medicine is to primarily stimulate the body's own ability to heal. This natural re-balancing happens gradually so that you can adapt easily to these changes.
I've heard a lot of stories about herbs being contaminated. How can you be sure the ones you prescribe are safe?
Herbs must be certified GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) to meet criteria to be sold in the United States. Board Certified Chinese Herbalists are also well trained and educated to know which companies sell the highest quality herbs. All of the companies which we purchase from conduct thorough research and follow strict guidelines to insure the herbs are free of sulfites, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals and other contaminants.
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