About Acupuncture

Acupuncture points are specific areas on the body just beyond the surface of the skin. They have high concentrations of nerve endings, mast cells, lymphatic vessels, and capillaries. When an acupuncture needle is inserted into an acupuncture point, it stimulates the sensory receptor, which in turn stimulates the nerve, which then transmits impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system.

This complex system of interactions (often called a “feedback loop”) between the brain, hormones, and glands is responsible for regulating a number of bodily processes.

Because acupuncture helps to regulate the various feedback loops in your body, it actually allows your body to heal itself of whatever is out of balance. This amazing trait is unique to nearly every other medical system, and has sustained acupuncture as a complete system of medicine for over 3,000 years.

  • First time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like the injections at the doctor's office. They won't. Acupuncture uses hair thin, flexible needles that you will either hardly feel or feel a slight pinch or pressure when being inserted. When the needles are gently stimulated it will produce a unique sensation that East Asian medicine calls de qi. Patients describe this sensation as heavy, achy pressure, or spreading, traveling feeling. You may also feel an electrical sensation moving up, down or both along the meridian pathways. Most patients find these sensations satisfying and intriguing. Most importantly, patients leave feeling relaxed mentally and physically.

    Acupuncture treatment promotes deep relaxation in both mind and body.

  • Yes, I know we would all love that one miraculous treatment but that only happens maybe for 1 out of 50 patients. Benefits of acupuncture are gained cumulatively, so more than 1 treatment is highly recommended. Generally, for acute conditions (depending on severity) at least 3-5 treatments are needed, 1-2 times a week in the first couple weeks. However, you may begin to feel relief after the first few treatments. Once symptoms decrease or goes away, sessions can be tapered down to once a week to once bi-weekly to at least once a month for tune up sessions.

    Chronic conditions may take longer to respond. Depending on the issue, severity, and duration of the condition, at least 10 or more sessions will be needed. Treatments for prevention and for general well-being may also be scheduled on an as needed basis.

    Your ailments accumulated over a long period of time and even though you may feel better immediately, you have to give your body a chance for healing to take time as well. If you allow yourself and we commit to working together, you will be amazed at the healing you will achieve. This is not about treating the disease. This is about treating YOU and your well-being.

  • Since acupuncture works cumulatively, it is essential to get treatments close to each other as each treatment builds on the previous session. In the first 2-4 weeks, I recommend 1-2 sessions per week, then tapering off as the weeks go by. If treatments are too far apart, we can lose momentum and erase the progress. Since each treatment builds on the last, I expect you to feel slowly yet progressively better with each treatment. It is also important to schedule a session if you ever start to feel yourself “backsliding” and your next scheduled appointment isn't for a couple of days or longer.

    For facial cosmetic acupuncture it is best recommended and a standard protocol to get treatments twice a week for 5 weeks, so 10 treatments to keep the momentum of the progress.

  • Before your first visit, I will ask you to complete a comprehensive intake form on my website link so I have an understanding of your general health before we meet. This form will ask about your current state of health, past illnesses, family history, and etc. These are important questions since the holistic methods of East Asian medicine take everything into account. Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex landscapes and everything that happens leaves its mark.

    After reviewing your intake form, we will discuss your condition and I will assess your hara (stomach area) as well as other areas of the body. Acupuncture points will be chosen based on your condition and what your body tells me. Once the needles are inserted in place, I will leave you to lie comfortably for about 15-20 minutes. The 75-minute sessions include front and back treatments. Many people feel deeply relaxed and it is very common to fall asleep during this time.

  • Do not worry about how to dress as a gown and/or towel will be provided for.

  • Side effects of acupuncture are infrequent, but they can occur. They also tend to be very mild when (and if) they do occur. The most common side effects are explained below.

    FATIGUE

    While most people notice a marked improvement in their symptoms following acupuncture, some feel worse before they start feeling better. This is sometimes referred to as a “healing crisis.” Because acupuncture works to get you “unstuck,” dormant physical issues can get stirred up in the process. As these issues are brought to our awareness, we are able to address them in the clinic so they can be handled and healed appropriately.

    It is also very possible to feel wiped out after acupuncture. Acupuncture is powerful, and when things are moving, your body gets tired. This is never a cause for concern, and the best thing to do is re-fuel with nourishing snacks, room temperature water, and relaxation time.

    SORENESS

    Body parts where acupuncture needles get inserted can feel sore after needles are removed. You also may experience muscle soreness away from the needling site if a trigger point was released during your treatment.

    Soreness from acupuncture typically dissipates within 24 hours. However, big trigger point releases can cause residual soreness that lasts a few days.

    BRUISING

    Mild spot bleeding can occur at the needle site, as well as bruising can occur that usually last slightly longer than soreness from an acupuncture needle. Bleeding and bruising are infrequent but inevitable due to needle insertion into tissue, especially with cosmetic facial acupuncture's treatment of tiny vessels in the facial region. However, this also causes new tissues, collagen and healing to occur. These symptoms are generally not anything to worry about beyond the aesthetic inconvenience for few days.

    EMOTIONAL RELEASE

    It is very possible to cry during or after acupuncture. Along with the physical parts becoming “unstuck,” emotions become free-flowing as well. The emotional release that can happen in acupuncture is often unexpected, but it is generally a very positive experience.

    Feeling emotional during or after a treatment is a sign that the acupuncture is working in the emotional/mental department. Even if you’re seeking acupuncture for a physical ailment, increased emotional expression is an indication that healing is happening. From an acupuncture perspective, physical and emotional health are interconnected, so emotional shifts suggest positive physical changes as well.

    While these side effects are rarely a cause for concern, you know your body best. If any of these side effects feel like they’re too uncomfortable, please let me know.