What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a gentle but powerful system of healing that has been practiced for thousands of years. People all over the world receive acupuncture. Acupuncture is the insertion of very thin needles into specific areas in the body, known as acupuncture points. These points are places where Qi (pronounced "chee") can be accessed. Qi is the body's vital energy or life force. Qi is produced by the food you eat and the air you breathe. Qi flows through pathways, known as meridians, to all of your organs. Acupuncture balances the flow of Qi in your body, and stimulates your natural healing abilities.

How should I prepare for my first acupuncture appointment?

• Please have a small meal or snack before the appointment.
• Please avoid caffeine and alcohol six hours before treatment. Both affect your pulses and this affects diagnosis.
• Please do not wear perfumes or strong body scents, as many people are sensitive to them.
• Wear comfortable clothing that can be pushed up to allow easy access to your elbows and knees.
• Avoid wearing a lot of jewelry around your wrists and ankles, as these will probably need to be removed for treatment.
• Many people fall asleep during treatment, and some do snore. Feel free to bring earplugs, music with earphones, a special blanket or pillow, or even a stuffed animal. We want you to make yourself comfortable.
• Bring your completed Patient Registration and Health History Form and Consent for Treatment or allow at least 15 minutes to complete it before your appointment. Please complete them fully.
• If you are a woman seeking treatment  for infertility, please also complete our Female Fertility Support Questionnaire.

What happens on my first appointment?

1. Please turn off your cell phone prior to entering the clinic.
2. Complete your Patient Registration and Health History Form and Consent for Treatment (if not already completed) in the Waiting Room, and read our Welcome Letter.
3. Meet with your acupuncturist in private to discuss private information and ask questions. Pulse and tongue diagnoses are performed as traditionally performed in Asia, with other assessments made specific to your concerns.
4. A treatment plan (designed specifically for you) is developed and discussed with you. This includes both the frequency and duration of recommended treatments.
5. You select a recliner, roll up your sleeves and pant legs to permit easy access to elbows and knees, and remove shoes, socks and jewelry around your wrists and ankles.
6. Your acupuncturist places the needles and you rest comfortably or doze until you feel your treatment is complete. If you are lying quietly with your eyes closed, your acupuncturist will assume you are still dozing and will not disturb you.
7. When you feel your treatment is complete, open your eyes and make eye contact with your acupuncturist, who will come and remove your needles. Treatments can last 20 minutes to several hours - you decide what's right for you!

What should I know about getting treatment in a group?

We take care to keep our entire office as a tranquil space. Please be respectful of those around you by turning off your cell phone (even leaving it on vibrate can be disturbing). Speak in whispers and only at a minimum. Please do not socialize in the waiting room or treatment rooms, and keep discussions low and to a minimum.

How are acupuncture points chosen for my treatment?

Each point has specific functions and indications. Your acupuncturist will select points specifically for each treatment after considering the information on your Health History form and through on-going assessments made by your acupuncturist (including tongue and pulse diagnosis). In a community practice, your acupuncturist is not able to give lengthy explanations about how or why acupuncture works, or about what each acupuncture point does. If you have questions, please spend some time reading about Chinese medicine.

Here is a list of recommended readings on Chinese Medicine:

• Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine, by Harriet Beinfield
• The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine, by Ted Kaptchuk
• Voices of Qi: An Introductory Guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine, by Alex Holland
• Wood Becomes Water: Chinese Medicine in Everyday Life, by Gail Reichstein

Here are books on Women's Issues:

• Managing Menopause Naturally with Chinese Medicine, by Honora Lee Wolfe
• The Infertility Cure: The Ancient Chinese Wellness Program for Getting Pregnant and Having Healthy Babies, by Randine Lewis

 

What will I feel when the needles are inserted?

Acupuncture needles are very thin, and are not painful like hypodermic needles used for vaccinations. You may experience a sensation of warmth or heaviness, or even of energy moving, when the needles are placed.

My problem is in my back, chest, or abdomen. Can needles in other places help me?

Yes! It is not necessary for needles to be placed in a painful or problem area for treatment to be effective. In fact, our acupuncturist has received specialized training in treating pain and other symptoms, with internationally recognized experts: Dr. Richard Tan (The Balance Method); Dr Richard Niemtzow (Battlefield Acupuncture); and Dr. Robert Chu (Master Tong Acupuncture). When treating pain and other symptoms, needles are intentionally not placed in the painful or problem area. We can very effectively treat your entire body through these "distal points" and with acupuncture points on the ears.

While most people come for acupuncture for pain or distressing symptoms, many find that acupuncture opens up possibilities for them on emotional and spiritual levels as well. That’s because acupuncture gets you in touch with your own inner wisdom, and the healing power you already have within.

How can I support my healing?

1. Get plenty of rest. Studies show that people who are rested have fewer illnesses and fewer hospitalizations. People who get enough rest have less chance of being overweight and are able to cope better with the on-going stresses of life.
2. Drink enough fluids. Your body is approximately 80% water and you need to replenish it regularly. In colder weather, the heat in homes and offices can be very drying. While water is best, it is also fine to get fluids from soups, juices, decaf beverages, fruits and vegetables. Limit caffeinated beverages (coffee, some teas and sodas). Caffeine makes you urinate and contributes to loss of fluids. Caffeine also worsens anxiety and physical sensations from stress, and can interfere with sleep.
3. Notice how your lifestyle affects your sense of well-being and your symptoms. In Chinese Medicine, symptoms are viewed as wisdom teachers. By paying attention to your symptoms (when they come & go), you will gain access to your own inner wisdom. You will begin to notice how your lifestyle supports your health. And, you will gain insights to empower you to decide what makes sense for you.

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