What are the benefits of Chinese medicine?

Ongoing treatment through Chinese medicine can help with living a more balanced and peaceful lifestyle. This includes having an improved immune system, an increase in stamina and vitality, an overall improvement of well-being and reduction of long term illness.

Do needles hurt?

Acupuncture needles are thin, solid, stainless steel needles, which are slightly thicker than a human hair. All needles are pre-sterilized disposable needles. During each treatment, these needles are inserted just slightly beneath the skin's surface. A slight ache, or tingling sensation, may be felt initially, however this feeling diminishes after a few seconds. Many people have a feeling of relaxation during and after a treatment.

How often should I come?

It is recommended that you schedule your treatments weekly for the first 3 treatments. This ensures that your body can slowly and easily adjust to the changes from each acupuncture treatment. Individuals can then space their treatments to either a bi-weekly or monthly basis depending on individual health goals.

What if I don't have physical ailments but still want to try acupuncture?

You do not need an ailment to try acupuncture. There are many mental and spiritual aspects that acupuncture can benefit. It can promote relaxation and provide stress relief, as well as promote well balanced emotions and a new outlook on life.

How does my practitioner determine what treatment I need?

Your practitioner will listen to your health goals and concerns to determine a Chinese medical diagnosis. Your practitioner will look at your tongue and feel your pulse for this diagnosis. Your tongue allows the practitioner to determine how the qi of your body is functioning. The cracks, color, coating and shape of the tongue is a map of the body and can help assist in treatment planning. The pulse on your wrist shows the qi movement of the twelve meridians of the body. Listening to the pulse before and after treatment allows your practitioner to feel how your body reacts after needling acupuncture points. There are over 27 pulse qualities on your wrist, which your practitioner will be listening for.

What will my first visit be like?

Your first 90 minute visit is comprised of a initial consultation and needling treatment. Your practitioner will speak to you about your personal health goals and health history. They will then listen to your pulse and look at your tongue to determine what treatment plan will work best for you. Your practitioner is determining where the qi is blocked or imbalanced, and will come up with a Chinese medical diagnosis. Needles will then be inserted based on a unique treatment plan for you.

What if I am on medications?

Acupuncture does not interfere with any medications. However, it is very important to let your practitioner know of all medications you're on in case Chinese herbs are prescribed.

What does it mean if my practitioner recommends herbs?

Chinese Herbs are a powerful adjunct to acupuncture. Herbs help support and strengthen the body. They also help in clearing colds, or supplement the body if more energy is needed. Acupuncture and herbs in unison allow for the full benefits of Chinese medicine, and lead to reaching your health goals much faster than either alone.

How should I prepare?

It is recommended to wear loose clothing and avoid excess perfume or cologne for each treatment. Wearing loose clothing ensures that your practitioner can access the acupuncture points easily. It is also recommended that you eat a small meal before your treatment and to avoid coming with an empty stomach. Avoid over-exertion, working out, sex and alcohol for up to 6 hours after your treatment. Try to relax and avoid stressful situations after treatment so that your body has time to take in the treatment.

Will insurance cover acupuncture?

Your practitioner will give you an insurance form with a specific diagnostic code based on your health concern. This form can be submitted to your insurance company. Every insurance company is different, and it is advised that you call ahead to ensure your insurance company accepts or reimburses acupuncture.

Cupping therapy uses glass or bamboo cups to promote healing. A flame is used inside of a cup to heat it up and create suction. The flames are never placed close to the clients skin. The cups are placed on the clients back on specific areas based on the clients needs. This therapy allows for tight muscles to relax and clears stagnation of qi and blood. This therapy also promotes circulation throughout the body to reduce pain, anxiety and colds. There is no pain with this treatment. Clients feel an overall feeling of relaxation. Some areas of redness may show up and last a few days-- this is normal and is the body's way to clear stagnation.

Gua Sha uses a smooth jade edge to scrape the surface of the skin to produce petechiae. Areas of pain, tension, and disease are scraped along the back until there is redness. The redness may last a few days and will not bruise. This redness allows the body to clear stagnation of qi and blood. This technique promotes blood flow to relieve chronic pain. Clients feel no pain and often feel relief from tense muscles from this treatment.

Moxibustion (moxa) is a Chinese medical technique using the herb Mugwort on specific acupuncture points. Mugwort is rolled onto acupuncture points and is lit with incense. It is then immediately removed once the client feels warmth. Moxibustion allows for the client to build more qi, clear blockages, and build more blood. It is also used to warm the organs and body.

Chinese Nutritional Therapy is using food and nutrition to help reach health goals. In Chinese medicine, certain foods have different thermal temperatures, which can be used to help with disease. Your practitioner will make a Chinese medical diagnosis which may include adding or removing certain foods in your diet to allow for enhanced healing.

Mother Roasting is a postpartum technique used days or weeks after the mother has given birth. It uses moxa on the mother's belly and lower back. A moxa stick is lit and gently placed 1 inch above the mother's belly and abdomen. This treatment lasts about 20-30 minutes with the mother lying comfortably on the treatment table. The treatment can be repeated 5 to 10 times within the first two weeks postpartum. The benefits of this treatment are numerous; it promotes healing, strengthens the immune system, builds blood and warms the organs of the body. The earlier and more frequently these treatments are performed, the better.

Health Coaching is a method used by your practitioner to allow you to build a relationship between your symptoms and your lifestyle. Each client will be able to understand the root of their symptoms and simple ways that they can help alleviate them. Your body is wise and every symptom you feel is teaching you something about your lifestyle. Waking up to the relationship between your symptoms and your lifestyle is the first step to taking charge and being well!