Frequently Asked Questions

Chinese Medicine treats a variety of issues.  Below is a list of some commonly treated issues...

Read more: What are some of the conditions that Chinese medicine can treat?

Both acupuncturists and chiropractors generally go to school for fours years to study what they are specializing in – acupuncture or chiropractic. The majority of the schooling is solely focused on either acupuncture or chiropractic. Both healing systems are fantastic ways of treating issues all naturally, but the two healing systems may approach treatments, specifically acupuncture, differently.

Read more: Is seeing a chiropractor for acupuncture the same as seeing an acupuncturist?

 Acupuncture works by inserting needles into specific points of the body. These points lie along the meridians, or channels that run throughout and over the body. Meridians are responsible for the movement of the body's energy, or qi. Whenever there is a disturbance of the energy in the body, pain, disease or discomfort may occur. Acupuncture works by regulating the energy flow and function with the use of needles to stimulate and balance the qi along the meridians.

You may experience a sensation with acupuncture that has been described as numb, tingling, heavy, itchy, referring or just “weird”. This sensation is the feeling of the needle tapping into the qi to work with the body to bring back balance. This feeling is actually encouraged. It is this sensation that initiates the healing process. If you experience any pain or a feeling of intolerable discomfort, tell your practitioner.

Acupuncture is safe when practiced by a skilled and licensed acupuncturist. Acupuncture needles are packaged into sterile packages that are “one time” use only. They are disposed of immediately after use. The practitioner uses Clean Needle Technique which is required by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture to ensure safety and to prevent infection and cross contamination.

When you come in for an initial treatment, you will have a consultation with your practitioner. This includes looking at your tongue and feeling your pulse. This consultation determines the very unique and individualized diagnosis and treatment plan specifically for you. The consultation is generally one hour. Depending on what type of treatment is utilized, the treatment typically lasts about ½ hour. If acupuncture is used, the needles are inserted and left in the points for about twenty minutes. Many people find this time very relaxing and refreshing. After twenty minutes, the needles are taken out.

Aside from just needles, Chinese medicine consists of other healing modalities.

Herbal formulas are used and prescribed either alone or with acupuncture to supplement treatment.  Many herbs are safe and can be used along with western medications. It is important to inform your practitioner of any medications you are taking or are allergic to.

Read more: What are some of the other modalites used in Chinese medicine?

Everyone responds differently to treatments. A typical treatment course is about 6-10 treatments, but with each visit, an assessment of progress will be done and at that time it will be evaluated if more treatments are necessary.