How does acupuncture work?

 

According to the National Institutes of Health, there are at least three possible explanations for how acupuncture works:

 

• Opioid release. During acupuncture, endorphins that are part of your body's natural pain-control system may be released into your central nervous system — your brain and spinal cord. This reduces pain much like taking a pain medication.
• Spinal cord stimulation. Acupuncture may stimulate the nerves in your spinal cord to release pain-suppressing neurotransmitters. This has sometimes been called the "gate theory."
• Blood flow changes. Acupuncture needles may increase the amount of blood flow in the area around the needle. The increased blood flow may supply additional nutrients or remove toxic substances, or both, promoting healing.

 

Does it hurt?

You will not experience acute pain with acupuncture. You may experience warmth, heaviness, tingling, or other sensations in and around the needle site.

 

How many needles will I get?

The number of needles depends on what we’re working on. But, generally speaking, we use about 30-50 needles per treatment. Facial acupuncture will require the placement of up to 100 needles.

 

Where do you place the needles?

The needles are placed into strategic points on your body, called “acupoints” or “trigger points” to stimulate circulation, calm the nervous system, and have effects on various organs and tissues. Most of the points are on the forearms, lower legs, lower back or tummy. ***Please make sure to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to your appointments. Please do not wear tight stretch pants.

 

Is there any bleeding or risk of infection?

There is typically no bleeding but if there is, it’s just a drop. Unlike hypodermic needles (used for injections and to draw blood), acupuncture needles don’t cut you. And, they are sterile and disposable so there’s no risk of infection. Though individual experiences can vary, there are usually no serious side effects of treatment.

 

How long will my appointments take?

Your initial appointment will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Follow-up appointments can take 1 to 1.5 hours depending on individual needs.

 

How long will I have to keep coming?

You will most likely come for treatment once weekly. For more serious conditions – like significant acute or chronic pain – we might recommend twice weekly to start. Unlike many other clinics, we won’t try to get you coming weekly for months on end. Our goal is to get results efficiently and quickly so you don’t need continual follow-up. Most likely you’ll have weekly sessions for about 6-12 weeks or so.

 

Is acupuncture safe for children?

Yes, sometimes children respond more quickly than adults.

 

Why are herbs recommended with acupuncture care?

Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body for chronic conditions. They can also used to clear excess conditions such as a common cold, fever or acute pain.

 

Do they taste bad?

Our herbal delivery system uses granules, capsules or tinctures containing concentrated powdered extracts. They don’t always taste great but that’s okay because it’s medicine. With time your taste buds will adjust and it’s healthy to have your brain exposed to different flavors.

 

How long and often will i take my herbs?

Generally, each formula is based on a weekly dose. You will take the herbs as directed by your acupuncturist. It is important to communicate with us while you are taking your herbs—as your condition changes your formula may need to be modified.

 

Do I have to take them forever?

Unlike with many medications, herbs gently guide your body back into balance. Once you’ve stabilized at your improved level of wellness, you can safely discontinue the herbs with no ill effects. Many of our patients choose to continue taking them, however, and this is perfectly safe should you choose to do so as well.

 

What about my medications? Are there any interactions?

Our experience is that herb/drug interactions are extremely rare and that, in many cases, patients are able to reduce their medications once they are on the right herbal combination. And, we are extremely skilled at knowing when we need to exercise caution with your herbal plan in relation to medications you might be taking.

 

 

Links for Information on Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine