What is acupuncture?
Acu- infers 'sharpness', and puncture- to pierce with a pointed object
Acupuncture is the use of incredibly thin needles (see picture, much smaller than a hypodermic), inserted in particular points of your body dependent on your diagnosis. It is one modality within the context of Chinese medicine.
Acu- infers 'sharpness', and puncture- to pierce with a pointed object
Acupuncture is the use of incredibly thin needles (see picture, much smaller than a hypodermic), inserted in particular points of your body dependent on your diagnosis. It is one modality within the context of Chinese medicine.
What is Qi?
Because the Chinese written language is so full of subtleties and nuances, it is hard to translate into English the true meaning of Qi. It is often called "life force" or "life energy", which I don't feel is an accurate definition. The closest I can come to describing Qi is to think of molecules, and how every molecule makes up space, whether it be fluid, solid, or immaterial, whether it is 'static' or moving. Qi is the molecules. It is everything, in different forms. Acupuncturists use needles to address certain 'types' of Qi within the body
Because the Chinese written language is so full of subtleties and nuances, it is hard to translate into English the true meaning of Qi. It is often called "life force" or "life energy", which I don't feel is an accurate definition. The closest I can come to describing Qi is to think of molecules, and how every molecule makes up space, whether it be fluid, solid, or immaterial, whether it is 'static' or moving. Qi is the molecules. It is everything, in different forms. Acupuncturists use needles to address certain 'types' of Qi within the body
Does acupuncture hurt?
There is an occasional prick upon insertion, but other than that, acupuncture does not hurt! Most common associated feelings with acupuncture include warmth, tingling , and other sensations that are hard to describe-not uncomfortable, just unusual. This can occur in any part of the body. People also describe a sense of deep relaxation (they often fall asleep!).
There is an occasional prick upon insertion, but other than that, acupuncture does not hurt! Most common associated feelings with acupuncture include warmth, tingling , and other sensations that are hard to describe-not uncomfortable, just unusual. This can occur in any part of the body. People also describe a sense of deep relaxation (they often fall asleep!).
What should I expect?
Prior to treatment:
Treatment
After treatment
Prior to treatment:
- Please eat something (preferably nourishing, without caffeine, or colorings-such as hard candy) 1-2 hours prior to treatment.
- Please wear loose, comfortable clothing that may be moved above the elbows and knees. Women, a regular bra is better than a sports bra
- Please arrive 10 minutes early to fill out paperwork if you are a new patient
- Please do not arrive on drugs unless prescribed, as I will not be able to treat you
Treatment
- A first time treatment usually runs 1.5-2 hours, so make sure you have the time available. Follow-ups run 1-1.25 hrs
- After intake, your practitioner will discuss with you the treatment procedure and answer any questions.
- You will receive treatment, which may be acupuncture only, or with other modalities. Needle retention can be anywhere from 5-30 minutes, depending on condition.
- Your acupuncturist will discuss with you your treatment plan
After treatment
- Please drink lots of water.
- Some people feel nothing, some people feel immediate results from their dis-ease/dis-comfort, some people feel a change the next day, some people feel sleepy, some energized. These are all acceptable. Normally 1 treatment will not 'fix' the problem, although it may alleviate the symptom.
- If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact your practitioner.
- You may receive homework, which may include paying attention to certain bodily responses, journaling, or specific exercises
How many treatments do I need?
Number of treatments needed will be determined by your healthcare practitioner. Most often 5-6 treatments are needed to really begin seeing some changes. I have found that often pain can be reduced greatly with the first treatment. This, however, does not mean your issue is resolved. Following treatment recommendations will ensure greatest outcome with best results
Number of treatments needed will be determined by your healthcare practitioner. Most often 5-6 treatments are needed to really begin seeing some changes. I have found that often pain can be reduced greatly with the first treatment. This, however, does not mean your issue is resolved. Following treatment recommendations will ensure greatest outcome with best results
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes, acupuncture is safe when administered by a trained, licensed professional. We encourage you to check the credentials of your acupuncturist. Only someone with MsOM, MsAc. MsTCM, DiplOM, DiplAc, and LAc's are properly and thoroughly trained in acupuncture. They should be licensed in their state (here in Colorado) and certified through NCCAOM. Our licensure is over 2500 hours of clinical and didactic education. A 300 hour class on "dry" needling does not constitute the ability to properly diagnose and treat with acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Doctors, chiropractors and PT's often do what is called 'acupuncture' and though they may have 300 hours of training, what they practice is not part of Chinese Medicine. Would you want me to give you a neck adjustment after 300 training hours? PLEASE always check the credentials of your practitioner.
Yes, acupuncture is safe when administered by a trained, licensed professional. We encourage you to check the credentials of your acupuncturist. Only someone with MsOM, MsAc. MsTCM, DiplOM, DiplAc, and LAc's are properly and thoroughly trained in acupuncture. They should be licensed in their state (here in Colorado) and certified through NCCAOM. Our licensure is over 2500 hours of clinical and didactic education. A 300 hour class on "dry" needling does not constitute the ability to properly diagnose and treat with acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Doctors, chiropractors and PT's often do what is called 'acupuncture' and though they may have 300 hours of training, what they practice is not part of Chinese Medicine. Would you want me to give you a neck adjustment after 300 training hours? PLEASE always check the credentials of your practitioner.