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While it is difficult to put a number on it, most people will begin to feel better after 3-5 treatments. Some of them can experience dramatic results after the first treatment. Some patients experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain and other symptoms, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, pain, and swelling in acute sports injuries. The improvements are normally incremental. You may feel 20% better after your third treatment, 30% better after your fourth, and so on. The upward trajectory can have some glitches, but we are looking for a pattern of improvements. Chronic conditions, like 30 years of arthritis, tend to take longer to resolve. Acupuncture works best when you get frequent treatments at the beginning of your treatment schedule. The treatments will be less frequent as you improve.

Most people call it a painless treatment. The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies. It feels like a mosquito is biting most people. Some people feel a little pain as the needles are inserted, but most people feel no pain at all. More than half of the people are falling asleep during the process. The more you relax, the less you will feel. Ask yourself any questions you have along the way, practitioner, so you can get the most out of the treatment. Do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are uncomfortable, tell your practitioner.

The depth of the insertion varies. For example, your acupuncturist will use a needling technique that is different in fleshier areas, such as your buttocks. Typically, needles are inserted at depths ranging from 1/8″ to 1 1/2″. In experienced hands, it is the safest medical procedure, up to 100% safe.

Yes! In some instances, children actually respond more quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, your acupuncturist may massage the acupuncture points. This is called acupressure or Tui Na.

It is the safest medical procedure in experienced hands, with up to 100% safety.

Today, acupuncturists receive 3 to 4 years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.

Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and qi within the superficial muscle layers. It is used for sore muscles, tension, neck pain, and the common cold. In this therapy, your acupuncturist will place small glass or plastic “cups” over specific areas of your body. A vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction. They may be moved over an affected area or left in place. You may leave the office looking as though a large octopus gave you a big hug. There is no need for an alarm. The slight redness will quickly dissipate.

Gwa Sha is another technique used to release muscle tension, tightness, and constriction. A specialized tool is used to gently scrape or rub the skin over a problem area. Gwa Sha feels a bit like a deep massage. This may leave some slight redness that will quickly dissipate.

Moxibustion is a treatment that uses an herb called mugwort. It may be burned on the handle of the needle, above the skin, on salt, or on a slice of ginger. This is used to “warm” acupuncture points or areas in order to quicken the healing process. This is the best way to turn the breech fetus position into a head position with no risk. The success rate is about 80% if Moxibustion is processed between 36 weeks and 38 weeks of pregnancy.