Is Acupuncture Safe?
In the hands of licensed practitioners acupuncture is a very safe, pain-free, effective, treatment for many acute and chronic conditions that have been used for thousands of years.

 

Is Acupuncture Painful?
Acupuncture is generally painless because acupuncture needles are about the thickness of a dog’s whisker or a strand of hair. There may be a moment of pain at the time of insertion, but once the needles are in they shouldn’t cause pain. Should you experience any discomfort, inform the practitioner, and they will adjust the needles accordingly

 

Are there any side effects?
One of the great advantages of acupuncture is that it is very safe. Other than an occasional bruise, there are no side effects.

 

How does Acupuncture work?
Sixteenth-century Chinese doctors believed that illness was due to an imbalance of energy in the body. In acupuncture, disposable, stainless steel needles are used to stimulate the body's 14 major meridians, or energy-carrying channels, to resist or overcome illnesses by correcting these imbalances.

 

Do you reuse the needles?

No, we don’t. All needles are sterilized and disposable

 

Where do the needles go?
Needles are placed at specific acupuncture points on the body. Depending on the specific condition the needles commonly are placed at or below the elbows, and at or below the knees. Other common areas are the back, abdomen, and ears.

 

What should I expect for my first treatment?
During the first treatment, the practitioner will take a complete health history and establish a complete evaluation of the condition you are seeking treatment for and ask you questions about lifestyle, not only for the condition you are being treated. The practitioner will feel your pulse, look at your tongue, and may palpate specific meridians to look for tender areas. The initial treatment may last between 1 and 1.5 hours, and all subsequent treatments are for 1 hour.

 

Can I receive acupuncture when I am pregnant?
Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy and can help relieve many pregnancy and postpartum conditions. Because there are some acupuncture points that are contraindicated during pregnancy it is important to inform the practitioner if you are pregnant.  We highly recommend acupuncture during your first trimester to help assist embryo development, prevent miscarriage, and address any other symptoms that may arise.

 

How often do I need to come in for treatment?

The frequency of treatment depends on your medical condition. It is normally one or two times per week.

 

How long does a session take?

It is between 30-60 minutes. Normally the first session will be 60 minutes.

 

Do you treat ACC patients?

Yes, our practitioners are all ACC-approved.

 

Do I need to bring in an ACC referral letter to be able to get ACC treatment?

You do not have to. Please inform us before you come if you need an ACC. We will help you to lodge a new ACC claim.

 

How do I prepare for my acupuncture treatment?

Do not come with a full or empty stomach. Do not drink alcohol or coffee. Please wear some loose clothes and pants so your arms, legs, abdomen, and back are accessible. Tight jeans are not going to help.

 

What are the advantages of acupuncture?
One benefit to acupuncture is that it is a drug-free way to optimize health. With drugs, people often develop a tolerance or the need for an increased dosage to achieve the same required effect. However, this does not happen with acupuncture. In addition, acupuncture allows the doctor to immediately examine a person's response to the treatment and adjust it if necessary.

 

Has your Acupuncture question been answered?
If not, please don't hesitate to contact us.  We are happy to help.