Does Acupuncture hurt?
Everyone’s experience is different but most people agree that you will probably feel a little “pinch” or nothing at all as the needle goes through the skin. After the insertion of the needle the practitioner will try to illicit a “De Qi” response and these are generally the more intense sensations involved with acupuncture. These sensations can include a tingling sensation that travels up or down the limb, a heavy sensation, a muscle jump or a temperature change. After the needles are inserted most people report a sense of deep relaxation and many fall asleep during their treatments!
What can I expect from an Acupuncture treatment?
The average treatment lasts for about an hour and consists of a short conversation followed by needle insertion. For adults, needles are inserted and left for 15-30 minutes. Moxa may be used to warm up specific areas of the body and other modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine may also be utilized.
Your initial visit will last longer, anywhere from one to two hours and will involve a lengthy discussion of you and your complete health picture. This is why it is important to fill out your health history questionnaire completely.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic and comprehensive approach to health. For over 2500 years TCM has evolved a subtle yet powerful form of medicine that can improve all aspects of health from muscle pain to digestive issues to even flu and colds. By manipulating Qi (the metabolic forces of the body) TCM can make the sick healthy and the healthy vibrant. The most commonly known form of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the United States is acupuncture.
FAQ
What is Qi?
In the context of health, Qi is best translated as metabolic force or the body’s ability to heal and change. In TCM we manipulate different types of Qi in the body: the force of digestion (Pi Qi), the force of circulation (Xin Qi), the force of water metabolism (Shen Qi), etc. Each of these Qi, or body systems, are understood holistically and are associated with different organs, tissues, and even emotions. The Four Pillars allow us to affect these systems in different ways and with different emphasis.
Can I stop taking my medications when I seek help with Traditional Chinese Medicine?
No. TCM works slowly to create a more lasting and permanent change. You will need to stay on your medication to manage your symptoms until we begin to see change. The you can begin the dialog with your physician to begin to lower the dosages and/or frequency of medication and eventually, perhaps, eliminate it all together.
Does everyone see a complete recovery with the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Unfortunately not. Everyone is different and so are their illnesses. While not everyone will experience a 100% recovery most can greatly reduce their dependence on pain killers and other medications and/or report a better quality of life. In general, the earlier that help is sought the better the prognosis.