Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves the use of thin stainless-steel disposable needles at one or more points on the body. Acupuncture treats and prevents disease, stops pain, and promotes well-being.
Does acupuncture hurt?
No. Acupuncture is painless. The needles are very thin, and much smaller than the needles used for "shots."
Although it is generally painless, acupuncture may cause a mild achiness or "heavy" feeling around the needle. This is normal, and acupuncture is still quite comfortable. In fact getting acupuncture is very calming, and many patients even fall asleep during treatment.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works by restoring balance. It revitalizes your mind and body, including your internal organs. Some examples of how acupuncture works are:
Women's Health: Acupuncture treats women's health issues by balancing hormones, regulating the nervous system, and promoting a healthy circulation and supply of blood to the uterus.
Anxiety and Stress: Acupuncture treats anxiety and stress by regulating the nervous system. It has a similar effect on other conditions, like insomnia.
Pain, Injury, and Orthopedic Conditions: Acupuncture treats pain. injury and other orthopedic conditions by relaxing muscle spasms, invigorating blood circulation, reducing inflammation, balancing pain receptors, and causing a release of endorphins ("feel good" chemicals in the brain.)
Digestion: Acupuncture treats digestive issues by adjusting metabolism, balancing hormones, and promoting movement of food through the digestive tract.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. Acupuncture has been practiced safely for thousands of years.
Several authorities attest to the safety of acupuncture. These include the National Institutes of Health, World Health Organization (WHO), British Medical Journal, and the Annals of Internal Medicine (journal), in addition to several independent studies.
How long is an acupuncture treatment?
An acupuncture treatment lasts from 40 minutes to over an hour, depending on your condition and whether your treatment is part of an initial exam or a follow-up. The initial exam and treatment may be over an hour because of the time needed to obtain a complete medical history.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments varies depending on the duration and severity of your condition in addition to your overall constitution. Typically, acute conditions (recent complaints) require about 4 to 6 consecutive treatments (1 to 2 treatments per week.) Some patients get significant relief after only one treatment. Chronic (long-term) and more severe conditions usually require more treatments.
Since acupuncture also helps prevent disease, it is beneficial to occasionally get maintenance treatments.
