FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture

What is Five-Element Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a 5,000 year old form of medicine that focuses on the body and mind in order to bring the body back into balance. There are several meridians or pathways that run throughout the body, carrying our vital energy (known as Qi - pronounced chee). A person's health is influenced by the flow of Qi in the body. If the flow of Qi is insufficient, unbalanced or interrupted, the body becomes unbalanced, and pain or illness may occur. The goal of acupuncture treatments is to restore the flow of Qi, thereby treating the underlying causes of the pain or ailment.

Five-Element acupuncture is unique, in that each acupuncture treatment is individualized to treat the person. No two people get the same treatment, even if both are coming for the treatment of back pain. Your complaint could have a different underlying cause than the next person. Five-element acupuncture is rooted  in nature, so the five elements of Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood exist within each of us as well, manifesting as physical and emotional symptoms such as night sweats, sugar cravings, grief, anxiety, or tight muscles to name just a few. During the initial consultation with your acupuncturist, she will ask you many questions and determine which meridian is out of balance. From there, she will treat the unbalanced meridian, creating an even flow of Qi in all the meridians, which results in relief from your pain or other specific concerns.

How does acupuncture work?

The Eastern explanation for how acupunctures works is that our energy (Qi) can be influenced and balanced by stimulating specific points on the body. These points are located along channels of energy known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked. By inserting tiny, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points, different areas in the body are stimulated to bring the body back into balance. After your acupuncturist completes a full health and social intake during your first appointment, she will create a treatment plan to address your specific concerns.

What conditions does acupuncture treat?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes acupuncture in treatment of many conditions, including pain, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, menstrual issues, addictions, and nausea/vomiting.

Acupuncture is very effective in treating both physical and emotional concerns. Physical conditions acupuncture treats include:  neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, irritable bowel syndrome, pre-menstrual syndrome, menstruation irregularities, digestive disorders, eating disorders, urinary disorders, sexual dysfunction, infertility, and the common cold. Emotional concerns acupuncture helps to treat are anxiety, depression, mood swings, anger, insomnia, grief, and sadness. Acupuncture aids in treating a vast range of physical, mental, and emotional issues.

Acupuncture also serves as preventative medicine. It is best to discuss your specific concerns with your acupuncturist to see how acupuncture can help you. Feel comfortable talking to your acupuncturist about your mind and body, knowing that all the information is kept confidential.

Is acupuncture safe? What does acupuncture feel like?

Acupuncture is safe and does not have any serious adverse risks or side effects when performed by a qualified professional. The needles used are sterile and are disposed after each use. Acupuncture has been used by millions of Americans and is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions.

The sensation felt during an acupuncture treatment will vary from person to person. When the needle is inserted, some people may feel a slight pinch, while others feel nothing at all. While the needles are in, you may feel a swirling sensation around the needles or you may feel some movement running up and down from where the needles are placed. Your experience will be unique to you. Your acupuncturist will help make your treatment a comfortable experience.

What is cupping?

Cupping is one of the oldest methods of traditional Chinese medicine. During a cupping session, plastic or glass cups are placed on the part of the body being treated, and by using a suction device, oxygen is removed from under the cup. The vacuum created by the lack of oxygen anchors the cup to the skin and pulls it upward on the inside of the glass as the air inside the jar cools. Drawing up the skin is believed to open up the skin’s pores, which helps to stimulate the flow of blood, balances and realigns the flow of qi, breaks up obstructions, and creates an avenue for toxins to be drawn out of the body. Depending on the condition being treated, the cups will be left in place from 5 to 10 minutes.

How often do I schedule acupuncture treatments?

Acupuncture treatments are unique to each individual. Depending on your specific concerns, the number of times you should get treated will vary. For acupuncture treatments to be most effective, it is highly recommended that you schedule weekly sessions for 5 to 8 weeks. The first 2-3 treatments are "cleansing" treatments, in which each session is geared towards removing any toxins that are circulating within the body. Each subsequent session focuses on addressing your concern and balancing the body and mind, so that healing can take place. Often, healing continues for several weeks and it is important for you to discuss a maintenance plan with your acupuncturist. Your acupuncturist will also make both short-term and long-term treatment plans and will give you her recommendations on frequency of acupuncture treatments.