FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Acupuncture and how does it work?
Will it hurt?
How long does it take?
How many treatments will I need?
Are the needles safe?
What conditions does Acupuncture treat?
Do I have to believe in Acupuncture for it to work?


What is Acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is a form of treatment used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is based on the principle that there are energetic pathways (meridians) throughout the body that influence associated internal organs and structures. Energy from the pathways (called Qi) surface at various points on the body known as acupuncture points. Each of these points has certain conditions that they treat and these points serve as a channel or route to deeper circulatory channels within the body. When the energetic pathway (Qi) in the meridian is blocked, you get pain, discomfort or less functioning body systems. Acupuncture serves to unblock the pathway so the Qi is flowing freely in the meridians.                                                                                                (top)

Will it hurt?
We at Acupuncture and Wellness Center understand that many people have a fear of needles. The needles that we use are very different from the hypodermics used in the medical profession. They are much smaller and very fine. They are about the size of 3 pieces of hair. They are one-time-use stainless steel disposable needles. Upon insertion you may feel nothing or a slight tingling, numbness, warmth or pressure. Acupuncture is very relaxing as it signals to the brain to make endomorphines which are the pleasure pleasing hormones. Many of the patients get so relaxed that they fall asleep.


How long does it take?
The exam takes one hour. During this time it involves:

• Inspection/observation 
• Auscultation (listening) and olfaction (smelling)
• Inquiring (asking)
• Palpation

The treatment takes one hour. The needles are usually inserted for 30 minutes but it could be more or less depending on age, condition, vitality, how long you have had the condition, etc.                                                                                               (top)



How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments you will need for your condition will vary from another person. This depends on how long you have had the condition, your health, your age, your diet, how much you exercise, etc. Generally people feel better in 4-6 treatments. Some people need twelve or more treatments based on the severity of their condition and other factors. Are you a quick healer? Does your body take a while to heal when you get sick? After the exam and a couple of treatments, we have a better idea of how long it would take your body to come back into balance.  (top)



Are the needles safe?
Yes, the needles are safe. They are presterilized and one-time-use needles that are disposed after their one-time-use. They are individually wrapped for safety and are FDA approved.                                                                                                     (top)



What conditions does Acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as effective in treating these conditions:

Anxiety, allergies, arthritis, attention deficit disorder, back pain, bed wetting (enuresis), blood pressure, cancer symptom management (nausea, vomit, pain, diarrhea, fatigue, etc), carpal tunnel syndrome, circulation, chronic fatigue, colds, colitis, constipation, cough, dental pain, depression, diarrhea, digestive trouble, dizziness, dysentery, emotional problems, eye problems, facial palsy/tics, facial rejuvenation, fatigue, fertility, fibromyalgia, headache, hemorrhoids, incontinence, indigestion, infertility, insomnia, IBS, menopause, menstrual irregularities, migraine, morning sickness, nausea, nervousness, osteoarthritis, pain, prostate problems, rhinitis, sciatica, seasonal affective disorder, shoulder pain, sinusitis, sleep disturbance, smoking cessation, sore throat, sports injuries, stress, tennis elbow, tooth pain, trigeminal neuralgia, urinary tract infections, vomiting and wrist pain.
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Do I have to believe in Acupuncture for it to work?
No, acupuncture has been used successfully for dogs, cats, and horses. These animals are impartial to a positive or negative outlook on the experience that helps them get better. However, a positive belief in anything is always beneficial.     (top)