Acupuncture: What is it?
    Acupuncture is a method of inserting sterilized steel filaments at very precise acupuncture points encouraging the body to promote natural healing. Acupuncture therapy is often supplemented with bodywork, heat and cupping therapies, nutritional and supplement counseling, and encouragement of healthy living habits.

How does acupuncture work?
    Needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain.

What is the scope of medical acupuncture?
    Acupuncture is often associated with pain control. It can be effective as the only treatment used or as the support or adjunct to other medical treatment forms in medical and surgical disorders. Acupuncture can be used in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems including:

    Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions.

How many treatments will I need?
    This differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems usually fewer visits are required, and for health maintenance four sessions a year may be all that is necessary.

Are there any side effects to the treatment?
    Most side-effects from acupuncture are positive ones such as relaxation, mental clarity, and improved sleep. As energy is redirected into the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work.
     It is quite common, with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.

What are the needles like? Do they hurt?
Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is usually no pain felt. Mild soreness, followed by relaxation, often accompanies the release of muscular holding patterns.
    Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising or skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.
    Because your doctor uses individually wrapped, disposable sterilized needles, there is no risk of infection from the treatments.

Does acupuncture really work?
    Yes.In the past 3,000 years more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. It is now being used more and more in America by patients and physicians.
     Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time, other techniques are being used and will often speed the healing process.
     It is important that your physician-acupuncturist know everything that you are doing so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.

Acupuncture Works!