Acuyogamama

Does acupuncture hurt?

 

Acupuncture is virtually painless. The needles used are very thin and are solid so they do not inject or withdraw anything. You can fit  about 20 acupuncture needles into the tip of a typical blood draw needle. Most people don't feel the needle going in, just the tap of the insertion tube. Once they are in, it is common to feel a "Qi sensation" which could be an ache, a heaviness, a warmth or a gentle tingling; all very pleasant sensations.

How long are the acupuncture treatments and how many will I need?

 

The Initial Evaluation (which includes a treament) can last from 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the patient's health history. Follow Up appointments tend to be 45 min-1 hour.

 

In terms of the course of treatment, each person is different. "How many" depends on the chronicity of the patient's condition and the overall state of his/her health. Acute conditions can require fewer than 5 treatments, whereas some chronic conditions may require 6-12 months to get significant improvement. Once the acupuncturist has met with the patient, discussed goals and done a few treatments, she can then more accurately determine what the course of treament will look like.  

Can I use Chinese herbal medicine by itself or only with acupuncture?

 

Chinese herbal medicine can be either a stand-alone treatment or used in conjunction with acupunture treatments.  Herbal medicine works internally and can be a great adjunct to acupuncture since you take it daily. It is especially effective with long term chronic conditions and acts to support the body, like food. The herbs are GMP certified, which means they are held to the highest standards and don't contain contaminants. They are available in either pill, tincture or powder form, depending on the specific prescription and what is required for each patient.