What can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of conditions, many that Western Biomedicine consider syndromes with few treatment options. While it is difficult to create a comprehensive list, some conditions commonly treated with acupuncture include:
Musculoskeletal pain such as neck, back, hip and knee pain
Emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression, panic and stress
Digestive disorders such as IBS, heartburn, constipation, Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
Gynecological conditions such as irregular periods, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, infertility
Internal medicine such as asthma, bronchitis, upper respiratory infections, hypertension
Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s, fibromyalgia, Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis
Please contact me if you’d like to learn whether acupuncture can benefit your specific condition.
Does acupuncture hurt?
In general, acupuncture should not hurt. I use a very fine gauge of sterile needle, in order to influence the circulation of the body’s qi, blood, yin and yang. This causes “qi sensations” of energy, pressure or warmth moving around a point and should be felt much more than the needle insertion itself. Occasionally points where there is a great deal of inflammation may feel sensitive.
What should I expect before/during/after treatment?
Prior to your treatment:
Make sure you have had a small meal, don’t consume any drugs or alcohol, and wear loose clothing. There will be a thorough intake and assessment to gather diagnostic information.
During the treatment:
There should not be much sensation on insertion of the needle. “Qi sensations” following insertion can feel warm, electrical, like pressure or pulsing. There is variation between people so individual experiences may differ. In general, most people feel very relaxed during and following treatments.
After the treatment:
Drink plenty of water and do not plan any extreme activities. Avoid consumption of any drugs or alcohol and try to rest. Most people feel relaxed, have a feeling of general wellness, and sleep very deeply the night of treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments necessary varies according to the patient, the condition, and the duration of the disease or condition. In general, you can expect to need approximately one treatment for every month that you have had a condition.
Do you take insurance?
I accept insurance for those that will reimburse licensed acupuncturists who are Out of Network. Please contact me to verify your particular insurance plan.