Acupuncture Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been practiced for centuries. It’s based on the theory that energy, called Qi (say”Chee”), flows through and around your body along pathways called meridians.

Your provider will look for the places (called points) on your body to access the chi that is blocked or not flowing right. Each of the points relates to the certain health problems or body functions. After the provider finds the points, he or she will quickly tap very thin needles into your skin.

It improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sties commonly referred to as acupuncture points, or meridians.

You may feel slight pressure when a needle goes in. Most people find that it doesn’t hurt. The area may tingle, feel numb, itch, or be a little sore. Providers believe that this is sign that the energy flow, or chi, has been accessed.

The frequency and number of treatments differs from person to person. Some people experience dramatic relief in the first treatment. For complex or long-standing chronic conditions, one to two treatments per week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, usually eight to ten visits in total. An individualized treatment plan that includes the expected number of treatments will be discussed during the initial examination.

Hundreds of clinical studies on the benefits of acupuncture show that it successfully treats conditions ranging from musculoskeletal problems( back pain, neck pain, and others) to nausea, migraine headache, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and infertility.