Frequently Asked Questions
"What medical problems can be treated with acupuncture?"
Commonly treated conditions include:
Bone, Muscle and Joint Pain: Sciatica, Tendonitis, Neck Pain/Stiffness, Knee Pain, Frozen Shoulder, Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel, Back Pain, & Lower Back Pain.
Gynecological Disorders: Irregular Menstruation, Infertility, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Symptoms Associated with Menopause (insomnia, hot flashes, fatigue, headache, hormonal fluctuations).
Respiratory Problems: Sinusitis, Allergies/Asthma, Bronchitis, Cough, Emphysema (acupuncture can also be used to help stop smoking).
Emotional and Psychological Disorders: Anxiety, Depression, Stress/Tension.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Constipation, Diarrhea, Food Allergies, Indigestion, Gastritis.
Problems with Circulation: Hypertension (HIgh Blood Pressure), Angina, Heart Palpitations, Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure).
"Does acupuncture hurt?"
Acupuncture uses filiform needles, small, sometimes silicone-coated needles that are no thicker than a single human hair. Insertion of these needles is often painless, and I have had many patients ask me, “Is it in?” long after I have moved on or when they see that I have stepped away.
"How many treatments will I need?"
The number of treatments required to resolve a health issue depends on how severe the issue is and how long it has existed.
Whereas western medicine frequently limits itself to treating symptoms, the primary focus of Chinese medicine is treating the underlying cause of an illness or disease, sometimes while addressing the presenting symptoms simultaneously. Therefore, while the symptoms of some acute conditions, such as the common cold or flu, can be relieved in a matter of hours or days, correcting the root of the illness itself can be a much longer process.
"Why do I always get sick, while my Aunt Mary never does?"
That is a question perfectly suited to Chinese diagnosis. Chinese medicine seeks to correct imbalances--imbalances that are apparent from the color in your face, the odor of your breath, the dryness in your mouth. A practitioner of Chinese medicine is trained to observe and ask questions that may seem irrelevant or tangential to someone more familiar with interactions with western medical doctors. Chinese medicine views a person as an energy system in which body and mind are inseparable, each influencing and balancing the other. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, Chinese medicine treats the person as a whole.
Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
Fertility Acupuncture
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Acupuncture and Pain Management
Symptoms Associated with Menopause
*The information contained in these pages is not intended to replace the advice of any medical doctor whose care you may be under.