Acupuncture FAQ

How does acupuncture work?
Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the internal energy which circulates through the body along central pathways known as meridians. The obstruction or deficiency of qi will eventually lead to pain and illness. Acupuncture stimulates the points along the meridians to adjust and balance the flow of Qi and restore health.

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Is acupuncture painful?
Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are as thin as a strand of hair and very flexible, and therefore permit a nearly painless insertion. You may feel some heaviness, distention, tingling, or mild electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian. Any sensations felt usually last for only a few minutes and should not interfere with your comfort level. You should feel generally relaxed and reenergized during and after the treatment.

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Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is very safe when practiced by a trained and licensed acupuncturist. Our practitioners use only sterile, one-time-use disposable needles of the highest quality. Our practitioners have over 3200 hours of training encompassing subjects such as anatomy and physiology, orthopedic assessment, CPR & First Aid, Oriental medical diagnosis and treatment methodology, Oriental herbology, and Western internal medicine.

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Are there any side effects?
Harmful side effects to acupuncture are very rare. Occasionally there may be a drop of blood when the needles are removed. Rarely, slight bruising may occur at the point of the needle insertion. Bruising is usually painless and will disappear on its own after a few days.

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How deep do the needles go?
The depth of the needles depends on the nature of the problem and the location of the points. Usually, needles are inserted from 1/4 to 1 inch in depth.

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Can I combine acupuncture with other medical treatment?
Acupuncture can be used along side conventional Western medicine, osteopathic medicine, chiropractic treatment, or naturopathic prescriptions. At Dao of Wellness, our practitioners believe in an integrative approach to health, encompassing all facets of medicine in order to achieve maximum wellness. Oriental medicine is widely being recognized as an adjunct to conventional Western medical treatments not only in helping alleviate side effects of many conventional treatments and medications but also in improving the efficacy of conventional treatments. Acupuncture helps to speed up recovery, increase circulation, reduce inflammation, reduce pain, strengthen the immune system, and improve overall health and vitality.

It is important that you inform your acupuncturist of all of your other treatments as well as any prescriptions, vitamins, and supplements that you may be taking.

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How long will treatments take?
At Dao of Wellness, our practitioners view the body as an integrated whole and will perform a complete medical evaluation encompassing all body systems. The initial consultation and treatment can take 1 1/2 to 2 hours. A complete medical history is taken, an Oriental medical diagnosis is then made, treatment administered, and if appropriate an herbal prescription is developed. Follow-up visits typically take an hour.

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Do I need to prepare anything before I have an acupuncture treatment?
Before your visit, make sure that you have a light meal and drink plenty of water. Wearing loose comfortable clothing will make it easier for your practitioner to insert needles and more comfortable for you during the treatment.

Please inform your practitioner of any changes to your medical history including changes to prescription medication, supplements, or vitamins.

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How many treatments will I need?
Because each person is unique and types of conditions differ, the number of treatments may vary. Generally, chronic conditions require one or two treatments per week for several months. Those with acute illnesses can expect a change within a few visits. You should discuss with your Oriental medical practitioner how many treatments are needed to maximize your results.

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Will acupuncture help me?
The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture and traditional Oriental medicine’s ability to treat over 43 common disorders including:

• Respiratory Disorders:  emphysema, sinusitis, hay fever, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, seasonal allergies
• Gastrointestinal Disorders:  food allergies, peptic ulcer, chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gastrointestinal weakness, anorexia, gastritis, gas, colitis, spastic colon, nausea, vomiting
• Urogenital Disorders:  stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, sexual dysfunction, enuresis (bed wetting), urinary problems, prostate problems
• Gynecological Disorders:  irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), amenorrhea (lack of periods or irregular periods), infertility, menopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Disorders of the Bones, Muscles, Joints, and Nervous System:  arthritis, migraine headaches, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness, vertigo, low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, whiplash, bursitis, Carpal Tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, thyroid problems, sciatica, leg cramps, Temporomandibular Jaw Disorder (TMJ)
• Circulatory Disorders:  hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis, anemia, poor circulation, edema (ankle swelling)
• Emotional and Psychological Disorders:  depression, anxiety, nervousness, addiction, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), detox for chemical dependency
• Injuries:  auto, home, sports, work
• Chronic Pain:hip, back, shoulder, neck, knee, ankle, sciatica, fibromyalgia, migraines, arthritis, headaches