Can acupuncture help you?
Acupuncture stimulates the body’s self-healing ability and strengthens the natural vitality and in so doing it can help with a range of conditions such as muscle pain, bone pain, nerve pain, improve digestion, rebuild your immune system, and increase your stamina. It can also alleviate stress and increase sense of relaxation, which most people find difficult to maintain in our current way of life. As a holistic discipline, acupuncture treats the person rather than a disease, so you don’t have to have a “named” condition or experience any specific symptoms to benefit from acupuncture. Many people come for treatment because they feel stressed or “out of balance” or have a vague sense of feeling unwell.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is remarkably safe and can be used safely alongside conventional medicine and also works well as preventive treatment. Acupuncture is an all-natural, drug-free therapy.
What are the suitable ages for acupuncture?
Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including babies and children. We believe that one of the greatest strengths of acupuncture is that it focuses on the person’s whole being, seeking to treat the root of the problem rather than just the symptoms.
What will happen during my visit?
First, your acupuncturist will talk about your health history, feel your pulse to identify the deficient organs, and then he or she will examine your tongue’s shape, color, and coating, and possibly some additional examinations depending on your individual health needs. After an initial consultation, your individual medical history and current complaints are accessed and a unique treatment strategy is presented. Each individual has a unique presentation, no two people are exactly alike. By creating a prescription of acupuncture points and/or herbs, specific to your unique presentation, your acupuncturist is able to reduce your pain level, restore your imbalances, strengthen your physical condition, and harmonizing your body, spirit and emotions.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture involves using a hair-thin needle to stimulate and influence the specific points on the body, to various depths. While this may sound scary, the procedure is not painful. Most people never even feel them go into their skin or very little pain when needles are inserted. Some feel a sensation of pressure or ache. Depending on the imbalances and blockages, sometime the needles can cause temporary soreness. Many report acupuncture makes them feel energized, others say they feel very relaxed.
How long are the visits?
The visit time can range anywhere from 45 minutes up to 2 hours (with other modalities combined). First time patients need a little extra time to fill out the New Patient Form if they haven’t done so prior to their appointment. While the needles are being retained and patients lay comfortably on a treatment table, may take this time to enjoy the soft music and relax themselves, often time they would take a little power nap as well.
How many sessions are needed?
The frequency and number of treatments differ from person to person. Some patients experience dramatic relief in the very first treatment. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two sessions a week for the first two weeks may be recommended then the patient will be re-evaluated. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required. Over the years we have found that many patients, initially drawn to acupuncture for a specific ailment, continue with treatment to maintain their well-being. However, an individualized treatment plan that includes the expected number of treatments will be discussed during your initial visit.
Are there any side effects?
Everybody reacts differently to different treatments. Acupuncture is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, therefore, side effects are very minimal but may include fatigue, slight bruising, tenderness at needle site, light headaches, temporary worsening of symptoms, and emotional release. These side effects usually go away on their own, but it is best to consult with your acupuncture physician about what you can expect from your personalized treatment plan.
Advice to follow before an acupuncture treatment
- Acupuncture can be done at any time.
- Patients are advised not to eat unusually large meals before or after treatment, and it is suggested to have a light snack about an hour before treatment.
- It is best to avoid alcohol or sedatives for 4-6 hours prior to treatment.
- Pain medications may be taken as prescribed by your primary physician.
- Between visits, take note of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.
Is insurance required?
We do accept all insurance plans that cover your services, including many Commercial Health Plans, Veteran’s Choice Program, Florida PIP, Medicare and Medicaid. Each insurance policy must be verified for medical acupuncture benefits. If you are uninsured, we do offer affordable single treatment pricing or different package plans for you to choose from. Getting acupuncture is one of the healthiest things you can do for your health, find a plan that works for your lifestyle.
What should I wear?
Patients should wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
After treatment
- If possible, a short rest after treatment is desirable, but not essential.
- Some patients feel unusually relaxed and prefer to plan activities accordingly.
- Strength exercise is not recommended immediately after treatment.
- For painful conditions, avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after treatment.
- Alcohol and ideally caffeine and cigarettes, should be avoided for at least 2 hours.
- Medication as directed by your physician maybe taken as required.
“It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority, It’s necessary.”
Mandy Hale
