Acupuncture

How does acupuncture work?

Chinese medicine uses tiny needles to help nurture the body back to health by helping resolve energy imbalances.

What are the needles like?

Only sterile, disposable needles are used so there is no risk of infection. The needles are used once, then immediately disposed of in a sharps container.

Acupuncture needles are small and hair-thin. They are solid, not hollow like needles used by doctors. The end of an acupuncture needle is smooth and rounded. Acupuncture needles are not designed to cut the skin. Instead, when an acupuncture needle is inserted, the round edge pushes the tissue aside without cutting it. Acupuncture needles are so thin it's as if they can glide through the spaces between the individual cells of the body.

Does it hurt?

People experience needling differently. There are different styles of needling. Acupuncture is rarely described as painful, and can be quickly adjusted if the patients does feel discomfort. Once the needles are inserted, they may be manipulated to obtain a mild "Qi" sensation. This is how an acupuncturist engages the energy in the body in order to help balance it. Great care is taken to make my clients very comfortable so that they can relax while the needles are in place. The more you can relax during an acupuncture treatment, the better the results. Many people even fall asleep during treatment.

Following treatments, it is common to feel a tremendous sense of relaxation and calm.

How quickly can I expect to feel better?

In general, I tell my patients they could start to feel the benefits from acupuncture immediately, but could take up to 4-6 treatments. Acute conditions tend to resolve much quicker than chronic conditions.

How often should I be treated?

Typically I treat patients once a week. If the condition is acute and painful, I may want to do treatments 2-3 times per week for the first couple of weeks. The benefits of acupuncture treatments tend to last longer as you receive treatments, therefore, patients need to comes less frequent. Follow up treatments will then be on an as needed basis when new symptoms arise or for routine maintenance.

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

Some insurance companies do cover acupuncture. I am a provider for several of the major companies. Please visit the "Insurance" page for a full list.

Affiliations

We are proudly affiliated with Montgomery Acupuncture Clinic, now located inside of our office. To learn more please visit http://www.montgomeryacupuncture.com/

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