Frequently Asked Questions
Radiant Health and Healing
How Does Acupuncture Treatment Work?
On the first visit, a complete intake is taken which includes a detailed history of your health including current complaints and issues, as well as family health history. I use diagnostic techniques, including pulse taking and tongue assessment, which give very specific detailed information on the functioning of the organs of the body. For example, there is a pulse and tongue position in Chinese Medicine which reflect the state of each organ of the body.
Acupuncture needles are made from very fine stainless steel and are different lengths depending on the part of the body being treated. They are pre-sterilized, non-toxic, and disposable. Between ten and twenty needles are placed in acupuncture points per treatment and left in for between ten to 40 minutes. Number of needles and length of time depends on your presenting issue, age, and overall health.
How Many Acupuncture Treatments are Needed?
The number of treatments varies with each person, depending on the severity and longevity of the health issue and an individual’s constitution. Two to three treatments may be sufficient, for example, for an injury, while a longer series may be needed for a longstanding issue. It is also wise to have regular treatments once the body is restored to keep it balanced and prevent disease.
Does Health Insurance Cover Acupuncture?
More and more insurance companies are including acupuncture in their policies because they are seeing that it works. I do work with a number of insurance providers.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
The tiny needles in acupuncture are the thickness of a hair. When they are inserted, you should feel warmth, some tingling, a dull ache, or a pulling sensation which means that the energy has been engaged. Occasionally, points may feel sore when a needle is inserted, but this only means that the point is really needed. This can happen with pain treatments where releasing blocked energy can mean there is an initial feeling of discomfort at a point as pain gets released.
How Deeply Are the Needles Inserted?
The depth of insertion can vary depending on the part of the body, the size and constitution of the individual, the season of the year, and the nature of the illness. Most needles are inserted just below the skin or between the muscles. Commonly the depth varies from 1 mm to about 2 cm with longer needles placed in denser body tissue.
Are There Any Dangers Associated with Acupuncture?
Acupuncture does not cause damage to the nerves, blood vessels, muscles, or any other body system. There is no danger of contracting disease, as all needles are used on one patient only and are disposable. Some acupuncture points are contraindicated for pregnancy.
What Should I Expect After a Treatment?
You might feel more energetic or more relaxed after a treatment, depending on the specific type of treatment given. Improvement occurs after the first treatment and is cumulative. Treatments generally strengthen your constitution, as well as address any acute presenting problem such as pain from injury or a headache.