FAQ

Does acupuncture hurt?

No! Acupuncture should never be a painful experience. While some points may give a strong sensation, it should dissipate and not be bothersome. Areas such as the finger tips, feet, and ears tend to be more sensitive since there is not much muscle/flesh; if there is any lingering pain, let your acupuncturist know. You may feel different sensations during your treatment, such as buzzing, tingling, itching, heat/cold, numbness, heaviness, or an electric feeling. These are all normal and part of your body’s reaction to energy.

How many treatments do i need?

It depends. While you may feel a change after your first treatment, your plan is individualized to what you need. Long-term and chronic conditions may need more treatments, while acute conditions may need less. Typically, at least 4 treatments are recommended before reassessing. It is a case-by-case plan, but other lifestyle factors (which are discussed during your appointment) will also help prolong the effectiveness of your treatment.

what is cupping?

Cupping is another ancient form of therapy that is documented for being used over 3,000 years ago. It is a form of body work that uses cups on the body (usually the back, but can be done on other areas) to create areas of short-term local congestion to which then disperse and break us adhesions and stagnation under the skin. This helps to ease muscle tension, loosen fascia, lessen the appearance of cellulite, increase immunity, clear pathogens/illnesses (especially ones the get lodged in the lungs), ease stress, detox the blood and skin (lymphatic system), increase digestion, help with constipation, and improve metabolism.

There are mild side effects with cupping; bruising is expected and typically heals within 3-10 days. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and replenish yourself with nutrients and vitamins from fruits and vegetable as cupping detoxes your body. Specific aftercare will be discussed at your treatment.

What is gua sha?

Gua sha, which can translate into ‘scrape petechia’, is another form of body work that uses a tool (usually a porcelain spoon or a jade stone) with a base of oil on the skin. Areas such as the neck, shoulders, and back are rubbed in certain directions with the tool in order to activate blood circulation and disperse areas of stagnation. Similar to cupping, it helps clears metabolic waste that is stored in the body by forcing blood to come to the surface of the skin (this is the petechia) and allowing for new, oxygenated blood to flow in. Bruising is common and should clear up within 3-10 days.

What is moxibustion?

Moxibustion, or moxa, is an ancient modality that uses the herb Mugwort to heat up different points or areas on the body. This herb is burned and placed on points that are determined by your acupuncturist in order to help treat infections, pain, illness, digestion, and more.

do you do massages?

No, massaging is not in my scope of practice. I am trained in Tui Na, a form of hands-on manipulation that uses different techniques along the meridians on the body to release tension, move blood, and create structural changes.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes! Thin, sterile, flexible, single-use filiform needles are used and disposed of after every treatment. Acupuncturists are trained how to use different needle techniques in order to avoid problematic areas. Acupuncture is all-natural and uses no drugs; there is minimal risk and side effects.

is acupuncture the same as dry needling?

No. While the same needles and techniques are used on points to elicit the same response, ‘dry needling’ is a term used by chiropractors and physical therapists to describe a form of muscle stimulation without injecting a substance in the body. Dry needling is focused on strong stimulation to release muscle tension, which can often be painful.

Acupuncture is based on channel theory, which treats the root of the issue and also the presenting symptoms with needling techniques that help heal the body naturally; this is usually painless. The theory behind the two practices are very different; acupuncturists are trained in trigger-point needling, which can also be used for muscle release.

The training behind dry needling and acupuncture is very different. Acupuncturists receive training in biomedical science, orthopedic and neuromuscular techniques, and physical examinations along with over 1,100 hours of acupuncture clinical training and 3,000 hours of higher education learning. Acupuncturists also have to pass multiple national exams in order to be licensed to needle. Physical therapists and chiropractors typically receive approximately 50 hours of training.

Dry needling is currently prohibited by several state health boards, including: California, New York, South Dakota, Idaho, Florida.

how should i prepare for my treatment?

It’s important to be hydrated and have a little food in your stomach before an appointment. Wear comfortable clothing (or I will provide you with proper draping if needed), refrain from alcohol, drugs, and overexertion for at least 6 hours after your treatment, make time to relax, and bring any questions you have - this should be a time to relax and feel at ease!

do you accept insurance?

Currently I am not accepting insurance.

i’m not a fan of needles; can i still get a treatment?

Absolutely; there are lots of other modalities that can be used, such as: acupressure, ear seeds, cupping, gua sha, tui na, qi gong, exercise, food therapy, and herbal medicine.

is acupuncture safe for children?

Yes. Children typically respond quicker to acupuncture than adults; needle retention time is less and less needles are used. If your child has an aversion to needles, acupressure and tui na can be used.

is it safe to get acupuncture if i’m pregnant?

Yes. Acupuncture can be administered throughout the entire pregnancy and can help with many symptoms associated with pregnancy and to boost the health and well-being of the client and the baby. It can also be used in conjunction with IUI/IVF therapy and post-partum. Certain points are avoided during pregnancy, unless it is being used for induction towards the end of pregnancy.

How is an acupuncturist trained?

An acupuncturist must attend an accredited school and pass national exams in order to become licensed. The school I was trained at, Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture, was a 4-year Master’s Degree program that required 3,540 hours (1,125 clinical hours) of education. Upon completion, national board exams must be passed, which include testing in: Biomedicine, Acupuncture Foundations and Theory, Acupuncture Point Location and Function, and Chinese Herbology. Sixty hours of continuing education units must be completed every 4 years to obtain the national certificate; each state has differing licensing laws with renewing the license.