Frequently Asked Questions - Chinese Medicine

Is acupuncture painful?
Folks are often surprised of how mild acupuncture needles feel upon insertion. Unlike hypodermic needles which are used to administer shots at the doctor's office, acupuncture needles are much smaller and flexible. The size of these needles is comparable to the size of a hair. Most often, one will feel little to no pain. Once the needles are inserted, one may feel a dull heaviness, pulsing, warmth, or pulling sensation at the placement of the needle. If anything is uncomfortable, the needles can either be adjusted or removed. Quite often, acupuncture is found to be quite relaxing, and some fall asleep while lying on the table.

Is acupuncture safe? Are there side effects?
The risks of acupuncture are low if done by a competent, licensed acupuncture practitioner using sterile needles. The standard of practice is utilization of single use, sterile needles, so risk of infection is minimal.
Common side effects, if any at all, include soreness, minor bruising at placement of insertion, or lethargy.

What should I expect during a treatment and afterwards?
A thorough and all-encompassing intake will be done at the beginning of each visit. The intake will cover existing medical conditions, the current presentation of your symptoms, then followed by an examination of pulse, tongue, and palpation of the energy channels and acupuncture points. Generally, 5-15 acupuncture points will be selected. Each treatment is tailored to your individual needs, and may be supplemented with herbs, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, and body work. After your treatment, you may feel a sense of relaxation, reduction of pain, and a sense of well-being. In some cases, you may feel soreness or lethargy. This is a normal response and should improve within one to two days.

How many treatments will I need?
Treatment duration varies upon each individual as well as the condition and severity of their imbalance. Some will need 3-4 treatments, while others with more chronic conditions will need 6-12 treatments. Other factors that effect treatment duration come into play such as diet, herbal supplements, self-care habits, and physical exercises. During your initial visit, we will assess your condition and curate a treatment plan that is best suited to your needs. After several sessions, we will reassess your progress and adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Does acupuncture help with other conditions other than pain?
Absolutely! The World Health Organization recognizes the ability to effectively treat over 40 other common disorders. Other common conditions include Gastro-intestinal Disorders, Gynecological Disorders, Immuno-deficiency Disorders, Circulatory Disorders, Psycho-emotional Disorders, Auto-immune Disorders, Sleep Disorders, and the list goes on. If you have a question on whether your condition can be effectively treated with acupuncture, contact me.

How should I prepare for my treatment?
To get the most out of your treatment, stay well hydrated, eat a nourishing meal, avoid intoxication, and wear loose comfortable clothing. Please avoid brushing the tongue, as the tongue coating will be used diagnostically.

What should I do after my treatment?
Rest. It is best to allow your treatment to integrate by slowing down and notice changes in your body. Try to refrain from vigorous physical activity for three hours. Continue to hydrate, allowing toxins to flush from your system.

Can I use acupuncture in addition to other health care modalities?
Yes. Other forms of health care and body work may be used in conjunction to Chinese Medicine. Your acupuncturist will take note of these modalities used during your treatment to prevent any adverse reactions or counteraction. Additionally, medications currently taken will be considered to ensure your treatment, dietary recommendations, and herbal formulas are safe and effective.

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Your acupuncturist will avoid any contraindicated points during pregnancy. Acupuncture can strengthen your body's resources, in turn allowing for a healthy and more comfortable pregnancy.

How long will my results last?
The amount of time that results last can vary from person to person. Factors which effect results include the addition of herbs, nutrition, sleep, and activity level. My goal is to help you achieve long lasting results in a timely manner.

Frequently Asked Questions -
Massage and Bodywork

What should I expect during a treatment?

Each treatment will vary from session to session depending on the goals and expectations set by both therapist and client. Each session will start off with discussing comfort levels of disrobing, pressure, and desired outcomes. Day to day we feel differently in our bodies and various things may come up during a session; this will often change the plan of action. For example: one may realize that their low back is much more sore than expected and want to focus there vs having a full body session or an emotional response may come about where you may need a moment or need to skip an area, and lastly and most common, pressure changes.

How many treatments will I need?

This will greatly depend on your current health condition, other modalities that are being done in conjunction, how severe & for how long the issue at hand has been going on, and of course one's ability to become consciously aware of when, where, and how the issue is presenting itself; this can be posture habits, body mechanic habits, or as an adaptation from acute or chronic pain/injury etc..

Does massage and bodywork help with other conditions other than pain?
Absolutely! Massage and bodywork are an effective treatment for stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and chronic fatigue just to name a few

How should I prepare for my treatment?
To get the most out of your treatment, stay well hydrated, best done on an empty stomach condition (at least 1.5hrs after last full meal), avoid intoxication, and wear loose comfortable clothing.

What should I do after my treatment?
Rest. It is best to allow your treatment to integrate by slowing down and notice changes in your body. Try to refrain from vigorous physical activity for the remainder of the day. Continue to hydrate, allowing toxins to flush from your system. Warm/hot baths or showers helps to keep things loose

Can I use Massage and Bodywork in addition to other health care modalities?
Absolutely. Massage and Bodywork are great adjunct treatments especially with: Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Personal Training, Therapy, among many other allelopathic and eastern modalities.

Is massage and Bodywork safe during pregnancy?

Yes, massage and bodywork therapies can greatly reduce pain caused by the birthing process.

How long will my results last?

This will greatly depend on what modalities are performed, how long the issue has been going on, what, if any, other treatments are in conjunction, diet, exercise, and how keen one is to the underlying issue(s).

Is massage painful?

It's not unusual to feel some soreness after a massage. This is due to a release of lactic acid in the muscles and using muscles that have been previously unused, but it doesn't last long. There may be some discomfort during your massage but never pain. This depends on the area we're working on, any pre-existing pains, and whether the therapist is using too much pressure. You can always ask the therapist to use less pressure at any time. The therapist will not be able to completely feel or know when your getting to or through the threshold from discomfort to pain. It is the responsibility of the client to keep the therapist informed throughout the session

Do I have to take my clothes off?

No! The therapist will ask you to remove clothing only as far as one's comfort allows. Many sessions do not require the client to remove any clothing at all. Again, please try to come in comfortable, loose, and/or stretchy fabrics. Think yoga class.

The therapist will leave the room while the client undresses or and will provide sheets and blankets to cover you during the massage.

Is it okay to ask for more or less pressure?

Yes! The therapist will check in with you during your massage to make sure the pressure is okay but it is up to the Client to keep the therapist informed of pain levels as they cannot know what you want and are feeling body part to body part. Often times clients will want deep pressure in the back but medium pressure on the legs and a medium pressure on the arms, feet, and neck. This is your massage, so please feel free to ask for as many adjustments in pressure and speed as needed. Be mindful that massage doesn't have to cause you pain to be effective.

Should I talk to the therapist during my massage?

Some people prefer to chat during their massage session but don't feel you have to make conversation. If you want to close your eyes and relax, that’s alright.

Do speak up if:

You're feeling hot or cold
You're in pain
You have questions, or you forgot to mention something important during the consultation

What happens if I'm ticklish?

Let your massage therapist know before your session. They can use firm, slow pressure or, if you're extremely sensitive, they can avoid your tickle spots.