Acupuncture is known for eliciting a “Qi” sensation. It may be startling at first for those who have not felt it before. A Qi sensation can vary but often feels like a dull ache at the site of the acupuncture point. Sometimes there will also be a traveling sensation or tingling. You may even feel the Qi sensation farther down the channel or on the other side of your body. Often times these sensations only last seconds. For some, the dull ache can last a little longer. Its important to note that this is a welcomed and desired sensation! Acupuncture should not be painful. Acupuncturists are trained to adjust needles accordingly to make your treatment comfortable and relaxing.

You and I both have that in common. Hypodermic needles are hollow needles used in medical settings and are meant to allow fluids to go in and out of the needles. This means they have to be much thicker in diameter and are often inserted directly into veins. Acupuncture needles are very different from the needles we are used to with blood draws and vaccinations. In acupuncture we use hair thin filiform needles that are solid and not hollow. Needles are inserted into solid muscles, not tender veins or nerves. Even babies and young children can receive acupuncture without discomfort!

This depends on the reason you are seeking treatment. Every body is unique and responds to Chinese medicine differently. Generally we like to begin with regular, frequent treatments to give you symptom relief. This could be 1-2x weekly. When symptoms begin to improve, treatments are reduced to every 2-3 weeks. Once symptoms have resolved or reached a manageable place, once a month maintenance treatments are recommended to prevent the issue from returning and to address any new health concerns as they arise.

Generally speaking, we’d like to see you for 6-12 treatments in this fashion and then re-evaluate the treatment plan.

How involved you are in helping the healing process along is paramount to the speed of recovery. Chinese herbal formulas, nutrition, movement and other therapies will be recommended to you in your treatments to aid the healing process. Often times acute problems tend to resolve with fewer treatments than a chronic issue. If you have had a health concern for multiple years, you should expect that it may take more treatments to feel relief.

Acupuncture is also a great way to mitigate chronic pain. The CDC has recommended acupuncture as an alternative to opioids.

Most acupuncture points are located on channels that run all throughout the body. This is one reason why everything in the body is connected. For example, an acu-point on the back of the leg can be used for low back pain because the channel connects to the low back. In Western medical terms we can consider the fascial planes and nerves that connect our muscles and organs together. It’s why working on the low back can actually help neck pain or why a foot massage can release a headache.

Chinese Medicine is a medical system that has been used for thousands of years and has influenced many other forms of medicine. Today Chinese Medicine is still used along side modern medicine in China and other East Asian countries. Western medicine is now showing interest in the benefits of Chinese Medicine (because it works!). Many Medical Doctors (MD), Physical Therapists (PT) and Chiropractors (DC) can be found using acupuncture or culturally appropriated versions of acupuncture in their practices. It is not uncommon to find a Licensed Acupuncturist on staff in many hospitals in the United States. The U.S. military even uses auricular acupuncture for pain.

That being said, Chinese Medicine is a challenging medicine to research. Why is it so difficult? There are many different styles and lineages of acupuncture, herbalism, moxibustion and bodywork from all over Asia. With over 400 acupuncture points, there are countless combinations of points for different ailments. The practitioner’s specific technique used on the body also has varying affects. Additionally, Chinese Medicine treats the whole individual person and does not focus on one single symptom. This is done by combining many techniques and modalities that are tailored to the individual and how they present in that moment in time. The unique quality of this medicine is why its so effective!

Research has started to piece apart some of what makes Chinese Medicine successful. We know that acupuncture has an impact on pain receptors, the autonomic nervous system, immune response, inflammation and blood flow. Your Chinese medicine practitioner is trained in western biomedicine and can work in conjunction with your Primary Care Physician to provide the best comprehensive care.

It’s kind of you to wonder! This varies from acupuncturist to acupuncturist. My goal in a treatment is to leave you feeling relaxed and cared for, while also working on long term health goals like you would with any other medical professional. I choose not to accept tips for your health care. I’d rather you use your tip toward medicinary items or other things that support your health!