Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding acupuncture. Should you have additional questions or if you would like to find out if acupuncture might work for you, contact me to schedule your free 10-minute consult.

How does acupuncture work?

Specific points near or on the surface of the skin have the ability to alter biochemical and physiological conditions in the body. These are known as acupuncture points and can be stimulated using needles, pressure, massage, moxa, or sound (acutonics). Stimulating these points releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers, as well as reduces inflammation, increases circulation, and helps balance hormones.

Stimulation of specific areas or acupuncture points affects the functioning of various organs. However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body where you are experiencing a problem. For example, if you suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted into your foot or hand. There are 365 specific acupuncture points on the body, and an unlimited number of non-specific points. Various points may be selected for each session, depending on the patient, their complaint, and how their condition presents. Often during the course of a few sessions, different points will be selected as the patient’s condition changes.

“Because acupuncture points are designated areas of electrical sensitivity, inserting needles at these points stimulates sensory receptors. This, in turn, stimulates nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system in the brain. The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing hormones (thought to be some 200 times more potent than morphine). Endorphins play a significant role in the hormonal system, which is why acupuncture is effective in treating back pain, arthritis, PMS and infertility. The substances released as a result of acupuncture relax the body, and also regulate serotonin in the brain, which affects emotional states. Other physiological effects include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count, which supports the immune system.”

Source: Hsu, D. N. (2018, Nov 27). How Does Acupuncture Work? Retrieved from New York AcuHealth Acupuncture: https://www.nyacuhealth.com/faqs

Does acupuncture hurt? What does it feel like?

Most people enjoy acupuncture and find it very comfortable, restful, and relaxing. The needles are very fine, metallic and as thin as a hair. Everyone experiences acupuncture differently, but most feel no pain or very minimal discomfort—like a quick pinch that rapidly subsides—as the needles are inserted. Acupuncture should not hurt, but you should feel it. Some people report a mild tingling, heaviness, warmth, or a slight ache at the acupuncture point, which is a sensation of qi moving (or nerve activation). During the session, the patient rests or even falls asleep. After your treatment, you can expect to feel less pain, more energy, and a heightened sense of well-being.

Some points on our bodies can be more sensitive than others, and we can be more sensitive to touch at certain times, such as during menses for women. My goal is never to create discomfort for my patients. If I believe it is essential that we use a point that can be more sensitive, I will utilize methods which have been shown to greatly reduce the brief discomfort that can occasionally occur. Often, these techniques are so successful that patients are surprised by the lack of a sting on insertion.

How big are acupuncture needles?

The needles used in acupuncture are very thin, about the diameter of a human hair. Some are so fine, in fact, that they bend when you blow on them. These needles are much, much finer and a solid filiform, rather than the larger, hollow hypodermic needles we associate with the doctor’s office. Did you know that you can fit 30 to 45 acupuncture needles inside the barrel of a hypodermic needle? The photo at left offers a size comparison between acupuncture needles and other common objects.

How many needles will be used? Do I have to receive acupuncture to be treated?

The number of needles used depends on the patient and the condition being treated. However, please let us know if you are sensitive to needles or find the idea of using needles makes you anxious. We are more than happy to work with you around this and do have other modalities available which we can try using instead of needles in your case, such as acutonics, acupressure, shonishin, Tuina, and ear seeds.

Is acupuncture safe? Are there risks or side effects associated with acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a gentle and safe treatment that’s suitable for all ages—children to seniors. The acupuncture needle is a fine, disposable (one-time use), sterile, FDA-approved medical device. While acupuncture is a highly safe all-natural, drug-free therapy form of physical medicine, there are a few risks. These include bruising, fainting, muscle spasms, bleeding, nerve damage (extremely rare) and punctured organs (extremely rare).

Side effects are rare but may include the following symptoms: light-headedness, dizziness, sleepiness, euphoria, nausea, slight bruising and residual muscle aching. Any of these should last only a very short time.

It is important to inform the practitioner of your medical history, medications and if you are pregnant or could possibly be pregnant, as acupuncture treatment may have to be modified or may not be appropriate.

Do I have to believe in order for acupuncture to work?

No. Though it is important to have confidence in me as your practitioner and the work we’re doing together, you do not have “believe” in acupuncture or any of the other modalities we might employ for them to work. For example, acupuncture is successfully used to treat horses, dogs and cats. One could argue these animals probably don’t “believe” in acupuncture, and yet it is still effective.

How many treatments will I need? 

The number of treatments a patient needs depends upon the severity and duration of the symptoms and the patient’s constitution. Many people start to see a significant difference within one to two treatments, but some take longer to respond depending on the condition being treated. Acute conditions, such as cold and flu symptoms and recent injuries, generally take 4-6 visits to resolve. For chronic symptoms lasting over 6 months, a longer course of treatment is required and may need repeat maintenance treatments to maintain the momentum after an initial period of frequent treatments. For life-long illnesses, it is not uncommon for healing to occur over several months to years. Appointments are scheduled further and further apart after the optimal response has been achieved. Some people experience great benefits from weekly or monthly or even seasonal sessions. It is important to remember that everyone is an individual and heals at different rates. Following recommendations for self-care practices at home, including dietary changes and movement, is extremely important for continued improvement and recovery. We will discuss your treatment plan during your first visit.

Who can use acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a gentle and safe treatment that’s suitable for all ages—children to seniors.

• Injured workers return to work sooner when their practitioners include acupuncture with their treatments.
• Competitive athletes use acupuncture before their events to enhance their performance. Post-event, it improves their recovery and helps to heal injuries.
• Pain—acupuncture is used to treat a vast number of painful conditions such as sciatica, lower back pain, osteoarthritis of the knee, sprains and strains, whiplash and headaches, as well as neurological and other medical conditions.
• Cancer— acupuncture is used to treat Chemotherapy-induced nausea and Lymphedema (swelling that usually occurs in the arm following a mastectomy).
• TMJ (Temporo-mandibular joint) dysfunction, is effectively managed with acupuncture.

Which conditions does acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. The following are some of the more common conditions:

Ear, Eye, Nose and Throat Disorders, including: 
Sinusitis
Hay fever
Dizziness
Common cold
Tonsillitis
Earache
Poor eyesight
Toothache

Gastrointestinal Disorders, including: 
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Colitis
Constipation
Diarrhea
Abdominal bloating
Food allergies and sensitivities
Ulcers
Hemorrhoids

Gynecological/ Genitourinary, including:
PMS
Menstrual problems (irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation)
Endometriosis
PCOS
Menopause
Fibroids
Chronic bladder infection
Impotence
Morning sickness
Prostatitis
Infertility (men & women)

Neurological & Musculoskeletal Disorders, including:
TMJ
Headache & migraine
Trigeminal neuralgia
Bell’s palsy
Meniere’s disease
Frozen shoulder
Tennis elbow
Sciatica
Low back pain
Osteoarthritis
Peripheral neuropathy
Multiple Sclerosis
Neuralgias
Cerebral Palsy
Stroke
Sprains
Muscle spasm
Tendonitis
Stiff neck

Respiratory Disorders, including:
Asthma
Bronchitis
Colds and Flu

Emotional and Psychological Disorders, Addiction, including: 
Anxiety
Insomnia
Depression
Stress
Smoking

Miscellaneous
Chemotherapy/radiation side effects
Diabetes
Dermatological disorders
Weight control
High blood pressure
Immune disorders (MS, Lupus, HIV, AIDS, chronic fatigue)

This is not a comprehensive list. If you don’t see your condition listed here, please ask.

Children

Can children be treated with acupuncture?

Yes! Children can be very responsive to acupuncture, acupressure, massage, or a needle-free Japanese technique called Shonishin that involves light tapping, rubbing, or brushing along entire channels or specific acupuncture points. Kids often respond very well—and very quickly—to treatments. From a Chinese medicine perspective, this has to do with the fact that children are full of active energy or qi that is ready to be redirected into a healthy pattern of movement.

Is acupuncture safe for kids? Is it effective?

Yes! Acupuncture is a gentle and safe treatment that’s suitable for all ages—children to seniors. In some instances, children actually respond more quickly than adults. More and more, parents are turning to acupuncture because it offers safe, natural and effective approach to pediatric care. It focuses on treating symptoms leading to a safe resolution of illness and preventing illness in the future by stimulating healing and restoring the body’s own resilience. Your child is a unique individual, and a customized treatment plan will be created just for them. Treatments are done using painless acupuncture and non-needle treatment techniques, so even children afraid of needles will find the treatments easy and painless.

What conditions can be treated in children & teens?

Acupuncture helps children and teens with a wide range of issues, including:

Sleep problems
Anxiety
Fatigue
Headaches
Reflux, nausea and stomach pain
Bone and joint pain
ADHD
Asthma and allergies
Bedwetting
Drooling
Rashes
Colds/flus
Ear infections
Frequent illness & low immunity
Stress
Behavior issues

It can be used monthly just to stay in good health, seasonally for allergies, or can be employed for upset tummies and ear aches whenever they arise. In combination with Western medicine, it can be helpful to manage sensory processing disorder, autism, ADD/ADHD, and other developmental challenges.

My child is afraid of needles. Do we have to use them?

Have no fear! Many of our pediatric treatments do not involve the use of needles. If your child has an aversion to needles, we may massage the acupuncture points, use Shonishin, or acutonics (tuning forks which send vibrations deep within the body). On infants and toddlers, we typically use Maya Abdominal Massage, acutonics (tuning forks) and Shonishin, depending on the child and condition being addressed.

Occasionally, an older child may benefit from the addition of one or two acupuncture points, or “taps” as we like to call them, to address their condition. This is always discussed with the parent and child beforehand, and both the parent and child must be in agreement for it to be used. The needles utilized for these “taps” are among our finest, so they often cause very little to no discomfort when inserted and are not typically retained (just a quick in and out). To prove they don’t hurt, we’ll do taps on ourselves, on the parents, even on our resident teddy bear. We show kids how thin and bendy the needles are (only if they ask to see what the needle looks like). A child is NEVER forced to have acupuncture during a treatment session. We will work to earn their trust. And even if they are never ready for a “tap”, that’s ok! We have many other treatment modalities which can be effective at addressing both acute and chronic conditions. We want the visit to be a positive experience for both you and your child.

What is Shonishin? What does it feel like?

Shonishin is Japanese style of treatment which uses various tools are used to press, roll, rub, tap, and generally stimulate various points and meridians. It does not use any needles. Shonishin is incredibly effective and involves very little to no discomfort, making it a hit with most kids. Shonishin is appropriate from the age of 1 month through 8 years (though older kids and adults can benefit, too!).

Do kids have to sit still during treatment?

No. It depends on the child, but most kids are usually squirmy, chatty, and distracted during treatment. As children get older (ten years and up) they often look forward to the quiet time of a treatment. But for the younger ones, treatment happens wherever the little one is—which often involves everywhere from the table to the floor and up into a parent’s loving arms.

What will my child’s first session be like?

Ideally, schedule your child’s appointment during their “better” part of the day, such as after a nap. To ensure the best possible experience, ensure your child arrives to their appointment well-fed, rested, and not feeling thirsty. To help make them more comfortable, bring along a favorite blanket, toy, or stuffed animal.

Once you have scheduled your child’s appointment, I will contact you to arrange a time when we can speak via phone prior to the appointment. Our phone visit serves as part of the intake, allowing you to fill me in regarding your child’s health and any concerns you would like to address. We will complete much of our intake over the phone to allow the office visit time to be focused on the treatment (and avoid wearing out your child’s patience before we even begin treating!). You will also be asked to complete the new patient paperwork for your child ahead of time and either return it electronically, by mail, or drop it by the receptionist prior to your child’s schedule appointment.

When you arrive at my office, you’ll find it nice and toasty with toys and books to help occupy your little one’s attention, if need be. You will remain in the office with your child throughout the session. Your child guides the pace of the visit, at this point. We’ll all be getting to know each other, and my aim is to keep them as comfortable as possible and create a positive first experience. I’ll be observing your child as you and I visit, clarifying any concerns and gather additional details. Your child’s presence, movement, gaze, noises/speech all help me to learn more about them as an individual and begin developing a treatment plan unique to them.

If your child is an infant or toddler, we typically have them undressed to underwear or a diaper during treatment. So, when your child is comfortable (and depending on age), I will have you begin to undress them as I start the treatment. Older children may choose to wear shorts or pants that can be rolled above the knee, and sleeves that can roll above the elbow. Depending on the condition being treated, it may still be necessary to access the child’s back, chest, and abdomen, so they may need to remove their shirt.

Treatment sessions typically last 10 to 30 minutes, with infants in the 10-minute range and older children about 30 minutes. The first session may last longer—20 to 40 minutes—as we take time to get to know each other. Again, I will follow your child’s lead if it seems we need to wrap a session up a little sooner.