FAQ
These are most commonly asked questions in acupuncture from our patients. If you have other questions that are not listed here, please feel free to contact us. We are happy to answer any and all questions!
01
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works as mind-body connection through twelve different channels in the human body. The needles that are placed in certain positions in the twelve channels freely conduct the life energy (called Qi) helping our mind and bodies physically and spiritually balanced and vividly alive. Some examples of how acupuncture works are that freely moving Qi corrects body functions by letting the body know the right way for organs and body parts to function correctly (e.g. refluxes) and acupuncture treated Qi movement helps remove certain blockage for body to move easily and ease pain (e.g. food stagnation, joint stiffness, and headaches of certain types).
02
What can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Here is a list of some of the medical problems acupuncture has been effective in treating: anxiety, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, common cold, constipation, depression, diarrhea, digestive problems, facial paralysis, fatigue, fertility, fibromyalgia, headache, irritable bowel syndrome, low back pain, menopause, menstrual irregularities/PMS, migraine, morning sickness, nausea/vomiting, pain, sinusitis, sciatica, seasonal affective disorder, shoulder pain, sleep disturbances & stress.
03
Do needles hurt?
Our needles are hair thin in size but made best in effectiveness for conducting most Qi and comfort for our patients.
04
Are needles safe?
Acupuncture needles are sterile, packed individually and disposed after each use. The needles go in very shallow, and all areas that the needles are placed are all safe areas.
05
06
How many visits do I need acupuncture to see results?
Because we use the natural healing ability that is within you, when the needles are all in place your body already knows what to do with them. It varies from person to person but we need at least six sessions before we can tell how your body is responding to acupuncture treatment. During the course of six sessions, we would be able to have clear prognosis for further treatments. You have to understand your body is constantly changing, and acupuncture does not force anything into your body. We don’t inject chemicals; it is all natural so we have to work with your body not against your body.
Therefore, patience and time of rest plays a crucial role in our treatments. The more relaxed you are and let your body take its natural course without any interference of your emotions or mind will maximize the treatment. The more chronic the case is it will take longer treatment. Acupuncture is not miracle or magic, it uses your natural healing ability, so if you had your illness for longer time than your body will take longer time to heal.
What should I expect after the treatment?
There are three possible outcomes after first acupuncture treatment. However, in acupuncture we do not focus on each treatment’s result but we have to see how you respond during the whole six initial sessions. Remember acupuncture works with the changes of your body so it is important we see how your body changes with six initial treatments.
-
After a treatment, if you feel awesome or great this means your healing ability is working great. This is good news for us because acupuncture works great for your body and it is responding well to the treatment. But during the next five treatments you have to be more careful and get plenty of rest even though you feel great because the treatment is still in progress and you are not yet fully recovered. You have to give time for your body.
-
If you don’t feel any changes this means your natural healing ability still needs more time to work in full function.
-
If you feel worse than the 1st day this means your body has been compromised for a long time. So now your body is so used to being in unbalanced state that when we try to bring back balance, the body is resisting to coming back to normal state. So your body is trying to get better. But if this happens, don’t worry, this will go away within 48 hours.