Frequently Asked Questions
ACUPUNCTURE FAQS
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture originated in China over 3000 years ago and is presently used as a primary healthcare system throughout the world. It is a method of balancing and building the body’s life force or energy known as Qi. Acupuncturists recognize particular pathways called “meridians” through which this energy circulates, connecting all major organs.
Traditional Chinese Medicine views disease as a result of an imbalance or blockage in the body’s natural energy flow. Such imbalance manifests in physical, emotional, and psychosomatic stress-related disorders. Very thin, sterile, stainless steel needles are inserted into specific points along meridians in order to disperse the blockage and mobilize the body’s natural immune response.
Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. They have been mapped out by the Chinese over a period of 3000-4000 years. Needling is one of a number of energy balancing techniques. Also included in traditional therapies are dietary counseling, various massage techniques, herbal remedies, cupping, and moxibustion.
Traditional Chinese Medicine views a person as an energetic system in which body and mind are unified, each influencing and balancing the other. Unlike Western medicine which attempts to isolate and separate a disease from a person, Chinese Medicine emphasizes a holistic approach that treats the whole person.
Your practitioner will make a Chinese medical diagnosis based upon a thorough examination and consultation. The examination includes the assessment of the pulse and tongue, observation of the patient’s facial colors, and sometimes gentle palpation of the abdomen. Once a diagnosis is made, your acupuncturist will choose the most appropriate treatment.
Does acupuncture hurt?
There is a big difference between the size of the needle used by your doctor to give you “shots” and an acupuncture needle that is very fine and flexible. Most of the time acupuncture is completely painless. There is usually a small pinch when the needle is inserted. Afterward, if you feel anything it should be a slight distending, ache.
Sometimes, while performing trigger point therapy (sometimes known as "dry needling," or the most elementary form of acupuncture), you may feel more sensation, but it should never be really painful. In some cases, we may also apply gentle electrical stimulation (e-stim) to a set of needles, which can also create more sensation than needling alone.
How many needles do you use?
This is entirely dependent on the condition you are being treated for and the practitioner’s style. It may be as few as 4 or as many as 30. Usually, about 12 needles will be enough to yield an effective response by the body.
Where do you put the needles?
Acupuncture points are located all over the body—torso, arms, legs, head, back, and ears. Many of the most dynamic and effective points are located from the elbow to the hand, and from the knee to the foot.
FIVE ELEMENT FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE FAQS
How often do I have to take the supplements?
Typically you will take them twice daily – once in the morning and once in the evening. Sometimes we might target mealtimes (for metabolic purposes) or bedtime (for sleep enhancement).
Will I be taking 40 pills a day?
Unlike many other wellness clinics who (in our opinion) over-prescribe supplements, our approach is precise. We want you to get results and feel better quickly – too many supplements can actually hinder, not help this process.
Do I have to take them forever?
As opposed to many medications, supplements gently guide your body back into balance. Once you’ve stabilized at your improved level of wellness, you can safely discontinue them with no ill effects. Many of our patients choose to continue taking them, however, and this is perfectly safe should you choose to do so as well.
How do you know which supplements to prescribe?
It’s simple. We listen to your story, we pay attention to how you’re FEELING, and your body tells us where it needs help.
But what about those expensive, fancy vitamin tests?
We see people in clinic all the time who have spent thousands of dollars on tests and still don’t feel better. That’s because their doctor or nutritionist is treating the test, not them. We can help you order the tests, but we consistently get great results for you without them.
What about my medications? Are there any interactions?
Our experience is that supplement/drug interactions are extremely rare and that, in many cases, patients are able to reduce their medications once they are on the right supplement combination. And, we are extremely skilled at knowing when we need to exercise caution with your supplement plan in relation to medications you might be taking.
