What about needles, are they safe? Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, no thicker than two human hairs. The needles have no resemblance to a hypodermic syringe. The needles are individually packaged, sterilized, and disposed of after each use. Most needles are inserted just beneath the skin. Sensations vary from person to person, ranging from nothing at all to a brief ache or heaviness in the area being needled. Some points are more sensitive than others. By and large patients describe the sensations as fleeting and the treatment experience as deeply relaxing.
Why would I see an acupuncturist?
Many patients begin acupuncture treatment to find relief from a wide range of physical conditions. Many who are not experiencing ailments also seek treatment to maximize their wellness and maintain balance. The greatest reason to begin acupuncture treatment is to cultivate vitality and health and to stimulate the tremendous healing power of the body, mind and spirit.
What do patients report after receiving ongoing acupuncture treatments?
Patients report getting sick less often, improvement of vitality and stamina, and reductions in long term health care costs. A recent survey of people who receive acupuncture, conducted by Claire Cassidy, Ph.D., indicates that they see their physicians less frequently and use fewer medications. Over two thirds of those surveyed reported having avoided recommended surgery. In addition, patients have reported an overall enhancement in their well-being and an improved state of mind.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
A growing number of insurance companies will reimburse for acupuncture treatments. Consult your insurer for the terms of coverage on your policy. However, full payment is due at the time of each treatment. A receipt will be given after each treatment for patients to submit for insurance reimbursement.
How does acupuncture work?
This highly effective system of medical care is based on natural laws, which govern the movement of vital life giving energy, both in nature and in the body. This energy, called "Qi", moves through the body in precise channels supporting functions of the body, mind and spirit. When the chi is moving disharmoniously, imbalance begins to surface in the form of specific symptoms. To address the underlying cause of a condition, these symptoms are viewed in relationship to the totality of a person. The gentle insertion of hair thin needles at specific points along the channels, help restore harmony. In the presence of this subtle yet profound intervention, symptoms often resolve and patients frequently experience renewed vitality.
How frequently do I need to come to benefit from treatment?
The frequency of treatments varies with each individual. In the beginning, after the first two hour intake, you will be seen in weekly one hour sessions. As internal harmony is created and you begin to experience improvement in your condition and enjoy a greater sense of ease in life, usually after 4-8 weeks, I will begin to see you every other week, every three weeks, monthly, and eventually seasonally. This will vary for each individual.
Do I have to believe in Acupuncture for it to work? Acupuncture is effective whether or not you believe in it. The proof comes from the positive results seen after treatments on children and animals.
How does Tui Na work?
Tui Na, pronounced “tweeh-nah”, is based on the same principles as acupuncture. It utilizes the vital life energy abundant in all living things, called Qi, to promote health and balance within the body. When the qi is moving disharmoniously, imbalance begins to surface in the form of specific symptoms. To address the underlying cause of a condition, these symptoms are viewed in relationship to the totality of a person. Various points along the channels of energy in the body are chosen and stimulated using various degrees of pressure. When the channels are cleared, symptoms subside.
What do I wear?
It is not necessary to remove your clothing for this treatment. We suggest you wear comfortable loose fitting clothes in order to fully relax during the session and to allow your practitioner to access the points.
How do I get the most from this treatment?
The most important thing you can do before and after receiving Tui Na, is to drink plenty of water. Whenever there is manipulation of the soft tissue, toxins are released into the blood stream and it is important to flush these out of the body.
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
What are the benefits of Facial Rejuvination Acupuncture?
This series of acupuncture treatments focuses on improving collagen production and muscle tone. With the insertion of fine needles on specific points on the face and neck, it brings Qi and blood to nourish the tissues of the head and neck. This results in the elimination of fine lines and diminishes larger wrinkles. It also helps to reduce bags under the eyes. It reduces double chin and lifts dropping eyelids. It tightens pores and brightens the eyes.
Is Facial Rejuvination Acupuncture for everyone?
For the vast majority of prospective clients, it is a safe and beneficial treatment, not only for prevention of wrinkles, but also for the reversal of the general signs of aging. Facial Rejuvination acupuncture is contraindicated for those with severe high blood pressure (if blood pressure is controlled under the guidance of a physician, then it’s safe to receive treatment). If you suffer from severe migraines (more frequently than once every three months), then this treatment is not recommended. Be aware that it takes a patient 3 weeks to recover from laser resurfacing on the face, treatment is not recommended during that time. You can receive Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture after one week post microdermabrasion.
How many treatments do I need to see results?
After the first treatment, one usually observes an increased glow to the complexion. The person’s face appears more open, there is a clarity in the eyes and the client appears to be more rested. After several sessions, wrinkles start to lesson and the skin appears more toned. Following 5 to 7 treatments, lifting of the jowls, neck and the eyes has begun. The entire face-lift like results will emerge at the end of the 12-15 session series for non-smokers, (more treatments are necessary depending on the number of years a person has smoked and other lifestyle factors). The client should look and feel 5-10 years younger. These results may vary slightly depending upon how well the client has taken care of themselves during the process and afterward. After the total series has been completed, booster treatments provide ongoing support within the normal process of aging.
Acupuncture Smoking Cessation Program
Can acupuncture help me stop smoking?
Yes, Acupuncture can help a person who is ready and motivated to quit smoking. We have developed a program that combines acupuncture, herbs and group support to help you quit. Because the acupuncture smoking cessation program is individualized, it is often successful for those who have been unable to quit otherwise.
What does the treatment involve?
The acupuncture program for smoking cessation at our center involves a two week intensive consisting of group auricular acupuncture treatments Monday through Thursday evenings, daily homework assignments, herbs, nutritional and behavioral counseling and three full body acupuncture treatments which will be administered according to individual needs.
What do you mean by group auricular treatment?
Understanding the power inherent in a group of people focused on the same intention, we designed this program to harness the support of all of its participants. There will be some discussion before the treatment begins. Once the needles are inserted into the ears, clients will sit quietly and relax in a circle for approximately thirty minutes.