Questions/Answers

According to the ancient philosophy and teachings, all living things are animated with “Qi” or life force.  Acupuncture addresses imbalances in the system by accessing the flow of Qi through points on the meridians. 

Meridians are pathways in this energetic system that are similar to rivers flowing throughout the body.

Each pathway is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ which has its own specific energy that relates to the five elements, or phases, of energy known as fire, earth, metal, water and wood.

Since our health issues do not appear overnight, it beomes clear that true integrated healing requires   

a gradual addressing of old pain and injury patterns. Though some patients may experience very rapid results, consistent treatment may ultimately provide the most long-lasting healing and relief with internal harmony.

Needles used in acupuncture are about as fine as a human hair. They are pre-sterilized stainless steel and disposed of after each use. This eliminates any risk of infection. 

Needles penetrate only a few millimeters under the surface of the skin. 

Patients are unique in their response to the sensation of the needles. There may be a temporary stinging sensation, a feeling of warmth, a dull ache, or a wave of relaxation.

Acupuncturists train and test in "Clean Needle Technique" and must be certified and licensed to practice.

If a client prefers to not have needles, needle free options are available. 

Treatment combinations of reflexology, craniosacral massage, essential oils, acutonics, muscle testing, and moxa can be equally beneficial.

The Emotional Freedom Technique(EFT) is also an option for treatment. This is a form of psychological acupressure based on the same energy meridians used in traditional acupuncture to treat physical and emotional ailments but without the use of needles.

As part of the treatment, an herb called artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) may be used and is commonly referred to as Moxa.

 Moxa is used to gently heat acupuncture points which promotes increased movement of energy. 

Smokeless Moxa is also available if a patient is sensitive to the aroma.

The course of treatment varies with each individual and is dependent upon the severity of symptoms and overall health history. 

Deep rooted foundational symptomology may take longer to resolve, although usually some aspects of the overall health picture will begin shifting within a few treatments. Initially, people might come for treatments once a week or every two weeks for a month or two. As the system starts to balance, treatments will be spaced further apart. 

Some people find that monthly treatments keep them feeling at their best. Others may benefit from appointments that coincide with the change of seasons, or when there’s a particular physical or emotional stress in their lives.

• Greater vitality and joy of living.
• Reduction or disappearance of original symptomology.
• Improvement in other chronic conditions that the person may have resigned to “live with” (ie: sleep pattern disturbance, compromised digestion, acute and chronic depression, anxiety, and low energy).
• Improvement in overall well-being.
• Occasionally, people may experience temporary mild exacerbation of symptoms before they resolve. This is called “the law of cure.”