Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a healing modality that utilizes extremely fine, sterile, disposable needles to facilitate healing. This form of therapy originated thousands of years ago in China and is the most well tested and thoroughly documented system of medicine on earth.
How does it work?
Healing is initiated when thin needles are gently inserted at specific acupuncture points on the body along special pathways or meridians. Like various instruments in an orchestra, each acupuncture point has a unique part to play. Once the needles are in place, they communicate with the body and the other needles by circulating a subtle energy called ‘Qi’ (pronounced Chee). This energy circulation stimulates the body’s natural healing intelligence to help restore and maintain health.
What are meridians?
Chinese physicians discovered 14 main meridians in the body along which the Qi energy flows. Twelve of the meridians flow like mirror images on both sides of the body. The other two meridians flow along the center of the body, one in the front and the other along the spine. The meridians transport Qi to every part of the body, including the head, arms, hands legs, feet, torso, and all organs systems.
What is Qi and what is its function?
Qi is energy that exists not only in the body, but also throughout the energetic and physical universe. In the body, Qi is the animating life force that creates warmth and movement. It influences the functioning of all of the bodily systems: respiratory, digestive, endocrine, circulatory, urinary, reproductive, skeletal, muscular and nervous. Well-balanced, free flowing Qi defines good health.
When Qi is imbalanced, stagnant or deficient the stage is set for symptoms of
pain, discomfort, disharmony and disease. Causes of Qi disharmony can include
influences such as weather, stress, emotional/physical trauma, and unbalanced
dietary or lifestyle patterns.
Sally’s extensive training and
experience qualifies her diagnose patterns of disharmony to help patients
discover their natural state of wellness through acupuncture and herbal
therapy. Nutrition and lifestyle recommendations are often suggested to help
speed and stabilize recovery, and to fortify the patient’s ability to
enjoy a continued state of balanced health.
How does an acupuncture treatment feel?
The majority of acupuncture patients find acupuncture treatments to be
profoundly relaxing and often uplifting. Sally provides treatments in a
restful comfortable setting. It is not unusual for people to fall asleep
during their treatment session!
As balance is restored, one naturally
feels more calm and centered with an enhanced sense of wellbeing.
All acupuncture needles in Sally’s clinic are sterile and disposed of after one use. They are extremely thin and flexible and are designed for the comfort of the patient.
For most people, the acupuncture experience is overwhelmingly positive.
How long does a treatment last?
The needles in each treatment are in place for an average of 30 minutes to one hour. Sally allows one hour for each appointment.
How many treatments will I need?
Each patient is unique. Sally typically recommends 4 initial treatments, usually within a 10 to 14 day period. This is the best way to achieve maximum results and provides valuable data that helps to determine each patient’s rate of response. The estimated number of follow up treatments can then be discussed. Although some patients respond favorably after only one or two treatments, others may not improve as quickly. In general, acute conditions require fewer treatments than chronic ones. As balance is restored, the treatments are scheduled further apart. Because the acupuncture experience is so relaxing and pleasurable, many clients choose to continue a health maintenance program by scheduling monthly maintenance "tune-ups".
What are the advantages of acupuncture?
- Acupuncture is safe and virtually free of side effects.
- Acupuncture is preventative medicine.
- Acupuncture treats stress related emotional imbalances as well as emotional components of physical disorders.
- Acupuncture is cost-effective compared to most types of medical intervention.
Are herbs important for my healing process?
Chinese herbal medicine dates back many centuries. A continuum of thorough documentation on herbal formulas and their effects are a part of the rich history of this ancient form of medicine.
Sally’s pharmacy contains many such traditional remedies. Her training in Traditional Chinese Medicine qualifies her to create and prescribe Chinese herbal formulas that are tailored to an individual’s constitution while simultaneously addressing their symptoms. Taking herbs allows for the continuation of healing between acupuncture appointments. Herbs are specifically prescribed for your unique constitution and will act as medicinal food providing the nutrients your body requires for balancing and healing.