Acupuncture needles cause very little discomfort. People often don't feel them being inserted at all. The needles a pre-sterilized, disposable, very thin needles about the width of the size of one strand of human hair. Some people feel a mild aching sensation on one needle when it is bring circulation to help release a muscle. Most people fall asleep and are quite relaxed during their acupuncture treatments.
+ How does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture works by inserting disposable, pre-sterilized needles into one of the 365 acupuncture points along one of the 12 main acpuncture meridians. These points have been used for thousands of years. Today's science can show that when we insert a needle, that a large amount of circulation goes to the site of the needle, as well as it activates your body's natural pain relievers (your endorphins and enkephalins) as your body knows you have been stabbed by a foreign object. The needle can stimulate through the nerves a nervous system response that can balance hormones, and relieve pain. Your brain will start fixing old injuries at the site of the acupuncture insertion as well because your brain cannot find the needle but it will look into whatever processes have been happening in the area of the needle and try and fix the old injury just as if it was a new injury again. Acupuncture can also block pain receptors, through something called the Gate theory of sending too many signals to the brain at one time.
+ How many treatments will I need?
This depends on the condition that is being treated. Some issues can be resolved in one treatment if it is acute or a relatively new problem. Long term problems such as stroke or spinal cord injury or complicated issues can take a series of treatments. After your first appointment your practitioner can make and individualized treatment plan to help you get back to your best.
+ What should I wear to my appointment?
Having loose baggy clothing, that can roll up to your knees and a t-shirt or loose clothing that can roll up to your elbows is great. Having a loose tank top can be helpful to treat neck and shoulder conditions Bringing a pair of shorts can be helpful. We supply clinic shorts if you don't have appropriate clothing.
+ What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Dry needling is a term used to define the education of a practitioner. Dry needling is often done by health care proffesionals such as physical therapists and chiropractors. They have completed a series of weekend courses to learn some basic acupuncture points. Acupuncture is a term used by practitioners who have gone to school for a minimum of 3-4 years to learn specialized techniques in different styles and specializations including pregnancy acupuncture, hormone issues, pain relief and complicated problems.
