Frequently Asked Questions

A: Patients who have received inoculations or other medical injections from a hypodermic needle are some- times fearful that acupuncture treatments will be as painful. But such is not the case. Medical hypodermic needles are stiff, hollow, and thick for forcing liquid into the patient's flesh, usually an uncomfortable, if not painful, procedure. Typically, acupuncture needles are fine and flexible, no bigger around than a human hair or piece of thread. Deftly inserted into an acupoint by a skilled acupuncturist, the slender needle produces little or no sensation at all. When the needle makes contact with Chi, the energy, most patients experience a slight tingling sensation. First- time patients are usually amazed at how comfortable they are during treatment.

A: Yes. Our clinic uses only single-use, disposable, pre-sterilized acupuncture needles. The needles are manufactured, packaged, and shipped in sterilized containers in compliance with the very strict government laws. Needles are discarded after each treatment and professionally disposed. This eliminates the possibility of contamination and disease transmission.

A: While needle treatments are traditionally the most effective, other means of bringing about the desired physiological response include herbal therapy, electric stimulation, far infrared heat lamp, moxabustion and cupping.

A: Acupuncture works by treating the underlying cause of disease, not merely the symptoms, in order to produce lasting results. The number of treatments varies with the seriousness of the problem and with individual patients. Chronic or long-term problems often require a somewhat longer treatment period.

A: Acupuncture has become universally accepted. It is being utilized in more and more hospitals, wellness centers, pain management centers, doctor's offices (chiropractic, dental, medical, veterinary), and rehabilitation centers, where acupuncturists are a welcomed and valuable part of the team.