FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS AN ACUPUNCTURE SESSION LIKE?
If it's our first appointment, we'll go over intake forms and have an initial interview to determine how best to proceed. From there I will check your pulse at the wrist, do an abdominal exam, and look at your tongue to get additional objective information. From there most sessions include varying amounts of tui na and acupuncture, and also may include craniosacral work, or ancillary acupuncture methods such as cupping. Typically once needles are inserted you will be allowed to rest for 10 minutes, and then I will return to adjust the treatment as needed. Treatment will be retained for another 15-20 minutes and then we'll go over any qi gong exercises as necessary. An herbal prescription may also be recommended depending on the condition.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE FEEL?
Acupuncture feels slightly different for everyone. Acupuncture is a physical medicine, but with that said, patients often don't feel the needle itself but feel what the needle is doing. This is often described as a gentle heaviness or pressure, like a very tiny hug. Orthopedic and sports medicine focused acupuncture also involves muscle (trigger point) manipulation which feels like the muscle "flexing." Most patients fall asleep or feel meditative during a session.
HOW LONG IS AN APPOINTMENT?
Initial sessions are typically about 90 minutes long, with follow-up appointments being approximately 60 minutes.
WHAT ABOUT HERBS?
Herbs are a collection of medicines that best influence the body’s internal environment; meticulously studied by generations of doctors who observed patterns of dysharmony and developed powerful remedies to alleviate illness, and to restore and promote good health. Most people have an herb that is their “type” such as cinnamon (a warming vasodilator), ginseng (a metabolic tonic), or astragalus (immunostimulant) and typically respond best to formulas with that herb in it. Most herbal formulas are given as a granular extract like instant coffee, and drunk as a tea, but may also be taken in pill form. On-site formulas are typically sourced from Taiwan for their impeccable quality, safety, and efficacy.