FAQ

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?People always have lots of questions about acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Here are a few of the most common ones:

• Does it hurt?    ​​This is by far the most common question any acupuncturist gets, and the answer is - no, not really. You may get some sensations when the needle first goes in, akin to a mosquito bite, or when it's moved but these range for every individual.  Most people feel what they describe as pressure, heaviness or warmth. These are all positive responses and what we call the arrival of qi to the point - or 'de qi'. Some people are extra sensitive to needles, but a skilled practitioner can adjust the approach and make it less intense. Most people report feeling incredibly relaxed during their treatments.
• Is Acupuncture safe?     The short answer is yes, as long as your practitioner is highly trained and licensed. It is recommended to only seek acupuncture from an L.Ac. or Licensed Acupuncturist as they have the most training in this field. Physical Therapists, MDs, Chiropractors and Fitness trainers sometimes take seminars and get certified to perform acupuncture, but this is nowhere near the 4 years of training required for licensure. Make sure you ask if your practitioner is licensed in Acupuncture specifically.
• Are there any side effects?     Minimal, especially compared to similar western interventions like surgery and pharmaceuticals. Sometimes you may have a bruise, muscle aches as though you just worked out, and a feeling of overall serenity and calm :)
• Are the needles cleaned after each treatment?   Each needle comes in its own sterile packet and is disposed of after one use. You will never have a needle that has been used on another person, or even a needle that was previously used on use. They are extremely safe and sterile.
• How should I prepare for my acupuncture treatment?     The best way to prepare is to eat a snack or a light meal before treatment so the you body has sufficient energy to work with. If possible it is best to wear loose clothing so that your arms and legs are accessible for treatment. After treatment we recommend you drink a glass of water to help stabilize your energy.
• What will my first treatment be like?     During the first treatment I will review your complete health history and evaluate the condition you are seeking treatment for, asking you questions about lifestyle. These will not only cover the condition you are being treated, but your overall health to give me a better picture of your overall health. I will feel your pulse, look at your tongue and may palpate specific meridians to look for tender areas. 
• How long does it take?     Initial acupuncture treatments take 60 minutes, and our follow up treatments take 30-45 minutes depending on what the session requires. Your first treatment will have a long intake that asks you many questions about your body, some you may not have even thought about before. Check our availability here - Book Now
• How much does it cost?     Initial treatments cost $100 and follow ups cost $85. To see our full list of services and current prices check here. 
• How do I know the needles are sterile and clean?     In modern acupuncture we use single-use needles that are disposed of after each treatment. The needles come in sterile packs and are not used on anyone else or in any other treatments.
• Where do you put the needles?     Needles are placed at specific acupuncture points on the body. Depending on the specific condition the needles commonly are placed at or below the elbows, and at or below the knees. Other common areas are on the back, abdomen and ears. 
• What should I wear?     Wear loose clothing that allows access to the arms and legs. If you are coming in for sports medicine and performance, I recommend compression shorts for men, and athletic shorts and sports bras for women.
• How many treatments will I need?   This is a tough question to answer because it really depends on the condition being addressed and how long you've been dealing with it. Generally there is marked improvement in 1-3 treatments and resolution in 6-10 treatments. Sometimes people only need 1 treatment, and still others need regular acupuncture to maintain their health. More acute conditions will be treated 2-3 times a week whereas chronic conditions will often be treated weekly after the initial plan. Health and maintenance treatments can range from monthly, to quarterly, or when symptoms reoccur.
• What can acupuncture treat?     Much more than you think! Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have been around for thousands of years for a reason, it has so many applications. It's especially good for  chronic conditions and conditions hard to treat in Western Medicine (or biomedicine) - migraines, headaches, IBS, intestinal distress, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, chronic pain, PCOS, PMS, stress, PPMD, PTSD, auto-immune disorders. If you have a disorder or disease that is hard to treat, you know it because your doctor is just as frustrated as you. Biomedicine is extremely necessary in some cases, and in those cases you can bet I'm gonna see an MD - like if I break my arm or my appendix is about to burst and I need surgery. But I will definitely get acupuncture and Chinese herbs to help heal more quickly. 
• ​Are treatments just acupuncture?     No, Chinese Medicine has many tools used to treat patients including moxibustion (moxa), cupping, gua sha, tuina, herbal medicine, and non-insertive techniques.
• What should I do after the treatment?     Strenuous physical activities (including exercise) should be avoided for at least two hours after treatment. A good feeling after acupuncture should not be mistaken for full recovery. Be sure that you have regained your strength and stamina before engaging in any activities that you were unable to perform before your acupuncture treatments. Extra water is always a good idea, but if you received any cupping then its very important to hydrate. Southtown Juice is just downstairs so you can grab an awesome recovery juice on your way out!
  
  

NERVOUS ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE? WATCH "THE TRY GUYS" TRY IT!

SO WHAT IS QI ANYWAY?

One of the central ideas in Chinese Medicine is Qi, pronounced Chi, and in Japanese - Ki. But what the hell is it, and why does it matter? This is probably the second most asked questions I get as an acupuncturist, right after "Does it Hurt?" That being said, so many people have tried to answer it over the years, I hate to rehash it again. So I'm going to quote one of my favorite books here. Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine, authors Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold said of Qi:

“That which animates life is called Qi. The concept of Qi is absolutely at the heart of Chinese Medicine. Life is defined by Qi even though it is impossible to grasp, measure, quantify, see or isolate. Immaterial yet essential, the material world is formed by it. An invisible force known only by its effects, Qi is recognized indirectly by what it fosters, generates and protects.

Matter is Qi taking shape. Mountains forming, forests growing, rivers streaming, and creatures proliferating are all manifestations of Qi. In the human being, all functions of the body and mind are manifestations of Qi: sensing, cogitating, feeling, digesting, stirring, and propagating.… It is the fundamental mystery and miracle.”

This is an amazing book that can explain Chinese Medicine in everyday language, if you want to learn more grab it here:

So there you have it, lol. My mentor liked to say that "Qi is function" - and I think that gets the point across as concisely as possible. Your body's ability to do its job is fueled by qi. Honestly, the concept is so deep I could talk about it for hours, but I won't :) What I will say is that qi is not finite. Through acupuncture, herbs, lifestyle, exercise, and qigong - you can change the amount of qi in your body and increase your health and longevity! Pretty cool, huh?