Acupuncture: FAQ
Acupuncture can be used for both acute and chronic disease and for patients of all ages. Acupuncture allows the body to function better and also can be used to relax, rejuvenate and maintain health.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest continually practiced forms of medicine in the world. It is one of the most researched medical disciplines to date.
Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of thin, sterile, nontoxic needles into the surface of the skin.
While acupuncture can be used for many health conditions and especially for prevention of disease, it is well known for use in the Western world for conditions such as insomnia, arthritis, tendonitis, PMS, fatigue, asthma, allergies, menopause, infertility, pain, indigestion, depression and anxiety.
What does it feel like?
The insertion of the needles, which can range in sensation from mild to unnoticed, helps to restore balance in the body by enhancing energy flow and encouraging balance among organ systems.
Most patients who experience acupuncture get a sense of calm and wellbeing as acupuncture tends to cause a release of endorphins in the brain.
How many treatments do I need?
The total number and frequency of acupuncture treatments varies depending on the condition.
For more acute conditions, a sprained ankle for example, often just 1 or two treatments quickly after the injury is enough to quickly stimulate healing and relieve pain.
In a chronic condition, like low back pain, it may take 6-8 weekly treatments to get sustained benefit. In general, I recommend folks plan to have 6-8 sessions before assessing if acupuncture will be helpful for them or not.
In my experience, however, people tend to notice benefit within a few treatments and by the end of an 8 treatment session, most people notice a long-term benefit.
Listen to Dr. B answer “What is Acupuncture?”
Listen to how Dr. B addresses a fear of needles.
Listen to Dr. B answer “What conditions are treated by acupuncture?”