​Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a practice of insertion very thin sterile needles through skin at therapeutic points on your body.  When performed by trained, certified, and licensed professionals, acupuncture is very safe with minimal complications or side effects.  Acupuncture promotes natural healing by balancing the flow of energy (known as Qi) along the pathway (meridians).  When the pathway get obstructed or stagnated or out of balance, that is when you feel pain, get sick, did not feel well, etc.  Inserting needles into strategic points are just like inserting a key to open/close the door of health.​  Please see the video below to have more information about acupuncture.

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Does Acupuncture hurt?

The feeling of an Acupuncture needle is unique.  Because the acupuncture needles are very thin and solid, people experience acupuncture needling differently .  It is often described as feeling like an ant bite, a very heavy sensation at the site, a feeling of open up a channel, or a deep feeling of heat.  Some of them feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted.  Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt.

 

The tip of acupuncture needle is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle), so insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling.  The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.   Thus, needle into an acupuncture point by a skilled acupuncturist, the slender needle produces little or no sensation at all. 

 

Are acupuncture needles sterile and safe?

Yes.  The government requires acupuncturists to follow strict safety procedures regarding needles, and sterilized disposable needles. 

 

How many sessions do I need before I will feel better?

This depends on the history, severity of the disease as well as your body constitution and how well you response to the needling stimulation. To give acupuncture enough time to build on itself and do its work, approximately 4 – 6 visits are recommended.  Problems that have arisen rather acutely can see improvement within the first few treatments, while long standing disorders may take longer for your body to balance.

 

How often should I have acupuncture treatment?

Typically, once a week is the best schedule for chronic conditions.  In some cases where the symptoms are acute, 2 – 4 times a week can be required.  For health care, just several times a year.

 

Where do you needle?

Mostly from your elbows down to your hands, and from your knees down to your feet.  Other places may be needled on your abdomen, back, ears, or scalp, depending on your treatment.

 

Are there any side effects to Acupuncture?

No.  As energy is redirected in the body, healing begins to take place.  Some people feel really energized after a treatment, others feel so relaxed they are ready for a nap.  Very occasionally that can happen to you from an acupuncture needle is a hematoma or a bruise, but it will disappear soon.

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How many different types of acupuncture I will be treated?

Depends on your conditions.  Some cases, we combine regular acupuncture with MicroAcupuncture 48.  Some other cases, we either use only Auricular Acupuncture OR Esoteric Acupuncture