Your Questions Answered
Q: What does acupuncture feel like? Do the needles hurt?
A: When the needles are placed it is common to feel a little pinch, mild sting or dull achy sensation. It should not be painful. Some people are more sensitive than others, so I adjust my technique and the gauge of needles according to each person’s response. I've needled many nervous first-timers and their responses are most commonly “that’s it? I barely felt anything!”.
Q: How does acupuncture work?
A: In Chinese medical theory, acupuncture works by balancing the body’s Qi. Qi can be described as a form of bioenergy that runs along meridians, which are like rivers of energy. If Qi gets blocked, due to excess or deficiency, it shows up as an imbalance or illness. Basically, if you have a health condition, some part of your body’s system is out of whack. Chinese medical theory allows us to diagnose the imbalance and balance it.
In Western medical theory, acupuncture appears to work by stimulating parts of the brain. It also stimulates the body to release natural biomolecules such as neurotransmitters, vasodilators, and hormones. The exact mechanisms which bring this about are unknown, but the effects are measurable.
Q: How often do I need to come in for acupuncture treatment?
A: The frequency of treatment depends on your condition and treatment goals. Generally speaking, acupuncture is not a one-shot deal. Though I hold a space for the possibility of dramatic and speedy shifts, in practice, especially when an issue has been long-standing, it often takes some time to make lasting changes. When I begin working with someone I like to plan for weekly treatments for about the first 6 weeks whenever possible. Once your condition is stabilized, you won’t need to come in as frequently. When you come in for your first treatment, we’ll formulate a specific treatment plan for you.
Q: Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
A: Yes! Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to alleviate many discomforts commonly associated with pregnancy. In addition, acupuncture can be used to help promote a more efficient labor.
Q: What does acupuncture treat?
A: Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating an incredibly wide variety of conditions, including:
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Anxiety and depression
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PTSD
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Stress
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Insomnia
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Infertility
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Pregnancy related conditions
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Hormonal imbalances and gynecological concerns like PCOS, endometriosis and PMDD
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Chronic pain
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Allergies
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Gastro-intestinal conditions
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Migraines and headaches
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Muscular-skeletal pain
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Common cold and sinusitis
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The list goes on and on!
Q: Do you accept insurance?
A: Though I do not accept insurance directly, I can provide you with an insurance coded receipt to submit for reimbursement if your plan covers out-of-network providers.
Q: What is Tarot?
A: Tarot is a deck of cards. Each card represents a spiritual lesson or phase of personal evolution. The Tarot deck is a language of symbols, and symbolism is the language of the soul. The Tarot is a tool that can help us gain access to our intuition and spark conversations that open doors in awareness. We can use Tarot for insight on unconscious aspects of experience in a given moment or through a transitional time.
Q: What is Reiki?
A. Reiki is a Japanese spiritual healing technique in which practitioners can help your body heal itself through touch. “Rei” translates to “universe” or “life force,” and “ki” translates to the physical energy of the body (also known as qi); put together, Reiki translates to “universal life force energy.” The job of a Reiki practitioner is to help your body work its own healing magic. It is profoundly relaxing, restorative and nurturing.
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If not, please don't hesitate to contact me I am happy to help.