+ What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient form of medicinal healing which originated in China over 2000 years ago. Like many other holistic treatments, it looks after the whole body and works by helping in the diagnosing, healing as well as the prevention of illnesses. In modern terms, acupuncture stimulates the body to balance itself.During acupuncture sessions very fine, small, stainless steel needles are inserted in specific points of your body, called the acupuncture points, that have an increased concentration of neuro-vascular tissue.
+ What are the acupuncture points?
Acupuncture points or ‘acupoints’ are specific places or areas on the skin of your body through which the ‘qi’ (the energy contained in each of our organs) of the meridians and the ‘zang fu’ of the organs flows to the body surface.
In fact in the original Chinese acupuncture pictographs it was indicated that the acupoints were holes in the skin through which the ‘qi’ energy could flow out.
+ What should I expect from a typical treatment?
In the same way as with your doctor’s appointment, you should arrive about 15 mins early to fill out paperwork and settle in.
We will then take you to the treatment room, where you can sit down and explain in detail about your conditions.
Once in the room, we will ask you some questions about your health. Please remember that Chinese medicine is a ‘holistic’ (whole-body) approach. So even though you might be visiting us to address your back pain, we will still be interested to find out about your digestion, sleep patterns, work habits, eating habits, bladder function etc.
After the initial interview, we will check your pulse and your tongue.
Then, you will lie down on the treatment table (it’s the same as a massage table), either face up, or down, or on your side, depending on the acupoints that we will be addressing during each visit. We will insert some tiny sterilized needles into the acupuncture points.
Once the needles are in the acupoints, we will leave the room and let you rest with the needles in for around 20 min or longer depending on your condition.
+ What type of illnesses and conditions can you treat?
Acupuncture can have a positive effect in treating or alleviating the symptoms of many conditions, however it’s not a panacea for all illnesses. Typically, our patients come for treatment of insomnia, allergies, depression, chronic or acute pain, high blood pressure, anxiety, back pain, migraines and much more.
+ How big are the acupuncture treatment needles and do they hurt?
Acupuncture needles are extremely delicate and fine, they are only about the width of 2-3 hair strands and they are also very flexible. It takes about 10-20 acu needles to reach the width of one hypodermic needle (which is the typical needle used for drawing out blood for tests or for getting your flu shot). Therefore, there will be a sensation associated with the needle being inserted, but it will not be jabbing or poking. Most people agree that it is quite a relaxing procedure.
+ How will I feel when I get “the jab” from the acupuncture needle?
Acupuncture is normally a gentle treatment. Some patients might feel a slight and quick pricking sensation in sensitive areas when the needle is inserted. Once the needle is inserted, the ‘qi’ sensation can vary for different people. Some don’t feel much and some might feel a dull, heavy or electric sensation at the point where the needle is. Many people feel relaxed and might even fall asleep (aka “acu-nap”).
+ How many treatments would I need?
Everybody is different and unique and so are the different conditions and health issues we treat. Thus the total number and frequency of treatment sessions will vary from client to client. Typically a treatment course is 12 sessions, however you should notice a serious change after 4 to 6 treatments. If the condition has become chronic or hasn’t been treated for a long time, it might take longer to respond. Viceversa, acute conditions might yield a faster response and improvement. Same goes for the frequency - in the beginning you might need 1-3 sessions per week, then gradually reduce them to only twice a month.
+ I’ve seen that there’s an “add-on” for skin care in the menu, will my appointment be very long?
No, don’t worry. We know how busy your life is, so this add-on will not prolong your appointment unnecessarily. We will place the herbal mask or the LED therapy while you are resting with the needles, thus you can maximize the benefits of your acupuncture session and have the additional treatment all at the same time. How cool is that? The only further requirement on your time after acupuncture therapy will be when we thoroughly clean your face, purify and detoxify congested pores. It will only prolong your acupuncture appointment by 10-15 mins max.
+ What should I do after my acupuncture session?
You should stay hydrated and drink plenty of water or herb teas (avoid alcohol, coffee or other caffeine rich drinks) as your body releases toxins and the liquids will help flush them out. Also you should choose heat, avoid cold (especially ice), get plenty of rest and go light on exercise.
+ Do you take clients with health insurance?
YES! I am part of Cigna PPO plan, and we are investigating options of including more insurance plan providers in our portfolio of organizations we work with so keep an eye on this space. I am happy to have my team to check your insurance to see what the coverage are for your acupuncture benefit. Otherwise, I can provide you with a superbill.
+ What are your prices?
The first session will cost $210 and will last around 75 minutes.
Follow- up sessions will cost $138 and area around 45 minutes.
For prices of other treatments, please check our booking page.
+ Can I cancel my appointment?
We understand that sometimes you might need to cancel, so we ask that you do so at least 24 hours prior to your appointment to avoid a cancellation fee. No-shows or late cancellations will be charged a fee of the treatment.
+ What other services do you offer?
If acupuncture is not your thing or you have concerns about it you can try some of our other services to ease you into alternative medicine. We offer acu-facials, Chinese Medicinal Herbs consultation or cupping.
