What to Expect

Many patients referred to me are unfamiliar with acupuncture. Understandably, they may be unsure as to what to expect. The following Q&A aims to clarify things a bit.

 

 What is Traditional Chinese Medicine? 

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has evolved over thousands of years. TCM doctors use various therapies (such as acupuncture, massage, herbs) to address health problems naturally. Modern (medical) acupuncturists, like I, also use electricity, medication, and injections to maximize and prolong acupuncture effects.

 

 Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work? 

Not at all. Acupuncture has been used successfully on dogs, horses, and other animals. These animals, obviously, don’t “believe” in acupuncture but, nevertheless, respond quite well. That said, a positive attitude goes a long way. Within a couple of sessions, you will be able to tell if acupuncture works for you.

 

 Are acupuncture needles sterile? 

Of course! Modern acupuncturists use only single-use sterile disposable needles. Communication of disease through acupuncture has not been an issue in the US.

 

 Is there medicine in acupuncture needles? 

Not in regular acupuncture needles. That said, in addition to traditional acupuncture, I offer acupuncture point injection therapy, where I do inject vitamins and other natural substances into acupuncture points. But this may not be for everyone.

 

 Is it safe? 

Certainly, safer than many medications or surgery! Side effects, if present, are rather minor: some bruising and/or mild soreness around the points. In some chronic cases, initial mild aggravation of symptoms may occur, followed by gradual improvement over the course of acupuncture therapy. While fainting is unlikely, some patients may briefly feel lightheaded. The Consent Form lists most of the potential side effects.

 

 How long is the acupuncture session? 

I have not found that keeping needles in for a long time produces better results. My acupuncture sessions are, give or take, under 45 minutes.

 

 What happens during the session? 

I start with channel palpation – to determine the active acupuncture points. Your participation (feedback) is paramount. As I explore the points, you should be able to discern (or even point to) the tender ones. As a rule, the more out of balance a point (or a channel) is, the stronger the sensation will be. I may also use a point finder to measure electrical skin resistance …. to corroborate my findings.

 

Next, I will briefly apply cupping and/or finger pressure to “soften” the channels. If I feel that your tissue is sufficiently prepared, I may skip this step.

 

Finally, I will move on to needling. Close your eyes. Open your mind. Let energy flow!

 

 How many points are used? 

Again, I believe that fewer is better: I am not fond of treating more than 12 points/needles in a session. It’s the choice of points, not the number, that matters!

 

 How deep do you needle? 

That depends on the condition and, of course, your preference. Having been trained in different styles of acupuncture, I have settled on fairly shallow needle insertion with minimum needle stimulation. I find that I can achieve rather good results with this gentle technique.

 

 Will you place the needles at the very site of pain/problem? 

Not necessarily. Acupuncture works by stimulating the neuroendocrine system. Or, using the TCM terminology, it regulates energy flow in the whole body. Whatever explanation you prefer, the point is that I can influence a “problem” area by placing needle some distance away, even on the opposite side of the body. A good illustration would be treating right-sided sciatica by using acupuncture points on the left ear. Yes, it gets quite tricky at times.

 

If you would like to learn more about the types of points I may treat, please read my blog post titled “Types of Acupuncture Points.”

 

 Will you use the same points all the time? 

No. My point selection varies from session to session. Naturally, as you progress, different acupuncture points become active. Also, most people have more than one health issue that they want to attend to. So, we will turn to different points and even different modalities each acupuncture session.

 

 Will it hurt? 

Disregard what you may have heard about acupuncture! Generally, there’s much less discomfort or pain involved here than most people think. Don’t confuse thin (only twice the diameter of a human hair) acupuncture needles with those used for drawing blood or injections. The latter ones are thick and sharp … and hurt like hell!

 

I only use the finest (and expensive) Korean and Japanese needles, not the cheaper (rougher and longer) Chinese needles you can find in some acupuncture clinics. I promise … you’ll be fine.

 

 What will I experience? 

Initially, the needles cause a sensation of slight pressure, tingling or aching. After a couple of minutes, you should notice a warm relaxing feeling spreading throughout the body. Some patients describe it as a sense of peace and calm. Many even go into a light sleep – oftentimes before I am even done putting all the needles in!

 

 Unusual reactions 

Some patients, instead of feeling relaxed, report a bit of restlessness during acupuncture. I even had a couple of people gently sobbing. This usually happens in chronically stressed-out folks. It’s sort of like their bodies are trying to release the pent-up “bad Qi.” Thankfully, the reaction does not last long: it is quickly replaced by calm peacefulness.

 

 How will I feel afterwards? 

Some feel energized, while others continue “floating in” relaxion for hours. Sensitive types may feel a bit spaced out or “buzzed.” To fully “process” acupuncture, I suggest avoiding over-exerting yourself. Take it easy for the rest of the day!

 

 Will I be sore after acupuncture? 

Now, I want to be transparent here. We are all different. In some patients, acupuncture is known to stir things up a bit: their symptoms may get temporarily worse (for a day or two) before improving. That is, actually, a good thing: acupuncture is working.

 

You see, despite their miniature size, acupuncture needles are a powerful tool. Energy blocks – release. Muscles that for years have remained contracted – relax. Blood – starts flowing freely, feeding the tissues with nutrients and oxygen.

 

Some people may even experience (really, re-live) unprocessed trauma (physical or mental) of yesteryear. Here’s a common example. Back pain you might have experienced (and forgot about) years ago – say, after a car accident – suddenly comes back. It’s different for everyone. But you get the idea, right?

 

Think of a deep-tissue massage or a workout – both benefit you in the long run but could leave you a bit sore the morning after. Same with acupuncture. You’re on the right track. Acupuncture is working. Don’t quit now!

 

OK, OK. I didn’t mean to scare you off. These energy shifts don’t happen all the time and mostly occur in new patients. Once your body “learns” to process the Qi (Energy), your response to treatment will become more predictable.

 

 Can I combine acupuncture with conventional therapies? 

With very few exceptions, absolutely! For example, many patients combine acupuncture and medications to control surgery-related pain. As a matter of fact, acupuncture lowers the need for conventional painkillers.

 

 Is acupuncture veneficial for healthy people? 

Acupuncture can benefit you even if you're feeling well. Tension and stress are a part of life. You don’t need a problem to enjoy acupuncture!

 

 What about herbs? 

Yes, I may recommend (but never sell or make you buy) herbs and supplements. Unlike Western herbs, Chinese herbs are used in very specific combinations (“formulas”), as opposed to singular herbs. An herbal formula may be comprised of as many as 6 to 15 herbs, acting synergistically within the formula.

 

 How much will you explain what you are doing? 

Mine is a busy practice; I tend not to go into too many details vis-à-vis what and why I am doing. That said, be assured that before ever laying my hands on you, I will briefly describe my diagnostic findings and the proposed treatment plan. At the end of each session, I will answer any questions that you may still have.

 

 Do you take all cases? 

Mine is a small practice. Acupuncture is not for everyone. Certain (complex) patients are best served by a large multi-specialty facility.

 

 How may treatments do you recommend? 

When targeting a particular issue, I prefer to treat patients once a week for about 4 to 6 weeks. As people improve and feel better, we switch to once every two weeks, then to once every three weeks, and so on.

 

 Will I have to come forever? 

Acute conditions rarely require more than 5 visits. What happens next is up to you.

 

I have patients who prefer to receive regular “tune-up” treatments once or twice a month … forever, that it. They like how acupuncture makes them feel and believe in its preventative qualities. It’s like getting a regular massage to them. Others see me only on an “as-needed” basis – when something hurts or gets “out of whack”.

 

Whatever works for you, I am happy to accommodate your style. I do not make my clients “subscribe” to my services.

 

 Can you guarantee results? 

No. Medicine is an inherently unpredictable and inexact endeavor. Many patients experience rather dramatic results during the very first treatment. Others may need several treatments spread over several weeks. And yes, there are always “non-responders.” Everyone is different.

 

What I can guarantee is that I will take your symptoms seriously and practice a healing intention.

 

 Can you take over my primacy care? 

Like everything else under the sun, acupuncture is not a “magic cure.” While being helpful in many health conditions, acupuncture is not a substitute for regular primary care. Neither is it meant to replace learning how to properly use your body or cope with life’s stresses. A pattern of passive reliance on any one therapy (or person) is unlikely to lead to any meaningful improvement.