The vital energy behind all life forms and life processes is Qi (pronounced "Chee"). Qi flows along specific pathways called 'meridians'. Each pathway is associated with a particular physiological system and the internal organs. Disease is considered to arise due to a deficiency or imbalance of energy in the meridians and their associated physiological systems.

What does acupuncture treat?
    Everything.  Seriously.  Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system and acupuncture is effective and beneficial in nearly all situations.  The World Health Organization has identified the following conditions as being effectively treated with acupuncture: 

• induction of labor
• painful and irregular periods
• malposition of fetus (breach presentation)
• morning sickness
• nausea and vomiting
• headaches
• acute epigastralgia (pain in stomach and esophagus, like acid reflux)
• peptic ulcer
• acute and chronic gastritis
• low back pain
• neck pain
• sciatica
• tennis elbow
• knee pain
• periarthritis of the shoulder
• sprains
• facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders)
• dental pain
• tempromandibular (TMJ) dysfunction
• rheumatoid arthritis
• postoperative pain
• stroke
• essential hypertension
• primary hypotension
• renal colic (kidney pain)
• leucopenia
• adverse reactions to radiation or chemotherapy
• allergic rhinitis, including hay fever and allergies
• biliary colic
• depression
• acute bacillary dysentery

Is acupuncture safe?
    Yes.  Single use, sterile needles are used and then properly disposed of.  Your acupuncturist has completed a four year Masters degree program including three years of internships, is nationally board certified, and has completed numerous safety courses to receive state licensure.

How often do I need to come in?
    This all depends.  Every person is unique and their capacity for healing varies.  Some will come in twice a week while others might need to come in once per week.  Usually you can use as a guide the following:  if it took you a while to get to your current level of dysfunction, it will take you some time to get out of it and more frequent visits may be required.  Also, the more severe the situation, the longer it may take to get well.  Another consideration is if you must continue to participate in an activity that caused or aggravates the condition – this, of course, will slow your progress.  Your acupuncturist will go over your treatment plan with you and will create one specifically for your condition.  Generally, acute conditions may take 3-5 treatments, while chronic conditions may take 10-20 treatments.

How long does a treatment take?
    Allow about 1 hour 15 minutes for your first visit, about an hour for follow up visits.

Does acupuncture hurt?
    No.  There is a sensation with acupuncture, but rarely would anyone describe it as painful.  The needles you know from receiving injections or having your blood drawn are hollow and designed to cut into your tissues.  Acupuncture needles are solid and are meant to sort of wiggle their way between your cells almost.  Acupuncture needles are also tiny; much, much smaller than needles used to administer an injection.

Will my health insurance cover acupuncture?
    Insurance coverage varies from policy to policy.  You’ll need to contact your insurance company and ask about acupuncture benefits.  We do not bill insurance companies but will provide you with a receipt if you need one to receive reimbursement.  We cannot contact your insurance company for you.