Is acupuncture safe? Is herbal medicine safe?

Of course! Acupuncturists use thin, sterile and disposable needles which allows for an extremely safe, simple, and non-toxic treatment for various health concerns. When performed by a licensed Acupuncturist, there are virtually zero side effects and/or risks associated with this form of medicine. Licensed Acupuncturists undergo thousands of hours of vigorous training to ensure & prioritize your safety, including extensive western medical training as well as courses detailing safe needling depths and directions, contraindications, and general precautions.

Herbal Medicine is also very safe when prescribed by a licensed practitioner. Risks arise when herbals are self-prescribed or assumed to be a one-size-fits-all medicinal. TCM herbalists are highly trained in the applications & contraindications of herbal medicines to ensure that they are prescribed in the most effective & safest way possible.

How does it work?

While the acupuncture community loves to embrace the idea that this medicine is pure *magic*, there are various physiological changes that take place in response to the healing modalities that encompass this medicine. From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture needle insertion creates a neurological cascade in which hormones, endorphins, and blood flow are promoted to flow more freely. Treatments are also very relaxing for the nervous system, taking one out of the stressed state that has become far too common in our society. Acupuncture has the ability to melt your stress away, and the importance of this aspect cannot be underestimated when it comes to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. More information can be found here.

What does it feel like? What if I’m afraid of needles?

Acupuncture will feel different for each person, but it should not cause pain or discomfort. Common sensations include dullness, heaviness, warm or cool sensations, or tingling around the needle after a quick, usually unnoticeable insertion. The common response is an extremely unique & profound state of relaxation, in which you might peacefully drift into the famous "acu-nap". Some feel energized after an appointment, while others remain in a calm and relaxed state.

If you are still feeling nervous or apprehensive, there are many other techniques we can utilize during your treatment that will promote your health & peace of mind without the use of acupuncture needles.

How can I prepare for my first appointment?

• Be excited & curious! It’s normal to be a little nervous about acupuncture, or new experiences in general. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns before your session— I want you to feel as comfortable as possible! Come with a list of questions that you’d like to address— this is highly welcomed & encouraged.

• Complete your new patient paperwork online before your appointment. Upon scheduling your first appointment, you will receive a confirmation email that includes your intake paperwork when you click the “Manage My Appointment” button. Please try to complete this at least 24 hours before your session begins.

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to ensure easy accessibility of all acupoints. Ideally, shirts will easily move above the elbow and pants above the knee. Gowns and draped sheets can also be utilized at the clinic should it be necessary.

• Drink some water and make sure you have eaten before your appointment to minimize potential for feeling woozy or lightheaded from the treatment. It’s also best to avoid caffeine or OTC pain relievers before your treatment, as they can interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment and increase your sensitivity.

• Avoid brushing your tongue on the day of your appointment if you can remember. The tongue coating and features are one of our diagnostic tools (don’t be shy!).

What happens during the appointment?

An acupuncture appointment will generally last around 60 minutes, with the acupuncture session itself ranging from 20-30 minutes.

The initial appointment will consist of a thorough consultation and discussion regarding your goals for care, concerns, and any questions you might have. The interview & diagnosis process might seem a bit new and peculiar, with elements of observation (like the tongue and complexion) and palpation (like the pulse and acupuncture points/channels) to accompany the standard intake process.

Subsequent appointments typically do not require the same level of detail for the intake process, but we will spend time each visit catching up on questions and changes in your system since the previous appointment. We will hopefully get to know each other very well! After we chat, it’s acu-nap time! And maybe we’ll incorporate some other healing modalities, too.

How often do I need to come in?

This is a common and fair question, if only there were an easy answer! The frequency of visits is unique to each condition and presentation. Generally, the longer that you’ve had a condition or discomfort, the longer it will take to reach the balance/wellness point. The typical starting point for a course of treatment ranges from 6-12 sessions, with 2 appointments per week in the initial stages to accelerate the healing process (treatments are cumulative and need time to build!). Individual treatment plans will be discussed during the first appointment, with updated estimates provided each visit depending on how your system responds to the treatments.

What if I want to come in but am having financial difficulties?

It is my policy that no one be turned away for lack of funds. If you are having financial hardship, are a student, or are on a limited income, please bring it to my attention so we can discuss your situation and devise a plan that fits your specific needs. It is my goal for this medicine to be accessible, so please let me know how we can make that happen together.

Is there empirical data that supports the efficacy of acupuncture?

The desire for evidence and validity is a common topic surrounding this medicine, and is fair considering the conflicting viewpoints and experiences we so often hear about. Truthfully, it is difficult to explain how acupuncture works when using western medical parameters, but we are essentially helping to rewire the nervous system to facilitate the body’s innate healing response. Acupuncture research is constantly expanding and the list of conditions that respond favorably to this medicine is constantly growing.

For the science & data-driven minds out there (totally understandable!), the Evidence Based Acupuncture website is a fantastic resource for clinical trials and efficacy articles, as their mission is to bridge the gap between Eastern & Western philosophy through current acupuncture research.