To get a complete assessment we take in consideration the pulse, the tongue and a general questionnaire about your health.
Acupuncture works to promote the free flow of energy and thus reduce pain and other disease states. Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system to release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. The biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s own natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being through the conduction of electromagnetic signals, the activation of opioid systems and changes in brain chemistry.

Acupuncture can treat a wide assortment of health issues and diseases, including musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, internal medical conditions, infections, and psycho-emotional issues. Because Chinese medicine seeks to balance the underlying imbalances that are leading to states of disease, its applications can be applied to almost any ailment. The World Health Organization recognizes a great number of diseases as being effectively treated by acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are very thin, and their insertion is virtually painless. You may notice a sensation of heaviness, achiness or warmth at or around the area where needles have been inserted, all which indicate the circulation of Qi in the area. Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing, and some people even fall asleep during treatment.

The number of treatments that you will require depends upon the severity and duration of your health issue. In general, treatment of acute conditions requires fewer treatments, whereas the treatment of chronic conditions requires more treatments. It is generally recommended that you begin with 5 to 6 treatments and then your practioner will reassess your treatment progress with you.

The FDA now regulates acupuncture needles, just as it does other devices such as surgical scalpels and hypodermic syringes, under good manufacturing practices and single-use standards of sterility. Acupuncturists in the United States only use single-use, sterilized, disposable needles to ensure your safety.

Make sure you have had something to eat before you appointment. Please wear loose clothing. And please be sure to tell your practitioner about any medications you are taking, especially blood thinning medications.

The response is different for eveybody depending on many factors such as age and acute or chronic pain. Many patients feel relief of symptoms after a single treatment, while for others it may take longer. Oftentimes, your symptom relief will recur within a few days, but with continued treatment the effects will be more enduring. The aim is to resolve your symptoms altogether and the underlying cause.

Does it hurt? What does a treatment feel like?
There is little or no sensation during treatment. Occasionally one feels mild, soothing warmth or tingling. Areas of pain or inflammation may be sensitive briefly before pain reduction.

Are there any side effects or associated risks?
During more than twenty years of use by healthcare providers all over the world, very few side effects have ever been reported. Occasionally some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days, as the healing response is more active after treatment.

How long does each treatment take?
The typical treatment is 3 to 9 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.

How often should a patient be treated?
Acute conditions may be treated daily, particularly if they are accompanied by significant pain. More chronic problems respond better when treatments are received 2 to 3 times a week, tapering to once a week or once every other week, with improvement.

How many treatments does it take?
This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. For some acute conditions 1 to 6 treatments may be sufficient. Those of a more chronic nature may require 10 to 15 (or more) treatments. Conditions such as severe arthritis may require ongoing periodic care to control pain.

How long before the results are felt?
You may feel improvement in your condition (usually pain reduction) after the very first treatment. Sometimes you will not feel improvement for a number of treatments. This does not mean that nothing is happening. Each treatment is cumulative and results are often felt after 3 or 4 sessions.

Can it be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment?
Yes! Laser Therapy is often used with other forms of therapy, including physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, massage, soft tissue mobilization, electrotherapy and even following surgery. Other healing modalities are complementary and can be used with laser to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.