It's effective. It's popular. It's a choice healthcare system, especially here in Seattle. But we still have many questions about what acupuncture is like and how it works.
I love the medicine, and I love talking about this amazing option for healing that we have, quite literally, at our fingertips.
Here are a few answers to the most common questions:
1. How does acupuncture work?
Qi (pronounce "chi") is energy. We all have Qi. We are animated living beings. This energy moves within us through channels called Meridians. This is not a fairy tale, or a poetic way of looking at the body. This is real. Like a fish in water, we are actually so familiar with our Qi that we generally don't notice it. Having a regular relationship with acupuncture allows the familiar sensations of our energy to become noticeable. The Qi within us governs all of our bodily functions and biological processes.
Qi running through the meridians pool in little vortexes called Points. I know there has got to be a better analogy out there, but I use the computer analogy. If our body were a computer... pause and cringe.. because of the mechanistic analogy Western medicine often uses to liken our body to a automobile) anyway... if it were a computer, then these Points along our Meridians would be like the keys on a keyboard. Just like every key has a function, every key asks the computer to do something... like type an 'A' or "paste", every Point has a function and asked something of the body. Increase peristalsis, open the nasal passages, stop bleeding, etc. Needles inserted into the Points activate this functionality, and cause the body to shift.
2. How do you know what points to use?
Using a system of pulse and tongue diagnosis, along with findings from other signs and symptoms, I can determine the health of the organs systems and flow of the meridian system. I then formulate a treatment plan, or select points that will ask your body to make the shifts needed.
There are over 500 points on the body. I generally pull from a set of 200 options to create a 1-14 needle custom designed treatment for you and your needs.
3. Is acupuncture painful?
Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the size of a human hair. They bear no resemblance to the needles used when receiving an injection. In most cases, people do not feel my insertions at all. Treatments with me are very relaxing and many people fall asleep during them.
Acupuncture may include a variety of non-needle techniques, such as heat treatment (called moxibustion), cupping, acupressure or massage, and herbal applications.
4. Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture needles are very fine, sterile, disposable, and FDA approved. As a licensed acupuncturist and national board certified practitioner, I have thorough training on the safe methods of this treatment. Chinese medicine, including herbal prescriptions is virtually the safest and most effective treatment option. There are no devastating side effects from appropriate treatments, besides relaxation and sense of well-being. Very infrequently the needle sites get a little itchy or slightly bruised. The medicine works in harmony with your body’s natural healing systems. It is extremely safe and very comfortable.
5. How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments will depend on the nature of the complaint, its severity, and how long it has been present. Many conditions may be alleviated rapidly. Other, more chronic conditions, will be relieved with slow, steady progress. Through Traditional Chinese Medicine, you will become more aware of your own body, thus increasing its ability to maintain well-being. Chinese and Western medicine compliment each other and can be integrated to offer optimal health care, in cases where both are needed. I am very clear about this.
I am happy to talk with your Western doctor about your case, or refer you to a specialist when needed. I will discuss all treatment options with you. You are the boss of you. You know your financial parameters, time parameters and also your desired results. We have a discussion together and decide how to proceed.
6. What should I feel during or after a session?
Most people fall asleep on the treatment table or experience deep relaxation. Acupuncture experience varies from individual to individual, with most patients feeling quite relaxed and grounded after the session.
7. Can you treat more than one problem in one session?
Yes. I will prioritized the treatment according to your symptoms and what is bothering you the most. Most often, many of the things that are bothering you, even if they seem unrelated can be rooted in the same imbalance, therefore, when the body systems are brought back into balance, a myriad of symptoms are relieved.
Now you know some of the basics. Please send me a comment below if you have any further questions! Love your body!
