About Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting tiny needles under the skin at specific points in order to stimulate the body's ability to heal itself.
Is it weird to put needles in the skin for healing? It can seem a little weird, but people have been doing it for thousands of years.
Do I feel it? Sometimes. The needles are tiny, but you may feel an initial zing, which subsides into another sensation such as heaviness, soreness, or warmth. It should not be painful. Most people find it feels very good and is incredibly relaxing.
Why does it work? The most important thing about acupuncture is not why it works, but how amazingly well it works. Acupuncture is effective for a wide range of conditions, so wide that it’s likely that it will help almost any problem to some degree, even if it can't cure it entirely. Besides being effective for a lot of different specific conditions, acupuncture is beneficial in some general ways for everyone: it usually improves sleep, energy, mood, as well as reduces stress.
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years, starting in ancient China. Modern day science is only now beginning to study the mechanics of how it works. Just like many other kinds of treatment such as prescription medicine, it is not yet well understood HOW it works but it seems effective regardless. We believe that people should be able to try it and decide for themselves if they want to use it to improve their health.
How often should I get acupuncture? In most cases, people need a series of treatments in order to see consistent improvement. Your acupuncturist will suggest a treatment plan, including how often you should come in and when you might expect to see results.
Can it be used for general wellness? Yes! We often see people for general well-being. Regular acupuncture can help maintain balance in the body and prevent imbalances before they happen.
Do I need to believe in it for it to work? No. We acknowledge there is huge power in the placebo effect. That being said, even animals like dogs and cats get acupuncture. It works, and we don’t know if they believe in it!
Lets chat for a minute about health…
In Western medicine we are taught to look at health in terms of disease. Fighting off viruses and bacteria, putting us back together when something is broken, cutting things out when they’re no longer working, etc. Western medicine is very helpful and we’re so thankful it exists!
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we look at health from the perspective of balance. Balance is the goal. Your toolbox for maintaining balance includes restful sleep, exercise, whole food nutrition, socialization, etc. Acupuncture is another tool in the toolbox to bring you back to balance and alleviate pain/discomfort/disease. Your body knows what to do and craves smooth functioning: it’s always working toward this! Through acupuncture, we are encouraging your body to tap into that deeper awareness. You will never be lectured on diet, exercise, or lifestyle. We are here to support you in your goals and not offer judgment or pressure!
If you have other questions about acupuncture, please check out the free ebook/audio version, Why Did You Put That Needle There? by fellow acupuncturist Andy Wegman. You can also contact us.