Acupuncture is a topic that creates tremendous interest. Many people have heard about it, but know very little. This, unfortunately, does not stop people from expressing opinions. 
Here are several questions that are commonly asked with accurate, well thought out answers by someone who actually knows something about the topic. 

FAQ's

Q: What is acupuncture?

A: Acupuncture is an ancient form of healing originating in China. Its beginnings date back nearly 4,000 years. It began as a philosophy and expanded to become a healing art. The premise is based on the belief that there is a substance that causes all movement and stimulates all life in the universe. This substance they call Qi. The best label in our language for this substance in non-religious terms would be life force or energy. Each and every living being on our planet has this energy in their body. It is channeled in pathways or meridians that run throughout the body. Each meridian connects to a different organ or controls a function in the body. 

If the Qi in the body is of proper quantity and moves freely in its designed pathways, health reigns supreme. When the Qi is out of balance or flows improperly we enter the phase where disease occurs. Disease is when we are not at ease with our environment. Our ability to adapt and react properly is limited. This is when we eventually get ill. Acupuncture is designed to correct imbalance in these meridians to prevent the development of disease as well as to treat problems that may occur in our life.

Q: How does acupuncture work?

A: Acupuncture works by manipulating the energy channels via points along these channels called acupuncture points or pressure points. Each point has a different effect on the energy in the body. Point selection and the method of working the point is determined. Properly applied needles, lasers, massage, or other forms of mechanical stimulation will ensure correction in the energetic imbalance. When the imbalance is corrected, health returns. 

Q: Does acupuncture hurt?

A: No. Acupuncture as performed in my Clinic is relatively painless. Only a minor sensation is felt in almost all situations. On occasion a sting or shock is felt but can really not be called painful.

Q: Are the needles sterile?

A: The Acupuncture needles I use are pre-sterilized and disposed of after one use. There is no chance of cross contamination. Acupuncture needles are unlike any other needles. They are hair thin, very sharp and polished smooth. Insertion is quick and generally not felt at all. An acupuncture needle causes essentially no tissue damage. Injection needles are much larger, beveled at the end or sometimes even serrated. When they enter the body they cut tissue. This leaves traumatized tissue and opportunity for infection. Most patients who have the common Phobia of needles say that after their first few treatments acupuncture needles are different than other needles. 

Q: What can acupuncture help?

A: Acupuncture has been used historically for a wide variety of conditions. In our practice patients who suffered from the following conditions have been helped: multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, headaches of various origins, menstrual problems, infertility, digestive disorders, learning disabilities, joint injuries, arthritic conditions, sinus problems, allergies, frequent colds and flus, depression and many, many more. What acupuncture really treats is health. As your health fully returns the body fulfills it's innate self healing work and symptoms will leave.

Q: Are there any conditions that acupuncture can't help?

A: Of course. Acupuncture relies on the body's own innate healing ability. In situations where that ability is overcome by the disease, acupuncture is not able to restore health. Even in these situations acupuncture may help with certain symptoms like: pain, nausea, fatigue, lack of energy or emotional despair. 

Q: How long does a treatment take?

A: About 30 minutes. Sometimes a little less and sometimes more according to patient needs or waiting time.

Q: Once I get better is there any advantage to continuing care?

A: Most definitely. Once you get in good shape by exercising you don't just quit and maintain the benefit. Once you have regained the degree of health you desire you should continue to get your body re-balanced according to your specific needs. Some people come in once a week, and others need to come in only on the change of seasons. Your best interest can be discussed and decided by you with the Doctor's input.

Energy

What is energy? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) energy is better defined as Qi. When all areas of the body are in proper balance and Qi flows smoothly, evenly, and calmly a person will be healthy.

How does Qi Function?

There are different types of Qi and different functions. Qi is the source of all movement in the body, it protects the body by keeping external influences out, it transforms food into nutrients, it retains the body's substances and organs in place, and it warms the body. Qi affects the transformation of blood, and blood is dependent on Qi for correct flow. Qi keeps the blood in its blood pathways. Each organ has its own Qi, so the flow of Qi greatly impacts the functioning of individual organs. It also flows through the meridians, which work as a communication system among the whole body. 

If the Qi is not flowing correctly, then any or all of its functions may be interrupted. Depletion of Qi leads to weakness, lethargy, frequent illness, poor digestion, and inadequate blood flow. Congestion of Qi results in aches, tension, tenderness, pain, a distended abdomen, irritability, and swelling.

How can we influence Qi? 

Acupuncture and TCM herbs, proper diet and exercise can all be used to stimulate the Qi to flow correctly. If Qi is stuck, deficient, or flowing in the wrong direction, health problems occur. Acupuncture balances and unblocks the flow of Qi.