Why Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been around for over 3,000 years.  The basis of the medicine is the concept of Qi (known as life force, energy, breath) that is in all living things, as well as Yin & Yang.  TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) treatments can be approached looking at the symptoms or the root cause.  For example, if you have headaches, you may experience relief from a headache after one treatment but consistent treatments will work to address the root cause and prevent future headaches. 

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the insertion of tiny, solid, stainless steel sterile single-use needles into very specific points in the body.  Acupuncture is just one of the tools that falls under the umbrella of TCM.  The needles are filiform “solid” and sterile which means they are not coated with anything and they don’t inject anything either. 

What does it feel like?

I have a gentle needling style.  I want you to relax when you are in my care.  Many of my patients fall asleep during their treatment resting time.  An acupuncture session will not be aggressive or painful and if any of the points do bother you, we will talk through that and there is never any pressure from me to “grin and bear it” through the discomfort.  That won’t help your body relax or result in an effective treatment. 

Why are the sessions so long?

Chinese Medicine looks at your body as a whole.  In each visit, but especially in your first visit, I take time to ask questions because everything is connected. We want to free the flow of energy in your body, not create more tension and “stuck” spots!  A goal of Traditional Chinese Medicine is to activate your body’s natural self-healing abilities.  It can also strengthen and support your body to prevent future dis-ease. 

What is Qi?

Qi is the vital energy in all living things.  Our health is influenced by the quality, quantity, and balance (or as I prefer to say, harmony) of Qi.  Qi is an intelligent energy system that maintains our health and is our literal life force.

When Qi is in harmony and flowing freely, your body is stable and thriving… pain-free, blockage-free, and capable of wellness.  When we talk about pain in your body, I describe it as Qi being stuck or blocked, not flowing freely, too much or too little of it … causing pain. 

How can a treatment help my stress?

Stress also affects the quality of Qi and disrupts the flow of Qi.  The more stress you withstand over time, your body becomes unbalanced and your self-healing abilities are compromised. 

What should I wear to my session?

Comfortable clothes because you’ll be relaxing!  Pants that you can push up to your knees.  Contact me directly for more details. 

How will I feel after my acupuncture session?

Relaxed!  Some patients feel energized and others feel especially relaxed and grounded. 

How many sessions does it take to get results?

I suggest a series of 4-6 sessions to begin with.  Some individuals see results sooner than others and we will address this as we draw up your treatment plan.  Each person is unique and will see results based on the condition being treated and how long s/he’s been struggling with the condition.