Acupuncture is one form of therapy within the scope of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is the insertion of very fine needles into specific pressure points on the body. The points are determined at each session based on your condition and symptoms. The needles are left in place for 15 to 30 min.

- Does acupuncture hurt?
- How many acupuncture sessions will I need?
- How does acupuncture work?
- What conditions does acupuncture help?
- What can I expect with first and subsequent visits?

Does acupuncture hurt?
Patients typically describe the sensation as a warmth, a tingle, a dull pressure or an ache. Most people get very relaxed and even fall asleep during a treatment.

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How many acupuncture sessions will I need?
The number of acupuncture sessions required depends on the condition itself and the condition of the individual's body.

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How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture influences the flow of Qi through the meridian systems in your body. Qi refers to the vital life force that flows through every living thing. It is the energy that fuels all of our bodily functions. The meridians are the pathways that carry Qi to all our organ systems and tissues. The Chinese use the analogy of the body as a garden, and liken the meridians to an irrigation system. If there is any obstruction to the flow in this system, the tissues, area of the body or organ system that the meridian influences will suffer. Acupuncture works at eliminating the obstructions and reestablishing a healthy flow.

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What conditions does acupuncture help?
Acupuncture is proven to help numerous acute and chronic conditions such as allergies and autoimmune disorders, arthritis, asthma, back and neck pain, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches, infertility (male and female), nausea related to chemotherapy or pregnancy, all symptoms related to the menstrual cycle, menopause related symptoms and carpal tunnel.

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What can I expect with first and subsequent visits?
Your first visit at Acupuncture Wellness typically lasts an hour and a half. I evaluate your whole health history and ask detailed questions concerning your chief complaint. Once satisfied with the information gathered, I examine your pulses and tongue to gain further insight to your condition. I then form a treatment plan for acupuncture and possibly herbal medicines that addresses all the signs and symptoms. I also take time to discuss the findings with you and explain a little bit about Chinese medicine. You will receive acupuncture in this first visit. Follow-up visits usually last an hour consisting of an evaluation of any changes and acupuncture.