Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What will your Acupuncture session be like?
Your session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.
The acupuncture session may be performed with the client clothed, or unclothed, depending on the reason for treatment. If it is necessary for you to undress, or partially undress, your practitioner will advise you and leave the room for a few minutes until you are ready. You will be properly draped during the entire session.
During the treatment, extremely fine, flexible, sterilized, disposable needles are placed at specific acupuncture points on the body. Most people do NOT experience pain when receiving acupuncture, but instead feel a deep sense of relaxation. When the needles are inserted you may experience a sensation of tingling or warmth. This is a sign that the energy, or “qi” is moving and is a normal part of the treatment. The length and frequency of a treatment may vary for each individual and will be determined by your acupuncturist. Usually acute conditions warrant seeing your practitioner 1 – 2 times per week. As you improve, fewer visits are required. Discuss your treatment plan with your acupuncturist, since each individual is different. Sessions can last from 40-90 minutes.
How can I prepare for my Acupuncture treatment?
To get the most from an acupuncture treatment, it is suggested that you try and eat lightly, avoid vigorous exercise, and stressful situations before and after treatment. Common immediate responses to treatment are varied and can include feeling energized, relaxed, or sometimes even tired. These are normal responses and signs of the energy shifting in your body. It is best to have a few extra minutes if needed to allow for the shift. Rest, get a drink of water, and a little fresh air before you go on your way.
What can Acupuncture treat?
- Allergies/Asthma
- Anxiety/Depression
- Arthritis/Joint Problems
- Back Pain
- Bladder/Kidney Problems
- Childhood Illnesses
- Colds/Flu
- Cough/Bronchitis
- Dizziness
- Drug Addiction/Smoking
- Fatigue
- Frozen Shoulder
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Headache/Migraine
- Heart Problems/Palpitations
- High Blood Pressure
- Immune System Deficiency
- Infertility
- Knee Pain
- Macular Degeneration
- Menopausal Discomfort
- Neck Pain/Stiffness
- Pre-menstrual Syndrome
- Paralysis/Numbness
- Rhinitis
- Sciatica
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Shoulder Pain
- Sinusitis
- Skin Problems
- Sports Injuries
- Stress/Tension
- Tendonitis
- TMJ
- Vision Problems
- and many others
Does acupuncture hurt?
This is a very common misconception. The needles are very, very fine – about the size of a hair or a silk thread. They are very flexible and tapered at the end for smooth insertion. Most people do NOT experience pain when receiving acupuncture, but instead feel a deep sense of relaxation. If you are afraid, or have a fear of needles, advise your practitioner ahead of time and they will allow a little more time to spend explaining and demonstrating the procedure.
How does Acupuncture work?
Energy (Qi) flows along pathways in the human body, which are related to the organs, the muscular system, and nervous system. When the balance of this energy is disturbed due to trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, hereditary conditions, environmental factors, or excessive emotional issues, then pain or illness results. Acupuncture focuses on correcting these imbalances. The acupuncture needles are inserted into the acupuncture points. These points are a gateway – accessing the “qi” beneath the surface. By regulating the flow of qi, acupuncture can help balance the body and stimulate the body’s innate healing ability. It can also help “unblock” stagnant energy, which in Oriental Medicine is the cause of pain and disease.
Studies have documented acupuncture’s effects, but they have not been able to fully explain how acupuncture works within the framework of Western Medicine. It is proposed that acupuncture produces its effects through regulating the nervous system, thus aiding the activity of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. Because it increases the circulation to an area, and decreases inflammation, it is very effective for pain. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture causes the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, thus affecting the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes that regulate a person’s blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature.
Who can benefit from Acupuncture?
Everyone can benefit from acupuncture. Most people seek help for a specific symptom or condition that often has been unresponsive to traditional medical care. Acupuncture is often helpful where other therapies have failed. It can be used alone, or to support your Western medical treatments or other healing modalities. Acupuncture is often used to treat pain, to help female problems such as menopause, infertility, or PMS, to boost your immune system, to enhance athletic performance, to combat the side effects of chemotherapy, to help detoxification or substance abuse problems, or just to enhance your quality of life.
How safe is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a safe medical procedure and is well known for its effectiveness and lack of side-effects when administered by a qualified practitioner. Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported to the FDA in light of the millions of people treated . The practitioner is well aware of the concern over infectious diseases, and therefore takes every measure to insure cleanliness as all health care professionals do. Practitioners use only pre-sterilized, single use, disposable needles when administering an acupuncture treatment. Occasionally patients may get a small local bruise or feel light-headed for a few minutes. Some patients are a bit tired after the treatment, while others feel extremely energized. Other side effects are not expected and would be extremely rare. Your acupuncture treatment should not interfere with any medical treatment you are already receiving. Acupuncture is generally considered to be one of the safest forms of complementary therapy, even more so than massage.
Are There Any Medical Conditions That Would Make Acupuncture, Massage or Bodywork Inadvisable?
Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under the care of a physician or other healthcare professionals, it is a good idea to inform them that you are receiving acupuncture, massage, or other types of complementary therapy.
Does insurance cover acupuncture?
Some insurance companies currently cover acupuncture treatments. Check with your insurance carrier to determine your coverage, or call our office at 859-525-5000 and we will be happy to assist you.
What is Oriental Medicine?
Oriental Medicine is a whole system of medicine that integrates many therapies, and is applied by practitioners to treat illness and disease. Of these therapies, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology are the most popular in the United States. Some additional therapies include: diet, nutrition and lifestyle counseling, as well as Tai Qi and Qi gong (physical exercise), and Tui’na (Asian bodywork, massage, and other manual therapies).
How does Oriental Medicine work?
It has been scientifically determined that human beings are unique bio-energetic systems. For thousands of years Oriental Medicine has acknowledged that there is a vital life force that flows through all things which is called “Qi” (pronounced ‘chee’). In western culture, it is often referred to as “energy.” Energy (Qi) flows along pathways in the human body, which are related to the organs, the muscular system, and nervous system. When the balance of this energy is disturbed due to trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, hereditary conditions, environmental factors, or excessive emotional issues, then pain or illness results. Oriental Medicine focuses on correcting these imbalances, which stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal itself. In other words, Oriental Medicine focuses on treating the factors that cause disease.
Is Oriental Medicine for you?
Oriental Medicine is used not only for pain management, but also as a holistic system of health care and health maintenance. Athletes use Oriental Medicine to achieve optimal performance levels. Cancer patients are treated for the side effects of chemotherapy to enhance their quality of life. Detoxification treatments have been proven to help those with chemical and/or substance abuse problems. For centuries Oriental Medicine has been the main form of medicine for over 1/4 of the world’s population.
Oriental Medicine is very compatible with Western medicine, or other healing modalities.
What is a Craniosacral session like?
Your craniosacral or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.
The practitioner uses a light touch to assist the natural movement of fluid within the craniosacral system. Therapists generally use a very light amount of pressure, roughly the weight of a nickel, to test for restrictions in various parts of the craniosacral system. It is often possible for the evaluation alone to remove the restriction and allow the system to correct itself.
What is Biodynamic Craniosacral work?
In a biodynamic craniosacral session the practitioner “trusts the tide” of the Breath of Life, allowing the client complete freedom to heal from within. The practitioner allows the physiologic function within to manifest its own unerring potency rather than applying a blind force from without.
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What does the typical herbal session involve?
An herbal session can be from 15 – 90 minutes and usually involves an herbal consultation where the practitioner tries to maximize the effectiveness of an herbal formula by customizing it for each individual client. This usually involves taking a medical history, discussing related symptoms, and doing a pulse and tongue diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In this area most clients prefer taking their herbs in pill or tablet form. The treatment lasts from a few days to several months and usually involves taking the herbs from 1-4 times per day.
What is a Hypnotherapy session like?
After completing the initial new patient forms the therapist will discuss your needs and the opportunities in your life to incorporate your desired changes. You will be invited to relax in a reclining chair. You will always remain fully clothed during hypnotherapy. Soft music is usually playing in the background. You will be guided into a light trance with one or more verbal relaxation techniques. You will not be asked to do anything that is out of alignment with your own values or beliefs. You may follow the voice of the therapist, or drift off in your own direction.
The hypnotherapist can work with habits, symptoms, thoughts, addictions, and even with physiological changes in the body (like instructing the mind to release less stress hormones and more endorphins to reduce depression). Typically, the results are immediate relaxation, an increased ability to gain relief from stress, a more positive attitude, greater health, the ability to change habits and patterns, greater success, and more rewarding relationships. Those with physical illnesses may find increased health, and a greater ability to manage life with or without their disease.
How can Hypnotherapy help you?
Hypnotherapy is used to modify and improve behavior. It can help…
- acute and chronic pain
- addictions
- allergies/asthma
- anger
- anxiety/depression
- attitude changes
- cancer treatment
- dysfunctional habits
- eating disorders
- emotional turmoil
- gastrointestinal disorders
- headache
- high blood pressure
- insomnia
- irritable bowel syndrome
- low self-esteem
- menopausal discomfort
- motivation
- overcome stress
- personal development
- phobias
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- relaxation
- sexual problems
- stress-related illness
- TMJ
- weight problems
- and many others
How many hypnotherapy sessions will it take to show a difference?
Some clients make a permanent change in one visit. Others find regular visits, or occasional “tune-ups” are needed to achieve and maintain their desired changes.
What will your massage session be like?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table specifically designed for your comfort.
Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session. Sessions generally last about an hour and are relaxing as well as therapeutic.
What Are the Benefits of Massage and Bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork are also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
What Should I Do During the Massage or Bodywork Session?
Make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax. Others like to talk during their session. Feel free to ask the practitioner questions about massage and bodywork in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.
Are There Any Medical Conditions That Would Make Massage or Bodywork Inadvisable?
Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under the care of a physician or other healthcare professionals, it is a good idea to inform them that you are receiving acupuncture, massage, or other types of complementary therapy.
What conditions can massage therapy help?
- Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
- Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
- Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
- Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
- Increase joint flexibility.
- Lessen depression and anxiety.
- Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
- Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
- Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
- Reduce spasms and cramping.
- Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
- Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
- Relieve migraine pain.
- Relieve stress
- and many others
How Long Will the Massage Session Last?
The average full-body massage or bodywork session lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60- to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.
