FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of things can be treated with acupuncture and/or herbal medicine?
Most anything for which you would go to see an MD can be addressed with Acupuncture and/or Herbal Medicine. See the World Health Organization for lists of ailments treatable with Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine.
For how long will I need to receive treatments or take herbs?
This depends on the condition being treated. For some, as few as one or two treatments and for others long term work over many months might be required. Generally, acute conditions that have been present for a number of days to a few months will require less work than those that have been around for many months or years.
How long is a session?
Acupuncture sessions can be booked in blocks of 1 hour and 1½ hours
I’m pregnant can I get Acupuncture?
Yes. There are many potential benefits to getting acupuncture during pregnancy and there is no risk to you or your baby from an acupuncture session.
I’m pregnant should I use herbal medicine?
Yes. Although there are some herbs that are not to be used in pregnancy there are many others that are perfectly safe and have been in use with pregnant women for centuries.
Are there different kinds of Acupuncture?
Yes. Acupuncture was initially developed in China over what is commonly believed to be two thousand or more of years ago. Since then acupuncture has spread to many other parts of the world where it has been modified in many different ways.
Is Acupuncture the same as the Dry Needling or IMS?
No. Though the use of an acupuncture needle is common to each of the therapies, the finesse, rational and scope of traditional acupuncture is not reflected by these other techniques. Acupuncture treatments draw on complex diagnostics and needling techniques developed over centuries of experience.
How does acupuncture work?
This is a complex question. We know from laboratory studies that acupuncture has many effects on the body, from inducing the release of endorphins to easing pain. From a traditional perspective, acupuncture is said to promote the flow of qi and blood in the meridians of the body.
I like to use the following analogy to answer the question. Firstly, the acupuncture needle, through proper needling technique can be used to directly massage out tension, adhesions, knots etc. from the tissues of the body.
Secondly, the presence of the acupuncture needle in the tissue itself stimulates a cascade of reactions (anti-inflammation, relaxation, increased circulation, normalization of tissue, etc.). So through strategic placement and manipulation of the acupuncture needle we can use these reactions to achieve remarkable therapeutic results.