Question 1

Most important - is acupuncture painful?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture needles are very thin (see image below), and most people feel very little to no pain when they are inserted. You may feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted, but it is much less than the prick you feel during an injection due to the difference in needle size.
 
After the needle has been inserted, you may feel a sensation of heaviness, numbness, tingling, or mild soreness. Some people may experience warmth or coldness around the needle as the qi begins to move. 
 
If you are uncomfortable at any point in your treatment, don't feel like you have to "tough it out." Please just let me know and I would be happy to adjust your treatment to ensure your comfortability. There are other modalities available besides acupuncture that can help with your ailment even if you choose to not use acupuncture needles.

Question 2

What modalities besides acupuncture do you use?

Accepted Answer

Great question! Your treatment might involve a combination of multiple modalities which are included in the cost of your session. Aside from acupuncture, I might use cupping, moxabustion, gua sha, chinese herbal remedies, and help you make lifestyle adjusments. You can learn more about each of these modalities by clicking here.

Question 3

What should I expect at my first session?

Accepted Answer

It is natural to be nervous or unsure at your first session. That is why I put together a guide to help people feel ready for their first visit. Click here to read it.

Question 4

What conditions are best treated by Acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

According to the UC San Diego School of Medicine, "hundreds of clinical studies on the benefits of acupuncture show that it successfully treats conditions ranging from musculoskeletal problems (back pain, neck pain, and others) to nausea, migraine headache, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and infertility.

Case-controlled clinical studies have shown that acupuncture has been an effective treatment for the following diseases, symptoms or conditions:
• Allergies, including hay fever
• Arthritis
• Depression
• Dysentery
• Facial pain
• Headache
• Hypertension
• Induction of labor
• Knee pain
• Leukopenia
• Low back pain
• Morning sickness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Neck pain
• Postoperative pain
• Sciatica
• Sprains
• Stroke
• Tennis elbow
• Etc
 
To see the full list of conditions, go to UC San Diego School of Medicine.

Question 5

So, how would you treat [insert specific ailment here]?"

Accepted Answer

Because every person and ailment is different, I would need to speak with you about your particular ailment(s) to know what the best course of treatment might be.
 
For example, if I was seeing someone who was experiencing mild symptoms of depression,** I might target certain acupuncture points - like Guanyuan (CV4), Qihai (CV6), and Zhongwan (CV12) - but I might also make individualized recommendations regarding exercise, herbal therapy and lifestyle modifications. If they had other symptoms related to sensations of coldness, I might incorporate moxabustion and/or cupping to help create more heat to balance their energy.

**Please note: an acupuncturist is not the same as a licensed mental health counselor. If you are experiencing severe mental health or substance abuse issues, it is recommended that you seek appropriate help. Please call the 24/7 National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), for free, confidential, support.

Question 6

How many sessions do I need?

Accepted Answer

The number and frequency of sessions needed will vary based on your health needs. Some people seek acupuncture to treat a specific illness, while others utilize it as regular self-care and maintenance. Your treatment could be anywhere from 1-2 sessions total, to 6 sessions spread out over the course of a couple weeks, to 1 session per month for as long as you need it.
 
During your initial consultation, we can discuss your health goals and come up with an individualized treatment plan customized for your specific needs and budget.

Question 7

I have questions that weren't answered. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

No problem! Just contact me with your question(s). You should expect a response within 3 business days.

Question 8

I'm excited to have a session with you! How do I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

I'm excited to meet you!! 🤗 Appointments can be booked online right here. I use a secure third-party website called Jane which handles all bookings, payments, and confidential paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most important - is acupuncture painful?