FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
TEAM is a system of medicine that has been in practice consistently for over 5000 years (longer than modern allopathic medicine). While TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine has been the usual name, there are lineages that have come from places other than China and so now the term Traditional East Asian Medicine is becoming preferred. There are four pillars of TEAM: 1- Acupuncture and Moxibustion 2- Diet, Nutrition and Herbal Therapy. 3- Tui na which includes massage and physical manipulation. 4- Qi Gong which can be physical practices, postures or exercises as well as meditation techniques.
It is the insertion of very fine needles through your skin at strategic points on the body in order to balance or restore the flow of Qi, energy and/or circulation to a particular area or along an acupuncture channel or meridian. Classically performed with moxibustion.
Moxibustion (or moxa) is a heat therapy often used alongside acupuncture. It is the burning of a preparation of the herb mugwort or Ai Ye along acupuncture points, channels or areas of the body for a warming effect or to improve circulation and immune function. Your skin is protected during the procedure so there is no blistering or scarring from the heat.
Most people find acupuncture comfortable and even relaxing. You may feel a tiny pinch or prick at first. As the needle is inserted here are a wide range of normal sensations. There may be a muscle twitch as a muscle releases tension, a dull ache or heavy feeling, tingling, warmth or slight itchiness. These sensations change through the session and most often dissipate as channels open and balance is restored. We can make adjustments to keep you comfortable, just let me know. The ultimate goal is for you to be able to rest comfortably once the needles are place. Feeling sensations is an important part of healing your body and it is absolutely normal and even desired.
At the beginning of your first session we will spend some time talking about your health issues, health history and treatment goals. Then we will discuss a treatment plan and you will receive your first acupuncture treatment. I work with several modalities and during your session you might receive acupuncture, cupping, tui-na, electro-acupuncture, or acupressure in some combination. I prefer to begin with some hands on modalities so that I can truly assess your pulse, any injuries and the general state of your tissues. After the placement of the needles you will rest with them in place for between 20-30 min. Many people fall asleep or get very relaxed during this time. You might receive acupuncture on your hands, feet, ears or head as well as in the areas you are feeling pain. I sometimes add essential oils, moxa or Chinese liniments during sessions. We will discuss which approaches are appropriate for you.
Please make sure you’ve eaten before your appointment so that you don’t arrive on an empty stomach. This will help to prevent any possibility of lightheadedness or dizziness afterwards. Avoid excessive caffeine so that you can rest deeply during your treatment. You can wear loose comfortable clothing, or if you’re coming directly from work or somewhere that makes that not possible, I will work with towels and sheets to drape you appropriately, like in a massage.
After acupuncture, please plan to take it easy so that you can have the opportunity to integrate the work we do together. Avoid any strenuous activity, working out and/or drinking alcohol until the next day. You will want to stay well hydrated and keep yourself warm afterwards. Taking the time to notice how you feel after, and what transpires between sessions can help our work together.
Absolutely! As long as you are well enough to travel to my clinic while pregnant, acupuncture would be great for you. You can always check with your OB/GYN if you’re not sure. Acupuncture is a great treatment option during pregnancy because it is all natural and safe. It is recommended to have regular treatments during your pregnancy in order to help with morning sickness, improve digestion, sinus congestion or colds, allergies, headaches, general stress relief, aches and pains and other issues that may arise during pregnancy.
Yes, I offer gentle pediatric care for children and teens. Acupuncture can be very helpful, but I understand that some kids may be hesitant about needles. In these cases I use non-needle techniques such as gua sha, tuina (Chinese medical massage), and acupressure. Cupping and moxibustion can also be gentle and safe for younger patients.Treatments are supportive, age-appropriate, and focused on creating a sense of safety and comfort.
As an acupuncturist, I always encourage patients to receive acupuncture because it is a trusted, safe, natural and well rounded modality. Acupuncture needles can release holding patterns more easily and frequently more comfortably than hands on techniques alone. However if you are not ready or unsure, I am a trained massage therapist as well and offer Chinese medical massage (Tui na) and acupressure with or without cupping and moxa as stand alone treatments
If you have a fever you should stay at home. If you’re able to confirm by a home test (or through your doctor) that you are COVID and Influenza negative you can come in for acupuncture. We will both mask if you have symptoms and no fever.
My office is on the 2nd floor of a building without an elevator, so unfortunately I cannot accept patients who are unable to climb a flight of steps at my office.
I make house calls when patients are non-ambulatory and on a case by case basis. There is a $50 surcharge for each visit that is within 7 miles of my practice. It is an additional $50 for distances up to 15 miles. I do not travel further than 15 miles for house calls.
Acupuncture is currently practiced in 103 of 129 countries in the world. In the US alone, over 10 million people get acupuncture treatments and a those figures are growing every year because acupuncture works.
The World Health Organization and The National Institute of Health regard it as useful in treating such varied conditions as headache, low back pain, tennis elbow, constipation, addiction, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, stroke rehabilitation, menstrual cramps, postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma. I have seen results with all of these conditions in my practice and more. This medicine has been around for 2500 years for a reason. It’s not woo woo, it’s not magic, it’s a practice based on centuries of experience and practical knowledge. Current western medical studies have shed light on how acupuncture increases circulation and triggers the release of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters to release endorphins that reduce inflammation and promote physical and emotional well-being. Here are a few links explaining the science behind the efficacy of acupuncture:
