FAQ

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 Acupuncture is an ancient healing tradition that uses your body's natural healing ability to correct inbalances and heal trauma. Your Acupuncturist will act as a supervisor to direct the healing process. Treatment involves the painless insertion of extremely fine, sterile needles into specific Acupuncture points to influence the flow of qi and blood and bring the body back into homeostasis.
Acupuncture focuses on the body as whole, correlating information from all body systems, signs and symptoms to discover the root of the problem and as such can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments. This is also why patients will notice that all their issues start to resolve with treatment not just what they are coming in for. 

 Yes.  Most infertility cases we see at the clinic involve disruptions in the menstrual cycle.  Sometimes the Follicular phase is too long or too short, the egg may not be developing properly or quickly enough, there may be some obstruction (PCOS, polyps) blocking the passage of the egg to the uterus or preventing implantation, or there may be trouble with the quality and health of the uterine lining that prevents proper implantation.  Whatever the case may be, in most cases Acupuncture will work to alleviate the cause of these problems and bring the cycle back into balance, allowing the patient to conceive naturally.  

 Yes.  In a perfect world your Acupuncturist would want to treat both partners as the stress of trying to conceive can easily affect male fertility as well.  Acupuncture treatment can help with male infertility by increasing sperm motility and quality as well as increasing libido. 

Ever wondered why your skin doesn't bounce back as it once did in your youth? It has to do with the natural decline in the production of special skin cells/fibers called collagen and elastin as you age which normally keep your skin firm and tight. In order to keep the skin tight and full we therefore need to stimulate the production of these miracle workers. How then do we boost the production of these age defying cells to get back our youthful appearance?

In order to do this we need to stimulate the function of a cell located in the dermal layer called a fibroblast which works to produce collagen and elastin. Sounds easy right? Well it would be except the epidermal or top layer of skin is made to be an incredible barrier. Why is that? To keep out foreign particles, prevent scrapes and infections, basically to keep out anything that could harm you. Which is great unless you are trying to get good things in.

This is where Cosmetic Acupuncture comes into play. With the insertion of extremely fine, sterile needles we are able to easily penetrate the epidermal barrier and reach the dermis (only about 1mm below the surface), thereby stimulating fibroblast function which in turn stimulates the production of collagen and elastin and influences the fullness and elasticity of the skin.

The process is relatively painless and not as invasive as a surgical procedure, with more lasting effects than a cream or topical ointment. Treatments are recommended at a frequency of 1-2 per week for an initial course of 8-10 treatments to "set" the up regulation of collagen and elastin production. Once the initial course of treatments is finished, a once a month maintenance treatment is recommended for continued results. The effect is subtle and not as pronounced as say a face lift, often evoking the response, "you look great, did you get a new haircut or lose weight?" from friends and family.

You can expect that treatment with Cosmetic Acupuncture will even out the complexion while simultaneously decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The face will look fresher, with less dryness and blemishes. Treatment can also decrease the appearance of acne and sun damage. Be advised, however, that this is not the same as Comsetic surgery or Botox and will, therefore, not have as extreme of a change.

 An initial treatment will involve an extensive intake to get to the root of the problem and may include an Orthopedic examination for pain complaints. Following intake the patient will be placed in a comfortable position for treatment, needles will be inserted and then the patient will relax with the needles in place for about 20-30 mins. Patients usually find this process relaxing and will often fall asleep, but you are welcome to meditate, read or just sit back and relax. After the brain has had time to assimilate the needles, your practitioner will remove them. At this time additional treatment may be performed in the way of cupping, gua sha or basic massage depending on the needs of the patient. 

As each patient is unique, each patient will react to treatment in their own way. It is not uncommon to feel qi moving or flowing or feel a sensation of peace or relaxation. Patients will often notice relief or reduction in their symptoms with just a few treatments. 

Acupuncture is a relatively painless procedure.  Most patients don't even realize when a needle has been inserted.  Patients will often fall asleep during treatment.  

Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of ailments including, but not limited to:

Anger/Irritability

Anxiety

Arthritis

Back pain

Bells Palsy

Carpal Tunnel

Depression

Digestive issues

Dysmenorrhea

Fatigue

Fibromyalgia

Headaches

Infertility (female)

• PCOS
• polyps
• Endometriosis
• Ovulatory problems
• Dysmenorrhea
• Amenorrhea
• Miscarriage
• Poor egg quality/development
• Poor quality of uterine lining
• Decreased amount or quality of cervical mucus
• low FSH levels
• low Progesterone levels
• Can assist with IVF/IUI treatments

Infertility (male)

• decreased sperm count
• low motility
• ED, low libido

Multiple Sclerosis

Nausea/ Vomiting

Neck pain

Neuropathy

Pain

• Low Back
• Neck
• Upper back
• Headaches
• Knee
• Ankle/foot
• Hand/wrist/carpal tunnel
• Arm/leg
• Abdominal
• Hip

Parkinsons Disease

Stress

Treatment frequency varies as each person responds differently.  Please consult with your Acupuncturist for treatment frequency.

Moxa is a warming herb used in treatments to increase qi or dispel cold from a joint or body region.  It is great for treating pain or increasing energy.  

Your Acupuncturist may use it in the form of an incense stick and hold it over the point or put it on the needle head.