FAQ

We usually start with a chat (longer at your first appointment, a few minutes at subsequent ones). We’ll talk about the issue you want treated, and also some general questions that help me get an overall picture of your health and check your tongue and pulse. After, I’ll explain my plan for the treatment, and if you’re on board I’ll leave you to get comfortable lying on the table (in community clinic, we treat seated). Needling is quick, and needles are usually retained 20-45min depending on the treatment. Other treatments like cupping, moxa, massage might happen before or after needling, or while the needles are in.

The most commonly needled areas are the arms/hands and legs/feet, and the scalp. Depending on a treatment, we might also needle the back or abdomen, or the neck and face. We will not necessarily needle the are where the problem is; much of acupuncture theory explains how to needle one area to treat a different part of the body. I choose needle sizes and type based on the area being needled. Any time we’re treating near sensitive areas (e.g., close to the lungs) I’ll explain the technique I use to minimize risk.

Acupuncture needles are very thin (much thinner than a hypodermic needle) and coated to slide smoothly. Patients often don’t even feel the needle, especially in fleshy areas. More sensitive areas like fingers or toes may feel a bit pinchy on insertion, but this passes quickly. During the treatment you should not have any discomfort from the needles.

Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination, and where every moment is an opportunity to make your mark on the canvas of existence. The onlylimit is the extent of your imagination.

Treatments are always customizable; we can begin with extra thin needles and very few points, and go slowly to ensure you feel comfortable. If you don’t want needles at all, other modalities like acupressure, moxa, gua sha, or medical qigong can treat the channels without using needles.

Acupuncture works well alongside other treatments, and in some cases can be helpful to treat side effects of medications or other therapies. If you have any concerns, I’m always happy to talk about them!

“Qigong” is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of movement, breath, and meditative practices that historically originated in medical, martial arts, and spiritual contexts. Taiji Chuan is a martial art form based on harnessing internal energy and balancing yin and yang. Both qigong and taiji are usually characterized by graceful, circular motions, and outside of sparring taiji could be considered a type of qigong.

There are many styles of acupuncture and of qigong! If you’re used to something different, we can adjust the treatment; or you might find something new that helps you! You always have the right to a treatment that matches your expectations, comfort level, and preferences.