What is Acupuncture?
	Acupuncture is a medical therapy developed over 2000 years ago in Asia. Acupuncture stimulates specific points beneath the skin through the insertion of acupuncture needles. This process restores the balance of the body's energy, also known as qi (“chi”). Acupuncture – along with herbal medicine, tai chi, qi gong and moxibustion – is one of the essential elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Will it hurt?
	The energetic sensations of acupuncture are not painful. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, but you may feel new sensations, including warmth, pressure, light soreness or numbness. New patients often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar, but pleasant and comforting.
Is it safe?
	Acupuncture therapy has been used safely for thousands of years - it is the treatment of choice for one-fourth of the world's population. Your acupuncture needles are FDA-approved, individually packaged, pre-sterilized and disposed after a single use.
What should I expect for my first treatment?
	Immediate, total or partial relief from pain or other symptoms may be experienced. Some patients experience a sudden burst of energy while others may feel relaxed. Many people experience a calming satisfaction
How long do the treatments take?
	In most situations, treatments take between 20 and 30 minutes, but they can last longer in certain scenarios. The length of the treatment depends on the patients’ individual conditions.
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
	Many conditions may be treated. General pain, diabetes, arthritis, cervical spondylopathy, knee pain, hand and foot pain, sciatica, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, lower back and neck pain, tendonitis and other conditions such as circulatory problems with high or low blood pressure, cold hands and feet. Some nervous system imbalances can also be treated such as anxiety, nervousness, sleeplessness, depression, asthma, allergies, sinus problems and digestive disorders like Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, and constipation. Other common ailments treated include headaches, migraines, treatments to help stop smoking and many more conditions.
How does acupuncture work?
	A meridian system of invisible passageways for energy exists throughout the human body. The system consists of more than 360 points that connect with certain organs and bodily functions. Point Groups on the body that apply to a specific organ or function are found along the same meridian. In a healthy, normally functioning body, the energy in these meridians flows freely, resulting in a balanced system. When the flow of energy is interrupted – by stress or injury - your energy flow is reduced and your qi is thrown off balance. Acupuncture uses the points associated with the relevant meridian, so your qi, or balance, is restored.
Are the needles clean?
	Your acupuncture needles are FDA-approved, pre-sterilized and individually wrapped. After the needles are used once, they are disposed.
How many treatments will I need?
	Every person is unique, so the number of treatments will vary. Factors that determine the number of treatments include the nature, severity and history of issues and the nature of the individual. You will receive the care that is right for you.
Are needles the only equipment involved?
	Acupuncturists may use several techniques such as moxibustion, cupping, electric stimulation, and point stimulation to help with the patient's treatment.
Will it conflict with my other medications?
	Acupuncture will not conflict with any of your medication. Acupuncture compliments and supplements your physician's treatment – it is not a replacement therapy. You should discuss complimentary therapy with your physician and your acupuncturist.