FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture

What types of conditions can improve with acupuncture?
Do the needles hurt?
Are the needles safe?
What should I expect during my first treatment?
How many treatments will I need?

Naturopathic Medicine

What are the benefits of naturopathic medicine?
What type of treatments do naturopathic physicians use and are they safe?
Are naturopathic doctors licensed?
What is the difference between an ND and MD?
What should I expect during my first visit?

Q: What types of conditions can improve with acupuncture?

A: The World Health Organization states that acupuncture can provide relief for over 40 conditions including pain, stomach conditions such as chronic indigestion and constipation, menstrual or menopausal complaints, insomnia, asthma and allergies, depression and anxiety and more. In addition to specific health complaints, most patients report that their overall sense of stress decreases and they feel more balanced with the treatments.

Q: Do the needles hurt?

A: Acupuncture needles are very thin and most people don’t feel anything at all. Some people report feeling a mild prick followed by no sensations or a heavy feeling. Most people find the treatments deeply relaxing and restorative.

Q: Are the needles safe?

A: Yes. The needles are sterile, single use needles. They are used once and then disposed of immediately.

Q: What should I expect during the first visit?

A: An initial acupuncture visit will last approximately 60-75 minutes. We will develop an individualized treatment plan based on a comprehensive health history intake (including your main health concerns as well as an overview of all your systems and a lifestyle assessment) combined with Chinese pulse and tongue diagnosis. The goal of this initial visit is to begin to uncover the underlying contributors to your current health conditions and diagnose your conditions with Traditional Chinese Medicine. Return visits last about 45 minutes.

Q: How many treatments will I need?

A: The number of treatments depends on the specific medical condition and constitution of each person, as well as how long they've had the condition. Generally, chronic and long term conditions require more treatments while short term or acute issues resolve faster. A typical recommendation is about 6 treatments followed by a re-evaluation.