Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are so thin, they could fit inside a hypodermic needle. You often won’t even feel them as they are inserted, while occasionally you may feel a brief prick or pinch just as they enter the skin. After they are inserted, patients often reported a variety of “qi” sensations, such as warmth or gentle tingling. Acupuncture releases endorphins (natural chemicals from the brain that reduce pain and make you feel good), and most people find they become deeply relaxed during treatments, often falling asleep.
What if I'm scared of needles?
It is quite common for new patients to be scared of needles before receiving acupuncture, as most of our past experience with needles is from receiving painful shots, or having blood drawn via incredibly large needles. (I still have to look away when I’m having blood drawn!) I work with many patients who are “needle-phobic”, using a variety of techniques to help calm fear and anxiety, and encourage relaxation. The vast majority of new patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and relaxing acupuncture treatments really are.
For highly effective treatments using the fewest needles possible, click to read about a unique style of acupuncture I offer known as the Dr. Tan Balance Method.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments you will need is based on many different factors, such as the type of condition you are being treated for, how long you’ve had the problem, your general state of health, your compliance with suggested treatment strategies, and any additional health and wellness goals you may have. Unlike Western medicine, acupuncture works with your body, gently and naturally, to encourage your body to heal itself. While everyone naturally responds at their own pace, we will be in constant discussion about your response to each treatment and our overall treatment plan, including an estimated number of additional treatments.
How frequently will I need to come in?
The frequency of treatments is also determined by a number of factors, and everyone’s individual situation is taken into account. Typically, if you are coming in for treatment of an acute problem, such as a recently herniated disc or sprained ankle, you may start with 1-2 treatments per week until the pain is significantly reduced, at which point we would decrease the frequency to once a week, or once every other week. To address chronic conditions, patients often begin with weekly or bi-weekly treatments. Once mutually determined goals are reached, we will decrease treatment to every other week, then every three weeks, every month, and ultimately once a season for maintenance. While I will make a clear recommendation as to frequency of treatment, together we will discuss what will work best for you, and it is ultimately your decision.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, acupuncture is very safe, and I use only sterile, disposable, single-use needles. The World Health Organization (WHO) report on acupuncture praised its safety, noting that “Unlike many drugs, it is non-toxic, and adverse reactions are minimal.” For more information on the safety of acupuncture, click here to read the outstanding results of the York Acupuncture Safety Study, published in 2001 in the British Medical Journal.
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes, acupuncture is very safe during pregnancy. In fact, it is often used to help prevent miscarriages, particularly for patients with a history of frequent miscarriage, as well as patients using IVF. There are specific points that we do not use during pregnancy, such as points on the lower abdomen in early pregnancy, points anywhere on the abdomen in later pregnancy, points on the sacrum, as well as points classically contraindicated for pregnancy. According to Debra Betts, one of the world’s leading authorities on acupuncture during pregnancy, and author of The essential guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Childbirth, “I have found no reported evidence or clinical studies that justify any concerns as to the safety of using acupuncture in the treatment of pregnancy-related conditions” (p. 1).
How does acupuncture work?
Based on rigorous, systematic theory, your acupuncturist first identifies your unique patterns of imbalance. Then, through customized treatments uniquely designed for you, acupuncture accesses your innate healing ability and gently guides your system back to a state of health and harmony.
While the mechanism of how acupuncture works makes sense according to the ancient theories of Chinese medicine, the physiological basis for how acupuncture works has been the subject of much research over the past few decades.
Is herbal medicine safe?
Yes. The modern practice of Chinese herbal medicine is based on over 5000 years of clinical observation, case histories, and research. The efficacy and elegance of Chinese herbal medicine is that herbal formulas can be individually tailored for each patient, taking into account details of their specific condition, as well as their underlying constitution and any other health problems. Side-effects are rare, as are herb-drug interactions.
To ensure safety, patients are asked to provide a comprehensive list of all other medications and supplements, and to inform their physician that they have added herbal medicine to their healthcare regimen. Herbal medicine is strong medicine and, while rare, if side-effects occur, patients are counseled to stop taking their herbs and contact Virginia for further discussion.
Do you treat men as well as women?
Absolutely. While excellent for general health conditions experienced by both men and women, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are highly effective for conditions specific to men, such as enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH), erectile dysfunction (ED), and male infertility. Typically, needles are placed in points on the arms, legs, and abdomen.
Can acupuncture help me quit smoking?
Acupuncture is an excellent tool for anyone who is committed to quitting smoking, or breaking any other addiction. Acupuncture helps ease the process by decreasing the intensity and frequency of cravings, helping to decrease your stress and regulate your mood, supporting the detoxification of your body, and providing structure and support during this challenging time. Tiny beads are placed in the ears to continue the effects of the acupuncture between treatments, and herbal medicine is an additional option to help decrease cravings and jumpstart the recovery of the lungs.
Special pricing is available to make frequent smoking cessation treatment affordable.
Can acupuncture help me lose weight?
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are often used by patients committed to losing weight. While there is no specific acupuncture point that will—in and of itself—cause weight loss, acupuncture decreases cravings, reduces excess hunger, decreases bloating, aids in reducing your stress levels, and helps regulate your emotional state. Acupuncture also improves the functioning of your digestive system, helping it work more efficiently. Regular treatment can also provide structure to your weight loss efforts, support, and counseling on nutrition and lifestyle modifications.
