Frequently Asked Questions

Patients are surprised that most of the time they do not feel anything as the needles are inserted. Acupuncture needles are only as thick as a strand of hair, enabling practitioners to insert the needles with little, if any, sting. Some areas of the body tend to be a bit more sensitive to the needles, but even then, once the needles are inserted, patients do not feel them at all. Most people become so relaxed during the treatment, they actually fall asleep.

This varies according to each patient’s condition, and depends on the severity of the condition and how long it existed. The overall health and age can also play a factor in the number of treatments needed. Many people see a significant improvement after the first session. Most will experience strong results by their 3rd or 4th visit. Health problems usually do not appear overnight, and therefore, rarely can be treated with just one visit. To get better idea on how many sessions it might take for your condition, contact our office for a free consultation.

Acupuncture can help boost a weakened immune system or re-balance an over-active immune system by stimulating or calming the production of red and white blood cells in the body. Often times patients fighting various illnesses and disease have compromised immune function. In this case, acupuncture works with the body to bolster the production of white blood cells and strengthen the immune system’s resistance to infection by increasing its lymphocyte count and natural killer cell activity. Preventative acupuncture is also important in that it can help strengthen and maintain the balance of an already strong immune system. Patients who receive preventative acupuncture treatments are less affected by colds and the many viruses that go around each year.

Read article from WedMD, Effect of Acupuncture on Immune Function

Yes. Essentially, an allergy comes from the body’s over-sensitivity to some substance (i.e., pollen, cat dander, dust) that triggers the immune system to over-react when trying to defend itself from the allergen. While many over-the-counter medications help relieve allergic symptoms, they do not get at the underlying cause of the allergic reaction and sometimes cause notable side effects. Unlike these medications, acupuncture does not try to suppress or desensitize the allergic response. Instead, acupuncture works with the body’s natural defense system in trying to calm down and re-balance the hyper-active immune response. Many times, patients find relief after the first (or second) visit.

Read article from the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, Acupuncture and Seasonal Allergies.

Absolutely, Acupuncture has been reported to promote the circulation of blood in the pelvic cavity and improve ovarian function. Acupuncture treatment may be beneficial in promoting follicle production, enhancing uterine blood flow3 and improving uterine lining thickness.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can provide a safe, natural, drug-free, and effective way to quit smoking. The focus is upon achieving a balance of body and mind, and eliminating cravings so one can become smoke-free and healthier.

Inserting needles at various acupuncture points can help aid with digestion, increase your metabolism and reduce your cravings for unhealthy foods. The weight loss program consists of the acupuncture treatment as well as herbal supplements.