FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING MY FIRST TREATMENT?
All new patients are asked to complete a patient information form and health history. This questionnaire will include questions about your medical history, your family’s medical history, and your lifestyle. Please bring with you any copies of previous tests, lab results and any medications or supplements you are currently taking.
The physical exam can include taking vital signs as well as detailed examination of the pulse and tongue, and muscle and neurological response testing. When I arrive at a working diagnosis, we will discuss the treatment plan and place you in a comfortable position to insert the needles. When the needles are in place, you will relax in the treatment room for 15 to 30 minutes. After removing the needles, we can discuss possible herbal prescriptions, or lifestyle advice.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
Typically, acupuncture insertion does not hurt. Acupuncture needles are about the thickness of a facial whisker, so they are virtually painless after the insertion is complete.
After insertion, the practitioner will bring the needle to the appropriate depth. You will then usually feel a very unique sensation that can vary from tingling, to heaviness, to warmth, or nothing at all. Each person’s experience is different. Should you experience any discomfort, inform the practitioner, and they will adjust the needles accordingly.
IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE? ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS?
Acupuncture is very safe. As with other forms of healthcare in the state of Florida, acupuncture practice and licensure is regulated by the Florida State Board of Medicine. The board requires licensed acupuncturists have completed at least 3 years of training at a Master’s level program and have passed national certification exams for acupuncture administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).​
All needles come from sterilized packages. The needles used for acupuncture are disposable and made for one time use.
Acupuncturists are trained extensively in human anatomy and taught specific areas, angles and depths of insertion.
Although bruising is rare, it can occur at the site of needle insertion. Other side effects include, relaxation and stress reduction.
WHAT CAN ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?
The NIH and World Health Organization have both given formal approval of certain uses of acupuncture. The World Health Organization lists over 90 conditions or diseases for which acupuncture has demonstrated a therapeutic effect during treatment.
Some of the most common condition are:
Viral and bacterial infections- common cold, influenza, allergies, fever, and URI
· Pain - Acute and chronic pain of all types.
· Digestive disorders
· Chronic illness - Auto-immune conditions
· Women's health
· Men's health
· Infertility
· Mental emotional issues
· Metabolic conditions
· Respiratory & immune
· Neurology