Acupuncture needles are thin, solid pins, barely felt at all upon insertion. After insertion the needle is manipulated to obtain "QI" (pronounced "chee"). One may feel a dull ache, warm spreading sensation, or tingling. The pins are allowed to work for10 to 45 minutes during which time the patient may relax or sleep. It is recommended to eat something light prior to acupuncture treatment.

What Should One Expect During a Treatment?

The Initial Treatment consists of an extensive interview to determine an appropriate treatment plan.

Most commonly, treatment will begin with Acupuncture your first session. Sometimes, Chinese Herbs are added to your treatment plan.

How Many Treatments Are Necessary?

Each person is unique, therefore treatment plans are individualized. Depending on the type of illness, its severity and chronicity, and the patient's overall state of health, the length of treatment will vary.

Traditionally, a course of treatment usually takes ten sessions, one to three times a week. As in any form of medical care, the patients diet, determination, attitude, and life-style will affect the outcome of a course of treatment.

In Eastern medicine emphasis is placed on preventative maintenance of health and on common sense. For example, optimal times for a "tune-up" treatment would be: just after times of emotional or physical stress, before menstrual difficulties, postpartum, the beginning or recovery of an acute illness or injury, for stress reduction, and the change of each season.