Mindful Medicine

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient healing tradition that has been practiced for over 2000 years. The treatment involves inserting needles at precise acupuncture points throughout the body to facilitate healing and to maintain wellness. Acupuncture is good for both acute and chronic conditions, including pain, headache, stress, and anxiety.

What Is Medical Acupuncture?

Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a physician trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use a combination of approaches as the need arises to treat an illness.

What Is An Acupuncture Treatment Like?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, flexible, and are always disposed of after use. Most people feel minimal pain or discomfort as the needles are inserted; some people are not even aware that the needle has been inserted. When the needle reaches the correct stimulus point, you may feel some cramping, heaviness or tingling. This discomfort is mild and subsides momentarily. You will then be left to rest with the needles in place (approximately 30-45 minutes). It is not unusual to fall asleep during an acupuncture treatment.

Are Acupuncture Needles Sterile?

All needles are pre-packaged, sterile, single-use needles that are disposed of after use

Where Do Acupuncture Needles Go?

Acupuncture needles are often inserted in points along the arms between the elbows and hands and along the legs between the knees and feet. There are also common points along the abdomen, neck, and back that may be stimulated. Points in the ear can also be extremely effective for symptom management when needled appropriately.

What Is Holistic Medicine?

​Holism is characterized by treatment of the whole person and considers physical, mental, and social factors, not just symptoms of disease. Acupuncture is just one example of holistic medicine. The goal of holistic medicine is to prevent and reverse chronic disease by treating both the mind and the body. It is based on the idea that no single part can be understood except in its relation to the whole. Other examples of holistic medicine include diet and exercise modifications, yoga, massage, and vitamin supplementation.

What Are Acupuncture Side Effects?

Most people find that acupuncture leaves them feeling relaxed and restored. Often, the symptom that has been treated (such as pain or anxiety) may subside immediately or within hours to days. Occasionally the original symptoms may worsen for a few days or you may experience other mild changes in appetite, sleep, or bowel movements. These effects are usually temporary and subside within a few days.

How Long Does Acupuncture Take?

Initial acupuncture appointments are around 90 minutes which allows time for a complete history and focused examination. Your acupuncture treatment is performed in a quiet, comfortable and dim room where you will be left to rest for approximately 30 minutes once the needles are in place. Follow up acupuncture appointments are one hour in length to allow for a review of your progress and any recent health issues.