FAQ

deskFAQ WITH JAN

 

Q: What is acupuncture?

JAN: Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese medicine where we look at the human body as an “organic whole.” We see that all the parts of your body, from your organ systems to your emotional states, are inter-connected and must coordinate with each other and with the external environment. Any imbalance or blockage may result in pain, dysfunction and/or ill health.

In acupuncture treatments, we put tiny needles under the skin at specific points on your body in order to restore your body’s physiological coordination and balance. The goal of acupuncture is to help all the systems in your body work together in harmony and harness the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Acupuncture can relieve many different illnesses including migraine headaches, insomnia, lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, poor digestion, arthritis, stress and anxiety, allergies, painful periods, sexual dysfunction, and chronic and acute pain syndromes. Acupuncture also delivers benefits that everyone needs, such as reducing stress, improving sleep, increasing energy, and promoting the overall feeling of calm.

Acupuncture changed my life, and it is my mission to help improve your health and well-being.

 

Q: What conditions can acupuncture help?

JAN: I recommend taking a look at the World Health Organization’s list of conditions for which acupuncture is effective. The WHO lists over 40 common disorders, such as:

  1. Ear, nose, and throat disorders including toothaches, earaches, sinusitis, rhinitis, and laryngitis.
  2. Respiratory Disorders including colds and flus, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, and emphysema.
  3. Gastrointestinal Disorders like food allergies, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, ulcers and colitis.
  4. Circulatory Disorders including hypertension, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, and angina pectoris.
  5. Urogenital Disorders including cystitis, stress incontinence, neurogenic bladder, prostatitis and prostatic hypertrophy.
  6. Gynecological Disorders including menstrual irregularity, endometriosis, PMS, infertility, and menopausal challenges.
  7. Musculoskeletal Disorders including tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, TMJ, sciatica, low back pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia.
  8. Psychoemotional and Neurological Disorders including depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, intercostal neuralgia, post-stroke paralysis, dizziness and tinnitus.

 

Q: What makes Chestnut Hill Family Acupuncture a “Family Practice?”

JAN: I treat people of all ages, from young kids to the elderly. Often, I find that a mother, say, will bring her child in for acupuncture or acupressure, and one of the things we find is that the mother herself would be well served with her own course of acupuncture treatment. And so, I treat many members of the same family, and everyone benefits. I know through my personal experience and my ongoing work how deeply effective acupuncture can be for people of all walks and times of life, and so my practice strives to be a resource for everyone.

 

Q: I’m interested in trying acupuncture, but I feel nervous about the needles. Is acupuncture painful?

JAN: Acupuncture needles are nothing like the needles used for injections or to draw blood. Acupuncture needles are very thin, approximately the diameter of a human hair. They are made out of surgical quality stainless steel. When acupuncture needles are inserted, some sensation may be felt, but often there is no sensation at all. Acupuncture should not be painful. When I’m treating my clients, I make sure they are always feeling comfortable and at ease.

Acupressure, which involves putting pressure on points on your body but without the use of needles, may be a good option to start off with. Cupping and moxibustion are also common acupuncture treatments that do not necessarily use needles. That said, in my experience, most people’s fear of needles goes away once they have given acupuncture a try.

 

Q: Is acupuncture safe?

JAN: Yes. Acupuncture needles are used only once and are disposed of as medical waste. A licensed acupuncturist has undergone years of training in the safe implementation of acupuncture needles. I, myself, have over ten years of experience in healing arts such as acupuncture. There should be no pain and no negative side effects from receiving acupuncture treatment.

 

Q: What are acupuncture treatments like?

JAN: During your appointment, we will talk about your current health concerns. We will proceed with treatments accordingly. Acupuncture needles are often left in place for 20-45 minutes. Most people report a deep feeling of relaxation and some people even sleep during this time.

You and I may also discuss issues of nutrition and lifestyle that have bearing on your health and well-being. I take a specialized and individualized approach to each person I treat. During your sessions, we will work according to your own unique needs and goals.

 

Q: How do I prepare for treatment?

JAN: It is a good idea to have something in your belly before receiving and acupuncture treatment. You do not want to be too full or too hungry before treatment. It’s best to wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing. Other than that, come as you are. Your acupuncture sessions may quickly become the most relaxing and rejuvenating part of your week.

 

Q: How many treatments will I need?

JAN: The course of treatment will vary depending on the nature, severity and duration of your issue. Every person heals and improves at a different rate. In general, acupuncture works best in a series of treatments. To reduce the number of treatments necessary to resolve your condition, or to increase the overall effectiveness of the treatments, lifestyle changes including diet, exercise and supplements may be suggested. I will always work with you to design a course of treatment that works best for your unique concerns and goals.

 

Q: How will I feel after acupuncture?

JAN: You may feel very relaxed and/or very energized after your acupuncture treatment. Often, there is an immediate total or partial relief from pain or other symptoms. Sometimes relief is noticed more gradually. We will pay close attention to how you respond to each treatment and how acupuncture is affecting you overall. Acupuncture has profoundly improved my personal health, and I have every confidence you will join the many millions of people across the world and throughout the centuries who have found health benefits, including the cure and prevention of disease, through acupuncture treatment.