For information about Eastern Medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion (or moxa), and “Ki” (pronounced “KEE”), please click here.

There is an impressive body of research that demonstrates that acupuncture helps with a wide range of conditions. Numerous professional health, research, and regulatory organizations worldwide support the use of acupuncture, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK, the World Health Organization (WHO), Macmillan Cancer Support, and World Medicine Charitable Trust.

Evidence supports the use of acupuncture for:

• Cancer related pain and the side effects of conventional cancer treatments.

• Musculoskeletal pain

• Migraines and other types of headaches

• Depression and other mental health disorders

• Fertility related issues and menopausal symptoms

• Childhood ailments and developmental issues

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People of all ages can benefit from acupuncture— from babies to older adults— acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for everyone.

Acupuncture should NOT be painful. Acupuncture needles are so fine that most people do not even feel them being inserted. They are almost as thin as human hair. Sometimes people feel a mild tingling sensation or a dull ache that usually subsides after a few seconds. If you do feel any discomfort, just let us know so we can adjust or remove the needle. While the needles are in place, most people feel very relaxed.

Acupuncture treatments involve more than just needles, though. Other techniques may be incorporated into your treatment, including moxibustion, massage, and other related therapies.

The number of treatments that you will require depends on your condition. Many people will start off with one treatment a week for 4-6 weeks and could expect to see lasting improvements within this time. Some people even see results after one session.

Generally, chronic conditions require more sessions while acute conditions require fewer.

As your body begins to regain its innate balance, you will need fewer treatments to maintain your health and wellbeing.

Many people come regularly— once a month or even once every few months for preventative care in order to maintain their health and to keep aches and pains and colds at bay.

Acupuncture is a safe method of treatment, but as it involves the insertion of needles, slight bruising, minor swelling, or minor bleeding may occur at the site of needle insertion. Occasionally people feel dizzy or light-headed after a treatment, but this passes quickly. People often feel tired after a treatment, which is normal. Burns or scarring may occur from moxibustion, but are rare.

To help us ensure there are no unwanted side effects, please let us know of any medications you are taking, including anti-coagulants (blood thinners). You should also inform us if you are pregnant, have a bleeding disorder, have a pace maker or electrical implants, have a risk of infection, or are prone to fainting.

BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT:

• A light meal or snack an hour or two before your session may be good to avoid light-headedness or dizziness.

• Avoid all alcohol and heavy amounts of caffeine before your session.

• You do not have to wear special clothing for your acupuncture session.

AFTER YOUR TREATMENT:

• Stay hydrated, avoiding alcohol and cold (especially iced) drinks. Drinking warm water and herbal teas is recommended.

• Avoid strenuous activities. To get the most out of your sessions go to the gym or do any other strenuous activities before your treatment rather than after. Be aware that you will probably feel very relaxed and may feel tired after your session, so try not to overdo it. Light activities such as going on a walk is fine.

• Avoid hot baths and saunas after your session. The heat from baths and saunas may overstimulate your body. In addition, bathing leaves our pores open, allowing cold to enter the body, which would undo the effects of the treatment. It’s best to wait until the day after your treatment to have a bath or sauna. A hot/warm shower after your acupuncture treatment is fine.

• Avoid COLD- cold drinks, cold foods, cold showers, cold plunges, and cold/ice packs. “Cold” slows digestion and blood flow, which is counterproductive to your treatment. Warmth is better all around.

• ‍Be aware that sometimes people feel “worse” after an acupuncture treatment. Don’t panic— usually this is short-lived and subsides within a day. This is your body’s response to the treatment as it works to rebalance, detox, and release. Take note of these things and let us know at your next session.