FAQ'S ANSWERED

General Acupuncture FAQs

1 / How does Acupuncture work?

In traditional Chinese Medicine, stagnant or blocked energy is the root of illness, pain, and disease. There is a famous Chinese Medicine saying “If there is free flow, there is no pain. If there is no free flow, there is pain.” In a healthy, balanced individual, this energy known as qi (pronounced chi) flows smoothly along pathways that run throughout the body. Along these pathways, the acupuncture points are located. If the pathway is blocked, it prevents proper energy flow causing an imbalance.

During an acupuncture session, your acupuncturist will choose points to stimulate according to your personal health and wellness needs. As blocked energy begins to flow and your body relaxes, feel-good hormones like endorphins, norepinephrine, and oxytocin (responsible for pain relief, improved mood and feelings of wellbeing, increased alertness and memory, or deep rest and calm are released.

This activates the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems, restores blood flow and improves circulation, and breaks up stagnant energy so that the body begins to heal itself and rebalance

2 / What can I expect for my first Acupuncture Appointment?

In Chinese medicine, every patient is approached individually. During your first visit we will ask your medical history, ask about your current troubling symptoms and examine your tongue and pulse. Once we make a clinical diagnosis we will come up with a treatment plan which will include relevant lifestyle advice.

3 / Does Acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very thin, about the width of a human hair. They are much, much thinner and more gentle than hypodermic needles. Some points may feel a slight pinch, and others feel like nothing at all. Once the needles are in, most patients fall asleep on the treatment table.

4 / What if I am nervous?

It’s normal to have some anxiety when trying something new, and we understand the fear associated with needles. Don’t be shy to let us know, we’re here to coach you through your session, and will tailor the treatment so that it’s relaxing and comfortable for you.

5 / How should I prepare for my treatment?

Please complete your paperwork online in advance to save time at your treatment. After making your first appointment, you should have received an email with a link to complete the paperwork online. If not, let us know and we can resend it!
Eat a snack one hour before your first treatment. Try not to come on an empty stomach.
Wear loose, comfy clothing so that the points around your elbows and knees are easily accessible, if necessary.
Get ready to nap.

6 / How many treatments do I need?

The results of acupuncture are cumulative, which means that each treatment builds on the progress of the ones before it.

Many people feel improvement right after the first treatment, but it’s like working out – you may feel results right away, but for lasting change (to your pain levels or other symptoms) it’s important to commit to series of treatments.

The general recommendation is one treatment a week for 6-8 weeks. After 6 weeks, we re-assess and try to space out your treatments while still maintaining good results.

For conditions that have existed a long time, more treatments may be necessary.

For example, back pain that you’ve had for 10 years may take more time to heal. For acute conditions (sudden onset pain), you may need to come twice a week in the first week, and then once a week after that.

My goal is to follow whichever treatment protocol makes you feel better the fastest!

Cosmetic Acupuncture FAQs

1 / How does Cosmetic Acupuncture Work?

Cosmetic acupuncture works along the same lines as general acupuncture (above) but with a few added benefits to the skin:

Increases blood flow to the skin, delivering a boost of necessary nutrients and oxygen to give the skin a healthy glow.
Stimulates collagen production in the skin. Cosmetic acupuncture creates tiny “micro-traumas” in the skin just under the surface. The body’s response is to send protein (collagen) to the area to “restructure” the skin and fill in the area of micro-trauma. The result is more plump looking skin.

2 / How many Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments do I need?

For lasting results, the treatment plan for cosmetic acupuncture is two treatments per week for five to six weeks, for a total of 10-12 treatments. After this, maintenance treatments are recommended once every 4-6 weeks.

The truth is that beautiful skin with lasting results takes time, but it’s worth it.

3 / What should I expect in an Cosmetic Acupuncture treatment?

Cosmetic acupuncture includes very thin needles on the face to brighten and plump the skin, along with body points to address underlying conditions.

After all the needles have been removed, there’s a cooling gua sha massage and with silky, all-natural facial oils to sculpt and smooth the face. Relaxing and luxurious!

4/ How far in advance for a big event should I have Cosmetic Acupuncture?

Great question! Cosmetic acupuncture is a great way for brides and mothers-of-the-bride to to get glowing for the big day.

To be safe, I recommend completing the last treatment (in a series of 10-12 treatments) four weeks before an important event or photo shoot, to give extra time to ensure bruises have faded.

Just like with general (body) acupuncture, it’s not uncommon to get a small bruise or two on the face during a series of cosmetic acupuncture treatments.

These bruises are usually light-colored, small, and easily covered with make-up. But for important events, it’s best to complete the series of treatments early so you don’t even have to worry about it!