What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine which is a complete system of health care that has its origins of more than 3,000 years ago. Acupuncture is a part of this health system which uses herbs, nutrition, exercise, massage and meditation to balance the body's vital life force called "Qi." When a blockage, shortage or imbalance of Qi is present, pain and illness will result. Acupuncture treatments are used to restore the flow and balance of Qi - bring the body, mind and spirit into harmony which leads to the resolution of disease.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into the skin at specific locations, “acupuncture points”, on the body. The number of needles used and their placement will vary according to the health problem of the individual person. The needles used in our clinic are disposable, i.e. they are in sterilized packages and after use, they are discarded in sealed containers. The needles are extremely fine, much finer than the ones you are familiar with from hypodermic syringes or even a pin. Most patients report feeling little more than a slight, quick, pricking sensation when the needle is inserted and become extremely relaxed during the 20-30 minutes that the needles are left in for treatment. During the treatment the acupuncturist may “stimulate” the acupuncture point through a gentle low voltage electrical current conducted through the needle (electro-acupuncture) or through gentle movement of the needle. At this time you may experience a tingling sensation at the acupuncture point. In Chinese medicine this is called “De Qi” and is considered a desirable effect and proof that the energy or “Qi” is moving freely. Back to top

What is Qi?
Qi (prononced "chee") is the vital life force behind all living things. It is the energy that enters at the time of conception, empowers all growth, development and bodily functions, and when it leaves the body there is death. Recent western scientific studies have begun to document evidence to the presence of this vital energy in our bodies. When this energy is balanced, there is health - when it is out of balance or weak, then pain or illness results. Back to top

How does acupuncture work?
Qi flows along invisible pathways throughout the entire body. Along these pathways are specific points that when stimulated (with needles, massage, or pressure) have a significant affect on the surrounding tissues and organs. Western medicine has shown that acupuncture needle insertion has an effect on the body's hormones, brain chemicals, homeostatic system and immunity.

Analgesic Effect - releases your body's own natural pain killers

Homeostatic & Tranquilizing Effect - calms the mind, induces balance of blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and hormone levels

Immune Enhancing Effect - has a direct influence on the number of white blood cells in your blood, therefore strengthening your resistance to and recovery from illness

Motor Recovery Effect - increases blood flow and repair to muscle tissues. Back to top

Are there needleless options?
For those who prefer needleless therapy, acupuncture can still be affective with the use of Chinese bodywork (acupressure, massage, cupping, guasha), moxibustion, herbs and nutrition. Ear, foot and hand massage are also alternatives to needles that are very effective and feel great as well. Back to top

Are the needles clean? safe?
The state of Oregon requires the use of disposable needles. This means that they are used once and then discarded in a biohazardous waste container that is sealed - once full, they are picked up by waste control and destroyed. Back to top

Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles can vary in size; however, the ones used in my clinic (and by the majority of practitioners) are slightly larger than the diameter of a human hair. Acupuncture needles are designed to enter and leave the skin painlessly and without bleeding. Needles are solid, very smooth, and almost 3 times as thin as the needles used for shots or blood draws. Patients describe acupuncture as "sensational" rather than "painful." In most cases there is little sensation at all, while in some cases there are senations such as warmth, tingling, tightness, or as many patient's descirbe it..."zinging," which is a feeling of travel outward from the needle. All of these senations are possible with acupuncture, and are seen as positive signs of a successful treatment. In a treatment session, the patient is always encouraged to participate in the healing process. I welcome feedback, suggestions and if ever there is a sensation that is making a patient uncomfortable, they feel comfortable in letting me know.
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Why is acupuncture becoming so popular?
· It provides effective treatment for many health problems.

· It uses the body’s natural healing processes to effect relief.

· It uses earth’s natural herbs to promote health and healing.

· It is safe, effective, and has virtually no side effects.

· It is holistic medicine treating the whole person.

· It can significantly reduce the need for drugs or surgery. Back to top

What is an acupuncture treatment like?
The acupuncture treatment takes place in a peaceful and confidential environment where your health history, desires and questions are discussed. During the acupuncture session, you will lie comfortably on a treatment table while hair-thin, disposable needles are gently placed. Most often needle entry is unnoticeable. Sometimes you may feel sensations of heat, tingling, or tension around the needle.

The initial acupuncture consultation and treatment takes 1 to 1½ hours and involves a detailed case history where we talk about your present and past well-being. Using the traditional examinations of looking, palpating, questioning and listening, your practitioner will be guided to an understanding of how to approach your individual health-care. From this initial session we work with you to develop a treatment plan which will suit your lifestyle and meet your individual need for health care.

Follow up sessions are for 1 hour and include consultation and treatment. Treatment may include acupuncture (needle), moxibustion (herbal heat treatment), tui na (Chinese massage), cupping and guasha (external skin therapy). In addition to your treatments at the clinic your practitioner may advise small lifestyle adjustments designed to support the healing effect of treatment. Back to top

How many treatments will I need?
Individual response to treatment will depend on many factors such as the nature of your condition, how chronic your illness has become, the general state of your health, and your willingness to participate in you healing process. You should notice improvements in your condition by the third or fourth visit. During the course of treatments you may notice that seemingly unrelated problems clear up (such as bowel movements, sleep patterns, or energy levels). These complaints often times add up to a pattern of illness that can be successfully addressed by Oriental Medicine. Back to top

How will acupuncture benefit me?
Acupuncture is safe and effective treatment for chronic pain, acute injuries, degenerative aging diseases, stress-related illness, and post-operative pain. Acupuncture treats each person as an individual. It is very unlikely that two people would experience exactly the same illnesses in life. Acupuncture looks at the person as a whole, no sign or symptom is left out of the health picture for that particular individual. Whatever your chief complaint may be, there is undoubtedly other aspects of your health that you would enjoy seeing improvement in as well; acupuncture is well known for relieving people of ailments they hadn't mentioned or that seemed entirely unrelated to the chief complaint or the location of the needles inserted. Back to top