Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one aspect of Chinese Medicine. Very thin needles are inserted in the skin at specific points on the body. For over 3,000 years Acupuncture has been used to heal a wide variety of health conditions. It is a form of healing that engages the body’s own ability to rebalance, restore and heal.

Acupuncture is a technique used for balancing the flow of energy (known as chi or qi) that relates to our organs. This energy flows through corresponding meridians (pathways in the body). Needles are inserted at strategic points along the meridians to re-balance the bodies energy. From a Western thought perspective, acupuncture affects the facia, stimulates nerves, relaxes muscles, increase endorphins, increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, reduces stress and reduces pain. Clinical studies have shown acupuncture is an effective treatment for a wide variety of conditions.

Risks of Acupuncture

With a competent certified acupuncturist using single-use sterile needles, risks are low. Side effects include minor bleeding, bruising or soreness where the needles were inserted. For people with bleeding disorders the chances of bleeding or bruising from needles is increased. For people who have a pacemaker it is not advisable to receive electroacupuncture, which involves applying mild electrical stimulation. This can interfere with a pacemaker. Pregnant women should work with an acupuncturist who is knowledgeable working with pregnancy because specific acupuncture points are known to stimulate labor.

What to Expect

Each initial session will start with an in-depth discussion about the health condition that someone is looking to treat. From there, other health conditions will be reviewed as will pertinent lifestyle choices and emotional states. Chinese diagnostic methods will be used such as: pulse diagnosis (examining the strength, rhythm and quality of the pulse in your wrist), visual tongue diagnosis, and possibly palpation of an area where there is pain.

When it is time for the acupuncture treatment, very thin needles will be inserted at relevant points on the body. There are acupuncture points all over the body. The points used may or may not be at the area of concern. Some clothing may need to be removed, which is done in private and a sheet is provided to cover up. For almost all treatments, clients lie down on a massage table and rarely are seated.

Needle insertion usually causes little discomfort but occasionally is briefly and mildly painful. After insertion, acupuncture is most often completely painless though occasionally people feel a sensation with few needles. Johanna has a very gentle style, and uses various types of very thin needles that even children tolerate well. Once the needles have been inserted people experience a deeply restful state and often sleep during the treatment. Sometimes after placement the needles are gently moved or twirled or electrodes with mild electrical current may be applied to the needles. The acupuncture session can be as short as 20 minutes but often lasts about 45 minutes. The initial evaluation and treatment are two hours, sometimes even longer. After acupuncture people most often feel relaxed or energized. Subsequent appointments usually take between one and two hours.

How many treatments are needed?

The amount and frequency of follow up treatments is individualized. Some issues (usually acute) can be resolved in one treatment. However, for most acute problems, 8-10 visits are required. For complex, chronic and long-standing conditions, a longer series of treatments are needed. Progress and response will be continually assessed to decide how often and how long to continue treatment and will be based entirely on what is best for the client (in the interest of their health and financial considerations). Some clients use acupuncture for health maintenance on an ongoing basis, especially in the case of chronic conditions. Some clients enjoy “tune ups” to optimize their health. If symptoms don’t improve within 4 treatments, acupuncture may not be the right approach and other treatments or referrals will be given.

How much does it cost?

Rates are $160 for an initial consultation and treatment and $100 for follow up treatments.