FAQ

Does it work?

Yep. As mentioned, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the oldest documented medicine that we know of. Being that it’s still practiced today, right alongside western medicine in Chinese hospitals, should speak volumes to its efficacy.  

Is it just a placebo?

No, but even if it was does it really matter? If something makes you feel better, it makes you feel better! Placebo effect has sort of received a bad rap but really it shows how incredibly powerful the mind and belief system can be, no reason to scoff at that!

What is it exactly?

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting very fine, sterile, single use, filiform needles in to the body, illiciting a response in the body.

Wait you said needles, I don’t like needles…

No problem! First off the needles used are quite small, nothing like what you’ve experienced in a western doctor’s office. 

Because the needles are so small, there is usually no pain felt on insertion. Occasionally you might feel a little pinch, but generally it’s pain free. There can be a heavy ache, that is NOT a pain sensation. 

Secondly, we have other modalities to treat your complaints. Such as cupping, gua sha, moxabustion, tui na, etc.

What are all those things?

See Therapies list.

How long will it take to treat my ______________?

There are a few factors that dictate the length of treatment and how much TCM will work for you.

Acupuncture works on the nervous system and circulation. It works with the body’s own ability to heal itself. So you really dictate how long it will take. 

How often have you seen other health care practitioners? Especially if you’ve seen DC’s or PT’s, you’ve probably been going 1 to 2 times a week right? This is no different, over time our body develops a "new normal" which might be ok for a while but eventually the compensatory abilities start to break down and we have to re-establish what "normal" should be (vs what it has become).

Bear in mind this isn’t just a pill to mask symptoms. Over the course of treatment my goal is to get to the root or “kore” of the problem for long-term, lasting effects BUT if you’ve had it for a long time, honestly it’s going to take some time to treat. In general, it usually takes around 4-6 consistent treatments to really notice changes, although many patients notice a change after the first treatment. Following recommendations made, to the best of your ability, will help too! 

I have (insert Western Diagnosis here), can you treat that?

Well yes and no. There’s not always a literal translation of conditions. Diabetes or hypothyroid (or any dx for that matter) tend to have multiple TCM patterns. That’s why we do such an in depth intake.  Also, legally we cannot diagnose and treat Western Medical diagnoses, we give you a TCM diagnosis.