When you hear the word “acupuncture,” you most likely get a certain vision stuck in your head, and you wonder “Does that hurt?” or “How can that possibly help my condition?”
Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, dating back thousands of years before Western forms of health care.
Acupuncture promotes your body’s natural healing power in a way that’s effective yet not painful.
There are as many as 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body, which are connected by 20 pathways called meridians. These meridians conduct energy, or qi (pronounced “chi”), between the surface of your body and your internal organs. Qi is believed to help regulate your body’s balance and restore health.
“The doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” – Thomas A. Edison
We’re sure you have questions about acupuncture, so we thought we’d show you a typical session.
Our acupuncturist (and owner) Dr. Marina Ponton has been practicing acupuncture for over fifteen years. She’s a well-respected leader and speaker regarding acupuncture and other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine. At your appointment she’ll get to know a little more about your health concerns and will walk you through the acupuncture process so you feel at ease before getting started.
Most Common Questions about Acupuncture
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are solid and hair-thin. They are not designed to cut the skin. They’re also inserted to much more shallow levels than hypodermic needles.
While each person experiences it differently, a well-trained acupuncturist like Dr. Ponton will ensure that most people feel only a minimal amount of pain as the needles are inserted.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
With a licensed, trained acupuncturist, this treatment is extremely safe and sterile. Because the treatment is drug-free, patients don’t have to worry about taking several doses of a medication or suffering a possible adverse reaction.
What Should I Expect on My First Visit?
As with most health practitioners, the first visit usually begins by taking a detailed history.
After reviewing your history, the practitioner will begin diagnosing your ailment and determining the cause of your symptoms.
Depending on the condition, needles will be inserted into specific points on the body.
You can expect your visit to take between one to two hours. It may take several visits to see significant improvement or cure your condition.
What Can I Expect After Treatment?
It depends on the patient. Generally, you should simply expect to feel better, but it’s important to remember that this treatment is something you need to maintain to see the best results.
Additional Therapies
We can also provide therapies such as:
- Moxibustion (heat)
- Gua Sha (scraping)
- Auricular Therapy (ear acupuncture)
- Cupping (suction)
- Magnets
- Electrical or laser stimulation