1. What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture emerged in China over 2,000 years ago. Its concept is based on the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points shown as effective in the treatment of specific health problems.


2. What problems can be treated by acupuncture?

Excluding infectious diseases, all types of illness can be treated by acupuncture.


3. How deep do the needles go?

That depends on the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, the patient’s size, age, and constitution. I support the use of needles ranging from 0.5 inch to 1 inch in depth for more effective results.


4. How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture stimulates the body‘s natural healing system to aid and speed recovery.

If you twist your ankle, your body’s healing system immediately sends the proper amount of healing energy to correct the damage. In this way, the body naturally helps itself. Acupuncture works with this natural system by tricking the brain to think the injury is more serious than it is and then it sends extra healing energy to that location. The extra healing boost generated by acupuncture can heal new injuries faster and spark healing in chronic conditions.


5. Are there any side effects?

Some mild side effects occur in about 5% of patients. These are slight bruising, swelling and discomfort at needle insertion sites. In very rare cases, a patient may feel dizzy, faint or vomit after treatment. These side effects are extremely unusual and short lived.


6. Is acupuncture painful?

Acupuncture is not excruciating, but it is not pain free. The amount of pain experienced during treatment depends on the size of the needles used. The pain ranges from nearly nothing to a fairly intense, but short lived pain, fading immediately after the needle is inserted.

A larger needle size results in a more intense injury message to the brain. Consequently, the brain sends more healing energy and thus more rapid improvement results. The greater the needle size you can tolerate, the quicker your recovery will be. Japanese acupuncture utilizes smaller needles than those used in the traditional Chinese acupuncture that I practice. The reward of a speedier recovery is worth the slightly increased discomfort.


7. Is acupuncture good for everyone?

Acupuncture simply boosts the body’s natural healing system. As there are no possible negative reactions to foreign substances, it is safe for everyone. In fact, in recent years veterinarians have begun the successful use of acupuncture on animals.


8. Why do people feel tired after treatment?

The body normally uses its energy for the regular body functioning and daily activities, but in a healing situation, the body needs its normal energy amount plus more energy focused toward healing. Since the acupuncture needles signal the brain to send even more additional energy, patients often feel tired after treatment.

After a minor biking accident in which you suffer a few scrapes and bruises, you will feel more tired than usual. That happens for two reasons. First, your body’s usual energy production is being used in part to heal your injuries. Second, as your body registers the change in energy distribution and demand, it must build more energy for both your daily routine and the healing process. The drain and demand for new energy depends on the severity of the injury or illness and the production of this energy makes you feel tired. Since acupuncture itself intensifies the natural process of energy distribution causing fatigue, it is best to rest after receiving treatment in order to facilitate building the energy necessary for healing.


9. How do derma needles work?

Derma needles are tiny needles left in the skin for up to a week. The area where a derma needle is placed receives increased circulation and healing energy.

The brain reacts to the derma needle as if it were a splinter. It signals a foreign intrusion and sends its forces to “get it out” resulting in greater continuous blood circulation and healing energy being concentrated around the needle. This can enhance recovery and help maintain improvement gained during treatment.


10. How many treatments do patients usually need?

That depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You may only need a simple treatment for an acute condition. A series of ten to twenty treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Serious conditions may require many treatments over time.