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What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture refers to the use of tiny needles to either stimulate or fatigue a particular point on a meridian. Sometimes the needles are barely placed into the skin, other times they are placed deeper and manipulated by twirling depending on the location and desired effect. As with most American practitioners, we use only disposable needles.

What are Acupuncture or Acupressure points?

Acupuncture points lie on meridians and are usually located between muscle bundles and bones. Most of them lie in natural depressions in the body and are where the energy that flows through the meridians pools.

What are Meridians?

Meridians are interconnected rivers of energy (or qi) that flow through the body. There is no place in the body that is not part of this system.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

The patient usually feels a little prick or nothing at all upon insertion of the needle. It is the degree of manipulation of the needle that can create discomfort. Manipulation is employed in order that the patient might feel "da qi." That is, to feel the qi being moved through the meridian. This may be experienced as a tingling sensation, a warmth, or even an electric jolt.

It is normal for patients to feel relaxed after a treatment. In fact, the "acupuncture high" is often viewed as a very nice side effect from treatment.

Sensitive Patients

We are extremely adept at tailoring our treatments, particularly needle sizes and degree of manipulation, to work with a wide variety of patients. We have had experience with very ill patients with extremely low tolerances for pain. We can treat those desiring to feel the "da qi" and those not able to tolerate any sensation. We use dark green and red Seirin® needles (which are the thinnest manufactured) on sensitive and needle-phobic patients. We routinely use 38-36 gauge needles for treatments, and sometimes 34-32 gauge.