Ask The Acupuncturist

If you are new to acupuncture, you probably have questions about what to expect. In addition to our FAQ page on our website, we hope to help you gain a clearer understanding of acupuncture and highlight its value in healthcare.

Lisa,

Q: Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?

A: Not at all – Acupuncture is not a faith based therapy, and it does not conflict with any religious or spiritual beliefs. In fact, my dog gets acupuncture regularly to reduce inflammation from hip dysplasia. It’s amazing to witness the before and after. And, I’m pretty sure she is unbiased!

Acupuncture is a powerful healing modality, but it is not a panacea. It can be effective for a wide range of conditions, but it may not be appropriate for every health issue. As with all medicine, be it Western or Eastern, a positive outlook and lifestyle can reinforce the effects just as a negative attitude or lifestyle can hinder healing. I believe in setting the right intention and letting the medicine do the rest.


Jin,

Q: How do you choose where to put the needles?

A: The points I choose and how I needle them depends upon the patient’s unique presentation. As acupuncturists, we use a wide variety of diagnostic tools to determine the best treatment.

At the first visit, I will perform an in-depth consultation where we discuss your symptoms, health history and health goals. I also apply the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, including pulse and tongue diagnosis, to identify imbalances in the body. Just like your Western medical doctor, I then draw up a differential diagnosis and treat accordingly.

There are over 360 acupuncture points distributed all over the body, from the top of the head to the sole of the foot. Each point has unique properties and is associated with specific organs or bodily functions. 

Some points may be selected for their local benefits, directly addressing pain or discomfort, while others may have broader systemic effects, influencing overall well-being.

After years of practice, it’s dedication and intuition that has helped my skill of choosing the perfect combination of points to help patients heal.


Chong,

Q: How many acupuncture treatments do I need?

A: This is one of the most common questions I get asked. Everyone wants to know how many acupuncture treatments are needed to effectively address their situation. No acupuncture treatment plan is meant to be forever. However, acupuncture is rarely “one and done”. 

Since each person is unique, the number and frequency of treatments needed will vary. Chronic conditions generally take longer to resolve than acute ones. Other factors that influence the number of treatments needed include the severity of the problem, lifestyle, overall health, and your constitution.

However, once your issue is resolved you do not have to keep coming for treatment. You may only need an occasional “tune-up”, but the eventual goal is that your body is able to support and heal itself.


Andrea,

Q: Do I need to see the same acupuncturist every time?

A: The short answer is no, you don’t. Our team works closely together, ensuring seamless communication and coordination of care. And we all chart what we do so we can see how each practitioner is treating you.

We all have similar training, but might use different techniques or choose different points. However, the goal for all of us is the same…do our best to help you feel your best!