A Typical Session
Preparing for Your Appointment
It really isn't necessary to do much before you come in for your appointment. It is better if you are neither too hungry nor too full so it is good to eat something light an hour or two before, especially if your appointment is in the morning. The same goes for hydration. Many people prefer to wear loose clothing to their appointment; this way the acupuncture points can be easily accessed and you can usually remain mostly clothed. It is advisable to avoid doing anything physically strenuous on the day of your treatment, either before or after, especially when seeking treatment for pain. In addition, doing things like going to bed at a reasonable hour, eating well, avoiding intoxicants, staying hydrated, resting, and generally taking it easy on the day of your treatment can all help enhance and prolong the effects of the acupuncture.
A Typical Session
Appointments begin with an exploration of your chief complaint. Through the interview process and traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis we gain a detailed understanding of the nature of your chief complaint and how it fits into the framework of your overall health. The treatment itself occurs on a standard massage table, with plenty of extra cushions, blankets, and an infrared heat lamp to make sure you are nice and cozy. Because they are so short and whisker-thin, the vast majority of people feel very little when the needles first go in, though sometimes there is a tiny pinch, like a mosquito bite, or a small reflexive twitch. Once the needles are in they often seem to disappear, though some may feel a gentle tingling or other mild sensation. I usually choose about fifteen points and they stay in for approximately 30 minutes. Once they are in I leave the room. During this time most people get very relaxed, some even fall asleep; acupuncture is an excellent way to decompress and unwind. Afterwards you may feel a little spacey or sleepy for a bit, but usually that only lasts for a few minutes. I include other traditional treatments with my acupuncture sessions at no extra charge so, depending on your condition, I may add some or all of those listed below.
Complimentary, Supportive Therapies that Enhance Acupuncture
Chinese medicine is so much more than just acupuncture. I am also trained in herbal medicine, Chinese nutrition, and different types of traditional hands-on techniques. I find that these complimentary therapies can enhance the effects of acupuncture, helping you get better faster, giving me the ability to address a wide range of diverse conditions. If any of them would be beneficial for your condition, I will include them with your session at no extra charge. In addition to acupuncture my toolbox includes herbal medicine, tui na (massage), zhi ya (acupressure), ba guan (fire cupping), gua sha (jade and horn massage tools), 5 element nutrition, and topical oils, ointments, and patches for pain.
About the Needles
I remember the first time I tried acupuncture so I totally understand why many are unsure about it. Let me assure you that the needles I use really are quite unlike the medical syringes that most of us are familiar with. They are never used to inject or withdraw anything, only to tap into the flow of chi in the body. The tip of an acupuncture needle is finely machined to be as smooth and rounded as possible, not a sharp, cutting edge. They are short and as thin as whiskers, more like a small wire or pointer. In fact, they are so thin that it is difficult to simply put them in without bending. Because of this, they come with what is called a "guide tube," sort of like a small straw that stabilizes them. The acupuncture needles I use are made of surgical grade stainless steel, come prepackaged in sterile packets, and are used only once and then disposed of in a medical sharps container.
How It Works
Acupuncture needles are used to tap into the flow of chi in the body. Chi is the primary life force in the universe that flows through everything, including us. In our bodies it travels along regular pathways called channels or meridians, nourishing all of our tissues and passing through every internal organ. The acupuncture points are spots on these channels where the chi comes closest to the surface and can be tapped with specialized acupuncture needles. Acupuncture has three main actions. First, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is opposite the fight-or-flight sympathetic nervous system. In this state we become deeply relaxed, systems like heart rate and respiration slow way down, and the body focuses on healing, repair, and replenishing energy reserves. Second, it can help reduce pain by releasing blockages along the channels. Third, it can regulate and normalize organ functioning by tapping points on the channels that pass through them. Acupuncture points have dozens and dozens of other specialized actions as well and can be used to treat a wide diversity of different types of conditions.
Treatment Plans
Just like most other types of medical treatments, there is a wide range of ways in which people respond to acupuncture. In my experience, the vast majority of people gain notable relief of their symptoms with no negative side effects, whatever the condition. For acute symptoms that have only been present for days or weeks, usually just a couple of treatments will make a dramatic difference. If the condition is more chronic, present for months or years, a series of treatments is more appropriate. For these types of conditions a deeper shift is usually required, with symptoms resolving over time as systems are balanced and organ function is normalized. A typical course of treatment for a chronic condition may begin with a few weekly sessions to jump-start the process, followed by a few more every other week. For wellness and prevention, most patients come about once a month. For those who are seeking palliative care like pain management, some keep things in check by coming at regular intervals while others come in only when symptoms flare up. Since the process of healing unfolds in such individualized ways, I strongly believe in re-evaluating as we go and adjusting the treatment plan together accordingly. In truth, the number of treatments you receive really depends on how far you want to go with the process, whether it be simple symptomatic relief or the complete resolution of your condition.
Patterns of Healing
Besides the nature of your chief complaint, there are many other factors that can influence how you will respond to treatment including things like age, overall health, genetics, and compliance with taking herbs and making dietary changes. In truth there are probably hundreds of other variables that influence our health on a daily basis. In general, however, the sooner you seek treatment, the more mild the condition, the better your overall health, and the more compliant you are with the treatment plan, the faster you will recover. Just as most conditions usually advance step by step, most people improve in steps as well. Sometimes there is a smaller shift at first, followed by a more dramatic acceleration of the healing process. This is usually seen with the most chronic of conditions which, because of their persistent nature, can be a bit more stubborn and resistant to change at first. Sometimes, as we peel back the layers, there are periods of rapid shift alternating with periods of little shift, typically with the most recent symptoms clearing up first. Sometimes things get a little worse before they get better, though this is quite rare, as things release and open, or with conditions that require a process of detoxification. Then there are things like genetic conditions or major injuries that have caused permanent tissue damage or irreversible changes in organ function. Fortunately, even periodic treatments can help manage these types of conditions very well. As we say, healing is always possible even when cure is not. In truth, authentic healing is really a transformational process that can affect us in ways that go well beyond the resolution of symptoms.