Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
It is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points called meridians. These meridians have been shown to be effective in treating many different health problems. These points have been mapped out by the Chinese over a period of thousands of years, and have recently been confirmed through electromagnetic research.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncturists must undergo extensive training and pass required board exams by the state of California to become a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.). The needles used in acupuncture treatments are individually packaged, sterile and disposable. The risk of any infection is highly unlikely.
Does it hurt?
Receiving acupuncture is nothing like receiving an ordinary injection or shot. The needles used are about the thickness of a human hair. The actual insertion is almost painless and in many cases clients are not aware when the needles have been inserted. In other cases, one may experience some tingling or warmth. Overall, most clients fall asleep during the treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments will depend on the nature of your complaint. Your acupuncturist may suggest diet modifications, specific exercises, relaxation techniques, and/or Chinese herbal medicines.
Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture treatment?
Wear loose clothing. Ask your practitioner any questions you have. Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full, emotionally upset, or shortly after sex. Avoid any alcohol, drug, or caffeine consumption 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Is there anything I need to do during the acupuncture treatment?
Relax and breath deeply into your center. Do not change your position or move suddenly, once the needles have been inserted. if you are uncomfortable, tell your practitioner, and he/she can adjust the needles.
What criteria should I use in choosing an acupuncturist?
You should ask where and how long he/she has practiced, and what experience he/she has treating your specific ailment.
What problems can be treated by acupuncture?
A variety of disorders ranging from respiratory, gastrointestinal, and circulatory disorders to musculoskeletal pains associated with sports injury or work related disorders such as carpel tunnel, Others disorders such as insomnia, headaches or migraines and anxiety or tension.
What happens at my first appointment with Lifecare?
The following list of Health Arising Problems may be addressed during initial consultation. Feel free to answer the following questions and bring to your first appointment.
- Is some thing or person annoying you?
- Do you feel you cannot, or are not permitted (or able) to do or have something?
- Have you been angry? …or received unjustified anger from others?
- Are you facing a strong fear, or being frustrated in your desires and actions again?
- Are you depressed or worried about yourself, something or someone?
- Is your or another’s health, status, job, business, or other in jeopardy?
- Are your beliefs or customary ways of doing things not working for you or being questioned?
- Is a relationship or project failing? Have you been abandoned or left alone? Are you lonely?
- Are you feeling sorry for your own or another’s words or actions?
- Has someone failed to keep or completely fulfill a promise? Have you met your promises and obligations?
- Do you resent what is happening? Are you getting things you do not deserve? Is someone else getting something they do not deserve?
- Are things changing or happening too fast …out of your control?
- Is money a problem for you? …or another?
- Is your sexuality being challenged, threatened, or unfairly denied?
- Have you lost (death, divorce, or other) a friend, possessions, opportunities, money, position, or other?
Are there forms I need to fill out before my appointment?
Yes. Please print and fill out these forms before your initial appointment.
- Lifecare Acupuncture Intake Form
- Lifecare Acupuncture Symptom Survey
- Lifecare Acupuncture Privacy Practice Form
- Lifecare Acupuncture Terms and Conditions of Services
- Lifecare Acupuncture Female Form
Links of Interest
- Sharp Answers To Pointed Questions
– Mayo Clinic - Acupuncture Reference
– Acupuncture.com - Get The Facts about Acupuncture
– National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine - Acupuncture
– National Cancer Institute