The following are the questions most frequently asked by new patients

Will it hurt?  Your comfort is very important to us and we will take every step to ensure a pleasant and relaxing treatment during your time with us. It is natural for patients to carry a certain degree of hesitation into any new treatment, but we will be with you every step of the way. Acupuncture uses very fine needles and most insertions are completely painless. Some patients are more sensitive to needles than others and on some days, patients who are normally not sensitive can become so. There are also certain locations (inside of the arm, the face, ankles) that can be more delicate to needle than others. But in the hands of an experienced practitioner, the needles work for the patients instead of against them and insertions are both subtle and quick. Additionally, Tui Na is different from traditional Western massage – it is usually a deeper and more profound experience that can be very moving and can sometimes leave a patient sore afterwards. Tension is insidious – it takes time to grow and build in the body and knots and tight spots can take some work to release. But instead of providing a momentary relaxation that then resets into old body mechanic patterns, Tui Na works to get to the core of the structural instability and release tension and old trauma permanently.

What does a treatment entail?  A normal treatment consists of an intake period where your condition is assessed and fleshed out to provide as much detail as possible to the practitioner. The first visit is the longest, as the initial intake is more involved than follow-ups. Once you and your practitioner discuss the course of treatment and what you hope to get out of your time with us, you will be given either acupuncture, herbs, or tui na. Most sessions occur on a standard treatment table. Comfortable clothes like sweats or sports clothes (shorts, sports-bra) are recommended to make it easier for the practitioner to needle or massage. Appropriate draping will be provided for modesty and adequate sheets/blankets will be provided for warmth. It is recommended that you eat a light meal or snack at least an hour before treatment and take adequate hydration to prevent dizziness or lightheadedness.

How long will it take until I get better?  As we believe that every person is different and there is no “one size fits all” treatment for everyone, we also believe that effectiveness of treatment varies among patients. Some conditions are harder to treat than others and some chronic conditions have been in the body for a long time. It also depends on how each body responds to treatment. Our primary aim is to build a solid foundation so that treatments “hold” and build upon each other. It is only with a strong foundation that the body can tap more strongly into its innate healing mechanism. But you can expect to feel results and changes in conditions in as few as four-to-six sessions.

Are there any adverse effects/reactions?  Some bruising or slight discomfort at the site of the needle can occur with acupuncture. Patients have reported some slight nausea with certain herbs. And muscle soreness or sensitivity can occur after a Tui na session. Headaches, fatigue, and mood changes can also occur as stagnation begins to move out of the body, but these symptoms are usually transitory. On the whole, most patients report that they feel much more relaxed, alert, and grounded after treatments.

Can I use Chinese methods alongside my Western treatments?  It is important to be forthright with your practitioner about any Western medications you may be taking, as it may decide which herbs you are given and which are contraindicated. Also, if you have recently had surgeries or hospitalizations, suffer from low or high blood pressure, or have lingering trauma from an accident, it is important to tell your practitioner as it will determine how aggressive a treatment they can give you. Eastern and Western modalities are designed to work in concert with each other and an open line of communication between patient and practitioner ensures harmony of both treatment strategies.