Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine and the modalities and tools used in treatment.

What is Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM is more than just acupuncture. It is a holistic system of medicine that treats the body as a whole, and activates the body’s own mechanisms and systems to promote itself to heal.

TCM theory addresses both the physical and psychological components of health, as these are both interrelated and contribute to a healthy person. Another important concept of Chinese Medicine is treating the root of the problem, rather than only treating symptoms, which leads to long term and sustainable results.

Acupuncture, moxabustion, cupping, guasha, laser and herbal supplement therapies are all modalities that can be used, as well as lifestyle recommendations such as nutrition, stretching and exercise.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific acupoints along channels or meridians on the body to promote healing and improve function. Most acupuncture is done using Traditional Chinese Medicine theories and concepts, but can also be used for motor point therapy, IMS and dry needling.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture should not be painful. Acupuncture uses very thin filiform needles about one tenth the size of a needle that you would use to have blood drawn or to get an injection at the hospital.

However, a common misconception is that “you won’t feel anything at all”. Some of the expected and normal sensations include tingling, warmth, or a slight aching.

What can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture can treat and manage many health conditions, injuries and pain. Here are some of the most common issues:

  • Sport Injuries
    • Post-Concussion symptom relief
    • Sprains, strains
  • Sport Recovery and Performance Enhancement
    • Increase muscle contractility
    • Decrease recovery time
    • Muscle stimulation and motor point release
    • Decrease healing time for broken bones
    • Postural Correction
  • Chronic or Acute Pain
    • Back pain
    • Carpal Tunnel
    • TMJ
    • Tendonitis
    • Knee pain
    • Headaches and Migraines
    • Arthritis pain
  • Gastrointestinal Issues
    • IBS
    • Acid Reflux
    • Loose Bowel Movements and Constipation
  • Stress
    • Adrenal Fatigue
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Burn Out
    • Insomnia

Please contact us if you have any questions about what acupuncture can do for your condition or injury.

Do you do dry needling or IMS?

Yes. We do motor point therapy which elicits a twitch sensation to innervate weak muscles or release tension from overactive and tight muscles.

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy that involves the burning of dried mugwort (Artemesia Argyi) on or near the skin. It can be used over specific acupuncture points for many internal medical conditions such as arthritis, common colds or fatigue. It can also be used in more general areas to promote circulation and relieve pain.

What is cupping?

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Fire cupping is done with glass cups, and uses a flame to create a vacuum inside the cup and suctioning it onto the skin; either over a specific acupoint or an area of tension and pain.

Cupping can be used for loosening tight fascia and muscles, increasing circulation and promoting healing. It can also be used for internal disease such as colds, stomach aches and dysmenorrhea (painful periods).

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There are several methods that can be used such as stationary cupping (leaving the cups in one spot), flash cupping (quick application and immediate removal), slide cupping (lubricating the skin and sliding the cups) or blood cupping (lancing the skin and applying a cup over top).

Cupping does usually leave reddish-purple circular marks on the skin, which can last from 3-10 days.

What is Guasha?

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Guasha is a scraping technique, which uses tools to increase circulation, remove excess tension and break up fascial adhesions. Like cupping, this can also be used for internal diseases such as colds, headaches, and sore throats.

Guasha also leaves reddish-purple marks on the skin which fade in 3-10 days, and is a normal outcome of this treatment.

What is Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment used as an analgesic (pain relief), muscle relaxant and tissue regeneration for accelerated healing. In conjunction with other modalities, it is a powerful tool for promoting healing in deeper tissues, especially areas with poor blood supply.

What insurance providers can you direct bill?

We can direct bill many insurance providers, including: