FAQ
Does acupuncture really work?
Yes, it does! Since I discovered acupuncture I’ve personally experienced relief from asthma, sinus congestion, frequent colds, headaches, stress, insomnia, and muscle aches, to name a few. I wouldn’t practice a medicine in which I didn’t fully believe. You may feel relief from symptoms that have bothered you for years!
How does acupuncture work?
The human body is traversed by energy pathways known as “meridians”. Thin, disposable, sterile, stainless steel needles are inserted into points along these pathways in order to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities.
How many treatments will I need before I see results?
It really depends on the condition(s) for which you’re being treated. Ideally you’ll notice improvement within 4 to 6 treatments, although some people experience changes after the first treatment. A treatment plan will be discussed with you during your initial appointment.
Does acupuncture hurt?
When people think of needles, they usually think of hypodermic needles, the type used to give blood. Acupuncture needles are very different: they are much smaller, solid, and as thin a human hair. Many people don’t feel anything when being needled, some do. These sensations have been described as “heavy”, “itchy”, and “zingy”, to name a few. Patients tend to feel relaxed during a treatment. In fact, most of them fall asleep while on the treatment table!
What can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can help a wide variety of disorders, because the focus is on the underlying cause instead of the symptoms. According to the World Health Organization (www.who.int), the following are just some of the conditions that can benefit from acupuncture:
Circulatory Disorders
- Anemia
- Angina pectoris
- Arteriosclerosis
- High blood pressure
- Ear Disorders
- Dizziness
- Earache
- Nerve deafness
- Ringing in the ears
Emotional and Psychological Disorders
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Stress
Eye Disorders
- Acute conjunctivitis
- Cataract (without complications)
- Central retinitis
- Myopia (in children)
- Poor eyesight
Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Abdominal bloating
- Acute bacillary dysentery
- Colitis
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Food allergies
- Gastric hyperacidity
- Gastritis
- Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Hemorrhoids
- Hiccups
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Spastic colon
- Ulcers
Gynecological and Genitourinary Disorders
- Chronic bladder infection
- Complications in pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Impotence
- Infertility in men and women
- Irregular, heavy or painful menstruation
- Kidney stones
- Menopause
- Morning sickness
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Sexual dysfunction
Immune Disorders
- Allergies
- Candida
- Chronic fatigue
- Epstein Barr virus
- Hepatitis
- HIV and AIDS
- Lupus
- MS
Mouth and Throat Disorders
- Gingivitis
- Sore throat
- Toothache, post-extraction pain
Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Bell’s palsy
- Bursitis
- Cerebral palsy
- “Frozen shoulder”
- Headaches and Migraines
- Meniere’s disease
- Muscle spasms
- Neuralgia
- Nocturnal enuresis
- Peripheral neuropathies
- Polio
- Sciatica
- Shingles
- Sprains
- Stiff neck
- Stroke
- Tendonitis
- “Tennis elbow”
- Trigeminal neuralgia
Respiratory Disorders
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Colds and flu
- Emphysema
- Hay Fever/Rhinitis
- Sinusitis
- Tonsillitis
Miscellaneous
- Chemotherapy/radiation side effects
- Dermatological disorders
- Diabetes
What can I expect during a treatment?
Upon arrival for your appointment I will collect your paperwork and look it over to get an idea of the conditions for which you’d like to be treated. Then I will take you back to the treatment room and do a comprehensive intake, including a detailed history of your health. Once the intake is finished I will have you lie on the table to insert the needles. Once the needles are inserted, I will turn off the lights, turn on some music (if you so desire), and leave you alone to rest. I will check on you once during that time. Then I will come in, remove the needles, do any adjunctive techniques (if called for), and discuss the possibilities of herbs and setting up future appointments.
How long does a treatment last?
Expect to be here for 60-90 minutes for a new patient visit and 45-60 minutes for a follow up visit.
How much does it cost?
Our fees are as follows: $100 for an initial visit, $75 for follow ups. I believe strongly in making Traditional Chinese Medicine available to as many people as possible and, as such, I do have a limited number of discounted/sliding scale spots available. If you are interested in seeking treatment, but are worried about the cost, please feel free to contact me at info@kwaifahacupuncture.com and I will do my best to accommodate you.
What types of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check, or credit cards at this time. Unfortunately, we do not take American Express.
When do you see patients?
I see patients on Mondays through Saturdays, by appointment only.
