What is Acupuncture?
Several thousand years ago, East Asian practitioners discovered that the body forms disharmonies as a result of the various physical and mental stresses of life. Oriental medical theory explains these disharmonies as an imbalance of opposing forces called yin and yang. This imbalance disrupts the movement of the body's vital energy (qi) along the meridian pathways, which are channels through which the body's qi flows. By inserting and manipulating needles at specific points on the body, we help to restore balance to the qi flow in the meridians and thus promote and support the body's ability to heal itself.
What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?
Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like hypodermic injections at the doctor’s office. They won't. Acupuncture uses hair-thin, flexible needles that you will hardly feel when inserted. When gently stimulated, the needles may produce a unique sensation that Oriental medicine calls de qi. Patients often describe de qi as a heavy, achy pressure, or spreading, traveling feeling. You may also feel an "electrical" sensation moving down the meridian pathways, though this is less common. Most patients find these acupuncture sensations deeply satisfying and leave the treatment feeling relaxed both mentally and physically.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more then one treatment is usually necessary. For acute conditions it's typically 1-3 treatments per week for 2-3 weeks, with some measure of relief occuring after the first few sessions. Chronic conditions will often require a longer course of treatment, depending on the type, severity, and duration of the condition, and in such cases the usual recommendation is 1 treatment per week. Preventative treatments and treatments for general well-being may also be scheduled on an as-needed basis.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. Acupuncture is used by millions of Americans every year. Acupuncturists are required to undergo extensive education, including detailed study of human anatomy and training in Clean Needle Technique. We have passed comprehensive national board examinations administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and we are Board licensed by the state of NJ. We use sterile, disposable, single-use needles and adhere to strict clean needle technique.
Your First Visit
When you arrive for your first acupuncture appointment you will be asked to complete a comprehensive intake form. The acupuncture intake form asks questions about your current state of health, past illnesses, and family history. These questions are important because of the holistic approach of Oriental medicine. Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex landscapes and sometimes seemingly unrelated past events may have left an imprint that influences one's current state of health.
After reviewing your health history questionnaire and performing the initial evaluation, a pattern differentiation will be made and then an acupuncture treatment devised based on this pattern (or more commonly, patterns). Once the needles are inserted, you will then rest comfortably on a table or lounge chair for 15-30 minutes (depending on your condition). Many people find acupuncture treatments to be deeply relaxing, and it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during them.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine and works by activating the body's own healing powers, so it can be beneficial for many health conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented many symptoms, diseases, and conditions that have been shown in controlled clinical trials to be effectively treated with acupuncture. Below are some common conditions we can treat, but please feel free to contact us about your specific health condition.
Pain
- Sports injuries
- Muscle pain
- Back, neck and shoulder pain
- Leg, ankle and foot pain
- Arm, wrist and hand pain
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis Elbow
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Jaw pain (TMJ)
- Dental pain
- Sciatica
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Headaches and migraines
- Postoperative pain
- Peripheral neuropathy
Digestive Issues & Nausea
- Heartburn, Acid Reflux
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Chronic indigestion
- Chronic loose stools or constipation
- Peptic ulcer
- Acute and chronic gastritis
- Morning sickness
- Nausea and vomiting
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
Respiratory Complaints
- Sinusitis
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Cough
- Recurrent respiratory infections
Female and Male Health Issues
- Infertility
- Increased efficacy of In Vitro Fertilization
- Menstrual problems: such as painful periods, PMS, heavy bleeding, spotting
- Menopausal symptoms
- Enlarged prostate