ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE

Is acupuncture safe?

When performed by a Licensed Acupuncturist, acupuncture is very safe. Licensed Acupuncturists are required to use sterile, one-time use only needles that are discarded after each use.
 

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most people report feeling very relaxed during and after their treatment and relief from any previous suffering from when they arrived. Every person experiences different sensations from an acupuncture needle - from a slight grabbing, to a buzzing or pricking sensation to nothing at all. Acupuncture needles are not meant to be painful while retained. If you experience a bothersome or painful sensation that does not go away after the needle has been placed, you should alert your acupuncturist right away. 
 

What types of symptoms can acupuncture benefit?

So many! Click here to read more about it and scroll down for specific issues that can be relieved and/or eliminated.
 

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is a form of healing that is several thousand years old. It is based on the nature-based Chinese medical theory that pathways of energy flow throughout the body. These pathways are called meridians. Each pathway is associated with a particular organ system and has various functions.

The vital life force, qi (pronounced "chee"), flows through these meridians. When it is affected or blocked by emotional disturbances, physical injury, environmental or lifestyle factors, imbalance can occur in the body and mind. This is when people notice pain of some sort or some part of their system not functioning at its peak.

Acupuncture is a way to unblock these hindrances in order to restore energetic harmony to an individual's body, mind and spirit.
 

Can I receive acupuncture treatment while under the care of my Western medical doctor?

Absolutely! I encourage each patient to utilize and research various methods of healing that are appropriate for them. I am happy to discuss your care with your doctor, if you choose and with your permission.  

How many treatments will I need?

This varies from individual to individual. Very often, people notice improvement within the first few treatments. Some chronic issues, however, may take several treatments to begin to shift.

I typically recommend that anyone seeking relief from chronic illness or acute trauma receive treatment at least once per week for six to eight weeks. Again, this may vary upon individual needs to more or less visits. If no improvement is noticed within that time, I will re-evaluate the course of treatment and perhaps refer the patient to a different healing modality other than, or in addition to, acupuncture.

Acupuncture treatment builds on itself. Just like making changes to one's diet or exercise regime, a person will typically see positive shifts increase over time. Once someone begins to notice lasting change, treatment is typically less frequently needed.

What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?

Acupuncture has the ability to treat the root of disharmony in the body. Dry needling does not.

Acupuncture is the study and application of the laws and theories of Chinese Medicine which is a form of healing that is several thousand years old. Licensed Acupuncturists spend 3-4 years (1,500-2,000+ hours of training) in an accredited school learning the various cause of imbalances (dis-eases), meridian pathways and their functions, organ systems and their functions according to Chinese Medicine, proper needling technique and effective treatment principles in order to treat each person's individual patterns and concerns safely and effectively.

Dry needling, while acupuncture needles are sometimes utilized, is not the practice of acupuncture. Dry needling is the insertion of needles into a sore area of a muscle in order to stimulate its release. Those performing such a procedure may have as little as 40-50 hours of training. While dry needling has been found beneficial by some, it is often described as painful and does not address the root cause of pain. Furthermore, acupuncture points and meridian pathways which are not understood by the dry needling practitioner, may inadvertently be stimulated and create further emotional and physical imbalance.

I am a Licensed Acupuncturist in the State of Maryland and received my education in the healing arts from the Maryland University of Integrative Health.
Contact me if you are interested in discussing how treatment with me may benefit you.