Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body known as acupuncture points. Practitioners view these points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain by boosting your body’s natural painkillers. Increasingly, it is being used for overall wellness, including stress management, migraines, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, PTSD and a variety of other conditions.
How to prepare for treatment?
Fill out the online intake form prior to your first visit and make an online profile.
Wear loose comfortable clothing that you can move around easily in. Depending on the area being treated you may be asked to remove an article of clothing. A Gown or linens will be provided.
Avoid eating a big meal 2-3 hours before treatment.
Arrive on time so that you can benefit from the full length of your appointment.
We encourage you to rest after treatment, and not engage in any strenuous activity so that your body can get the full benefits of the treatment.
Stay hydrated before and after treatment, this can aid in recovery.
What to expect;
Prior to your first acupuncture session you will need to fill out a detailed intake form followed by an in person initial assessment of your primary reason for seeking treatment. This will allow your acupuncturist to carefully curate a treatment plan based around their findings and assessment.
Acupuncture needles are inserted at strategic points on your body. The needles are very thin, so insertion typically causes no discomfort. Depending on the condition being treated, the session may also include heat/cold packs, gentle massage, bolstering/supporting parts of your body or an acupressure mat. In most cases, the needles remain in place for 10-15 minutes while you relax in stillness and comfort, listening to your choice of guided meditation, gentle music or silence if you wish. There is typically no discomfort when the needles are removed.
The number and frequency of sessions required varies depending on the injury or condition. Our Acupuncture Practitioners do not diagnose or practice medicine, nor do we attempt to treat disease. If you are concerned about any medical pathology and /or disease, always consult your physician prior to exploring Acupuncture treatment.
What Can I expect after the treatment?
After an acupuncture treatment, most people feel relaxed.
In the days that follow, sleep, digestion and energy may improve, and pain and stress may decrease.
People report feeling fatigue, fatigue is a sign that your body is healing, allow your body to rest.
After any treatment, it is encouraged to hydrate the body, get plenty of sleep, and if you choose to exercise keep it gentle: take a walk, stretch, gentle yoga. Epsom salt baths are also encouraged for muscle relaxation and detoxification.
Some people may experience intensified symptoms of their personal ailment within 48 hours of their treatment.
Such a reaction is more common for patients being treated for an acute condition such as a new injury. This is a very normal and common reaction that leads to healing and should be no cause for alarm. If conditions don’t improve within 48 hours please let your therapist know.