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Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions does acupuncture treat?
Is acupuncture safe?
Do the acupuncture needles hurt?
How deep do the needles go?
How many treatments will it take?
What can I do to help make acupuncture work?
Does acupuncture always help?
Are there treatments available without needles?
Can acupuncture be used as preventative medicine?
What conditions does acupuncture treat?Though acupuncture is most well known for its ability to relieve pain, it is a whole system of medicine that addresses all aspects of health. Following is a simplified list of commonly treated conditions. If your health concern is not on this list, please contact Lynne to see if your health concern will respond to acupuncture.
Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome • Facial palsy (early stage)
Fibromyalgia • Frozen Shoulder • Headache • Intercostal Neuralgia • Knee pain
Low back pain • Migraine • Neck and shoulder pain • Osteoarthritis • Pareses following a stroke
Peripheral neuropathies • Sciatica • Sports injuries • Tennis elbow • Trigeminal Neuralgia
Whiplash
Emotional and psychological problems:
Stress • Anxiety • Depression • Insomnia • AddictionsGastrointestinal Disorders:
Acute and chronic gastritis • Acute and chronic colitis • Constipation • Diarrhea
Male and Female Reproductive & Gynecological conditions
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) • Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)
Spotting and excessive bleeding • Amenorrhea (loss of menstrual period)
Impotence • Infertility • Incontinence • Menopausal symptoms • Prostatis
Upper Respiratory Tract
Acute and chronic sinusitis • Acute rhinitis • Common cold and flu • Acute tonsillitis • AllergiesRespiratory Tract
Bronchitis • Bronchial asthma • AsthmaIn 1996 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated acupuncture needles as it does medical devices such as surgical scalpels and hypodermic syringes. Now, acupuncture needles are only manufactured according to single-use standards of sterility. They are used for one treatment and then disposed of.
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Do the acupuncture needles hurt?Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, hair-like and manufactured for painless insertion. Most people are surprised at how little discomfort is involved. Lynne’s needling technique is very gentle and she works closely with patients to ensure a comfortable and positive experience. Generally, the treatments are very relaxing and restorative. It is not uncommon for clients to fall asleep during treatments.
Back to topThe depth depends on the location, the style of needling and the build of the person. I commonly use Japanese style needling that goes no more than 1/4 inch deep. Acupuncturists are highly trained in the proper depth and location of acupuncture points.
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How many treatments will it take?At the end of your first visit, Lynne will propose a treatment plan based on the condition being treated and your overall health and constitution. However, response to treatment does vary considerably, making it difficult to definitively determine how many treatments will be needed.
With most chronic conditions, 3-5 weekly treatments may be required to assess whether or not acupuncture will help the condition. Most people should begin to see some results after 2 treatments. Generally, the more longstanding the condition, the longer it may take to have a curative affect—possibly several months of weekly treatments.
Acute conditions may only require 2-3 treatments to resolve.
It is important recognize that even when your symptoms are gone, your body is continuing to heal. Thus, it is wise to continue care to retain and strengthen your health and prevent future problems.
The results of your treatments may relate directly to your commitment to the treatment plan, as the effects of acupuncture tend to be cumulative. Even after you are feeling better, it is wise to continue for several additional treatments to promote full recovery. For many acupuncture gives complete relief of their condition, while others use it to make symptoms more manageable.
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What can I do to help make acupuncture work?There may be some lifestyle changes that will be required for you to have the best results from your acupuncture treatments. These changes may include stress reduction, dietary changes, and reduced exposure to anything which is causing or contributing to the condition being treated. Without making these changes, a person may require more treatments and/or have inconsistent or no results from acupuncture.
Back to topIf there has been no response to treatment in 3-5 visits, then acupuncture may not work for you and other approaches should be considered.
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Are there treatments available without needles?
Yes. Lynne uses both light (low level laser) and Acutonics, the vibration of tuning forks on acupuncture points instead of needles for those who prefer treatment without needles.
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Can acupuncture be used as preventative medicine?Absolutely! Acupuncture is an excellent method of disease prevention.There is an old story that in ancient China, when the emperor got sick, the acupuncturist “got fired.” Keeping the body in balance before disease arises is a wonderful way to use this medicine. Many patients either come in for periodic “wellness” treatments after their original health concern has resolved, or though not “sick,” come for periodic treatments to maintain their health to prevent illness. Your best cure is prevention!
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