FAQ
Q. WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
Licensed Acupuncturists insert single-use sterile needles that are as fine as two or three strands of hair. Generally, insertion causes no pain with the possibility of a small prick sensation that quickly dissipates. More often, a pushing sensation (known as 'daqi') is felt as connections to channels are made.
Q. WHAT DO I NEED TO RECEIVE AN ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?
You will need to wear loosely fitted clothing, or shorts and a tank top. If a treatment on your back is required, you will need to remove your top. Sheets or scarfs are used to prevent you from becoming chilled as you rest with your treatment. Acupuncture needles are left in place for at least 20-40 minutes depending on the condition. Other modalities such as moxibustion, cupping, or acupressure can be added (for an extra fee) to enhance to efficacy of your treatment. Kathelee may offer them to you and you may or may not choose to add a modality.
If you do not have a massage table, Kathelee is able to treat you in an overstuffed chair, or she can bring a massage table if she finds you require treatments lying face down.
Q. WHAT ABOUT BLEEDING AFTER ACUPUNCTURE?
There is vary rarely bleeding upon entry or removal, with a slight possibility of occasional bruising. Even when taking blood thinners, there is only occasional and slight bruising, maybe one small bruise every few treatments.
Q. WHAT CONDITIONS CAN ACUPUNCTURE AND HERBS TREAT?
Acupuncture and Herbs are modalities within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which is a complete medicine with treatments for everything. Acupuncture can diagnose and treat conditions before they become tragic diseases. Many of the common disorders and diseases we treat are: back and neck pain, pulled muscles, allergies, digestive disorders such as acid reflux, GERD, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, menstrual disregulation, arthritis, diabetes, sleep disorders, poor vision, tinnitis and everything else.
Q. HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
The number of treatments necessary will depend upon your condition. if your symptoms are chronic you will require more treatments and possibly regular ongoing treatments. If your symptoms are acute and you are in to take care of them right away, you will most likely need fewer treatments depending on your overall health. Acute conditions usually require 2 to 6 treatments while chronic conditions anywhere from about 5 to 20.
Q. ARE ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES THE ONLY MEANS OF TREATING MY CONDITION?
Acupuncturists use other modalities to warm, strengthen, and disperse energy in the body. Kathelee may add moxibustion for cold deficiencies, cupping for excess heat, or guasha or acupressure to disperse stagnant energy in the body. For stronger treatments, acupuncture modalities can be combined with special herbal medicine and/or nutritional consultations. Proper diet and herbal medicine are a means for prolonging the acupuncture treatments at home, every day, until your next treatment.
Q. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF ACUPUNCTURE OVER WESTERN MEDICINE?
The advantages of acupuncture treatment are great, including that the only side effects are relaxation and improved sleep, while the side effects from prescription drugs can be quite serious. Even the herbal formulae have no 'side effects' like prescription drugs, just the possible cleansing effects if the formula is clearing dampness and heat, there is a possibility of some loose stool. The dosage can be varied to stop any such side effects and supportive teas such as Ginger or Peppermint also can be added to stop loose stool. The idea is to regain health and feel better, so long term side effects would be considered an unsuccessful treatment.
In addition to needling, your treatment may also include a variety of non-needling techniques such as moxibustion (heat), acupressure, herbal medicine, cupping, guasha, breathing techniques, exercise, nutrition, diet, herbs to promote, maintain, and restore health.
Kathelee also has an extensive background in exercise rehabilitation and can develop a stretching and/or strengthening protocol specific to your rehabilitation needs.
