Frequently Asked Questions
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of medicine that is over 5,000 years old. It is based on the ancient Chinese philosophy that everything in the body is connected. The Chinese discovered that certain meridians (or lines of energy) existed in the body and that they all had a relationship to one another. There are certain acupuncture points that correspond to the meridians and to organ systems, and activating these points can help treat various health conditions. Recently, western medical studies have found that these points actually show up on MRI screenings.
An acupuncturist assesses the body to find out where there is an imbalance and then uses acupuncture points and/or other modalities to bring the body back into harmony so that it can heal itself. This is based on the concept that disease arises from an energetic imbalance in the body. An acupuncturist will examine the pulse and the tongue of the patient, and also palpate the body for tenderness, dryness or dampness on the skin or any stagnation of the musculature.
What should I expect during the first treatment? Will it hurt?
Colette uses sterile Japanese stainless steel single-use needles. They are about as thin as the width of a single human hair (as opposed to the hypodermic needles used for taking blood, which are much larger). The needles should not hurt at all, or if they do it should be very slight and will dissipate quickly. What you will more likely feel is a dull, achy sensation, or a sense of energy traveling and moving in the body or in the specific area being treated. In acupuncture this is known as a “de qi” sensation. It is an excellent sign that things are starting to move and that the body is getting more circulation to the area. If I think you need some specific muscle release work, called trigger-point therapy, then you could experience a muscle release, also called a fasciculation. It should not hurt but will feel like a muscle contracting and then releasing completely. You may feel sore afterward this kind of treatment because it is similar to doing a big workout in that it releases lactic acid from the muscles. However, soreness usually only lasts about a day or so. The sense of relief after trigger-point work can be quite profound.
What happens after a treatment?
You might feel really relaxed and/or in a “zen” kind of place. Acupuncture has been linked to increased endorphins, so it has a feel-good kind of effect on the body. It’s best to not do any vigorous exercise or other sort of heavy activity immediately afterwards. Letting the body relax and rest after a treatment is the best option, if possible. Lots of water and warm foods are also helpful for the body to continue the healing process.
How often should I come for a treatment?
It really varies depending on the patient and condition. Acute situations such as sudden back pain, a cold, a sprain, etc. might not need more than 1-3 treatments. Chronic pain, or long term ailments and/or fertility treatments might require a longer treatment plan. At your first treatment, we will discuss what your needs are and how best to accomplish your health goals. Acupuncture is also an amazing form of preventative medicine and can be used to help maintain optimal health, as well as help you make life changes that you might not have considered possible.
What does Acupuncture treat?
This is very broad answer, but here it is: many, many things. Here is a list of conditions and symptoms commonly treated with acupuncture:
General: allergies, asthma, sinusitis, headaches, TMJ, back pain, sciatica, musculoskeletal problems, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, depression, high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, addictions, indigestion, constipation, sexual dysfunction, post-operative recovery, palliative care
Women’s Health: menstrual irregularities, menopause, conception difficulties, pregnancy, childbirth, lactation difficulties, postpartum, ovarian and uterine problems
Men’s Health: prostate, infertility, impotence
Also: asthma, coughing, digestive problems, behavioral problems, ear infections, sleep problems
Preventative Health: disease prevention, stress management, wellness, seasonal attunement
Do you take insurance?
As of right now I am not taking insurance, but that may change in the future!
However, I am able to provide a super bill for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. If you have flex spending plan or your plan covers acupuncture, you should get some money returned to you.
Why Acupuncture?
Colette believes in this work wholeheartedly. Acupuncture works on a deep level to help the body transform and heal itself. This is not to say that western medicine is not useful or necessary. However, when a problem is very complex or other means of treatment have not helped, acupuncture can help make profound changes. The body is a highly complex system and acupuncture does not parcel it out, but treats the body as a whole, which also includes the mental/emotional/spiritual aspects of health as well as the physical body.
Your initial consultation is free. Come meet me and learn more.
Or call 917-770-9107 and I will be happy to answer your questions.
Special note for Covid 19: If you are not comfortable coming into the office for your free consultation, we are happy to do it via Zoom. Simply let us know your preference when scheduling it.