What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of hair-thin single use sterile needles into the body to activate the nervous, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems resulting in the release of natural pain killing substances and dilation of the blood vessels in the body. This results in the delivery of oxygen and nutrient rich blood, hormones and immune factors to sick and injured areas of the body, thus expediting healing and recovery.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
The experience is different for everyone! While acupuncture typically does not hurt, most people feel something. Common sensations include pressure, an aching sensation, warmth, tingling, or nothing at all.
But I hate needles...
Acupuncture needles are close to the diameter of a human hair. They are far from the needles you have experienced before while getting a shot or donating blood. As a matter of fact, nearly forty acupuncture needles can fit into the typical opening of a hollow-bore needle used for delivering shots. In my experience treating people who are (were) afraid of needles, most have anxiously anticipated a horrible experience only to find just the opposite. Some people don't even notice the needle has been inserted and by the end of the appointment, don't want the needles removed. If you're afraid of needles, just let me know; I can work with you.
What can Acupuncture treat?
The question is not what can acupuncture treat, but rather what can't acupuncture treat. Most people only think of pain when they think about getting acupuncture. However, acupuncture can treat a wide range of conditions including musculoskeletal disorders, digestive disorders including weight management, stress management, fatigue, insomnia, women's health including infertility, irregular periods, and menopausal symptoms, men's health, urogenital disorders, all kinds of headaches including migraines, colds, symptoms associated with autoimmune disorders, and generally can improve overall health. If you have a condition not listed and you're just plain curious if acupuncture can help you, please call me. I'd love to answer your questions.
Visit the WHO website for more information.
Visit the WHO website for more information.
How do Chinese Herbs work?
Chinese herbs are prescribed based upon diagnosis and a treatment plan. Once a diagnosis and treatment plan are known, a formula is created based upon your individual needs. Each herb in the formula plays a specific role with the intention to be as concise and effective with as few side effects as possible. Generally, each herb has a job to do in a particular location of the body and formulas are concocted to ensure this is achieved. Chinese herbs work with the body's innate knowledge to restore health by assisting blood and energy in the ways they need to be restored.
What should I expect on my first visit?
The first visit includes a comprehensive health history assessment. I will ask a variety of questions about your body, your life, and your emotional well being. You will be asked to show your tongue and have your pulses checked. Many questions may seem strange or have nothing to do with your primary complaint, however, the answers are used to generate a complete picture of health for a proper diagnosis. Upon diagnosis, I will choose points on your body to place needles. The needles will be placed using very thin, single use sterile needles. Finally, I will check in with you for any sensations or response to the needles. Needle retention time ranges from 20 minutes to an hour depending on your diagnosis. After the treatment, the needles will be removed and I will reassess your condition. You may be given simple suggestions for home care or receive a suggested herbal formula.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Often people present wanting a health concern to be resolved in a visit or two after having spent years trying to manage this very same issue with other medical providers. Acupuncture is not magic; it is a physical medicine that requires time and compliance to work. Acupuncture builds on momentum. It is rare to have a health issue resolve after one treatment.
There are many factors that must be considered to answer this question. How many health concerns are we addressing? How long has the issue been going on? How severe is it? Are there any other health concerns that may exacerbate the issue at hand? Are lifestyle choices going to help resolve this quickly or will they slow the progression?
During the the first few appointments we will discuss these issues in depth. We will observe how quickly the intensity and frequency of your discomfort is reduced. If other modalities will speed this process along, we will discuss their addition to ensure the most effective route for resolution is utilized.
During each visit we will discuss how your body has changed since your last visit. We will measure and track these changes so we can evaluate your progress and keep the end goal in sight. After reviewing this information and your progression, a comprehensive treatment plan will be communicated and implemented to ensure the best outcome for your health.
There are many factors that must be considered to answer this question. How many health concerns are we addressing? How long has the issue been going on? How severe is it? Are there any other health concerns that may exacerbate the issue at hand? Are lifestyle choices going to help resolve this quickly or will they slow the progression?
During the the first few appointments we will discuss these issues in depth. We will observe how quickly the intensity and frequency of your discomfort is reduced. If other modalities will speed this process along, we will discuss their addition to ensure the most effective route for resolution is utilized.
During each visit we will discuss how your body has changed since your last visit. We will measure and track these changes so we can evaluate your progress and keep the end goal in sight. After reviewing this information and your progression, a comprehensive treatment plan will be communicated and implemented to ensure the best outcome for your health.
Do you take Insurance?
Bridgetown Acupuncture and Herbal Clinic does bill insurance. We will bill your insurance company directly for services rendered.
If you do not have insurance coverage, please call our office to see if we can make access to care more affordable to you and your family. Here are Bridgetown Acupuncture and Herbal Clinic, we are committed not only to high quality care, but also affordability and access as well.
Cheers to good health!
If you do not have insurance coverage, please call our office to see if we can make access to care more affordable to you and your family. Here are Bridgetown Acupuncture and Herbal Clinic, we are committed not only to high quality care, but also affordability and access as well.
Cheers to good health!
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