Common Queries

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. Stimulation of these points restores balance and promotes the body's natural healing abilities.

From a modern perspective, acupuncture influences various physiological functions such as pain perception, inflammation, circulation, and hormonal regulation. Modern clinical studies have shown that acupuncture treatments can influence key biological markers in the body. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting acupuncture as a beneficial treatment modality for various conditions.

What does acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is increasingly gaining recognition as a mainstream medical practice, endorsed by prominent institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the World Health Organization (WHO), and leading integrative health centers like the John Hopkins and Mayo Clinics. These organizations acknowledge acupuncture's safety and effectiveness in treating a variety of health conditions. Some common conditions that acupuncture is often used to treat include:

Pain Management: Acupuncture is well-known for its ability to relieve pain, including chronic pain conditions such as back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and migraine headaches.
Musculoskeletal Disorders: This includes conditions like sciatica, tendonitis, frozen shoulder, and fibromyalgia.
Digestive Disorders: Acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, constipation, and gastritis.
Neurological Disorders: Acupuncture is used to support treatment for conditions like stroke rehabilitation, neuropathy, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Mental and Emotional Health: Acupuncture is beneficial for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Women's Health: It can help with menstrual irregularities, fertility support, pregnancy-related symptoms (e.g., morning sickness), and menopausal symptoms (e.g., hot flashes and night sweats).
Respiratory Conditions: Acupuncture may provide relief for allergies, asthma, sinusitis, and chronic cough.
Immune Support: Acupuncture can help strengthen the immune system and support overall wellness.
Addiction Support: It is sometimes used as part of addiction recovery programs to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Other Conditions: Acupuncture is also used to address fatigue, hypertension, skin conditions, and to support general well-being.

Overall, acupuncture is valued for its holistic approach to health, aiming to restore balance and promote the body's natural healing mechanisms.

Is acupuncture safe?

Absolutely, acupuncture is generally considered safe and low-risk when administered by a qualified and licensed practitioner. Acupuncture needles are single-use, sterile, and immediately disposed of after each treatment. Acupuncture needles are NEVER re-used under any circumstances. Acupuncture has minimal side effects. The most common reactions may include slight bruising, soreness, or minor bleeding at the insertion sites. Serious adverse effects are extremely rare.

Alissa Eggert attended a 3+ year graduate program in Chinese medicine at Bastyr University where she received a MSOM. She is a board certified Licensed Acupuncture Physician, nationally accredited Dipl. OM by the NCCAOM and member of the American Acupuncture Council.

What to expect at my first appointment?

Your first acupuncture session is a personalized experience that typically includes several key elements:

Consultation: Your acupuncturist will begin by discussing your medical history, current symptoms, and health goals. This conversation helps them understand your unique health needs and tailor the treatment accordingly.
Assessment: The acupuncturist may perform a physical examination, which can include checking your pulse, examining your tongue, and palpating certain areas of your body to identify specific acupuncture points.
Treatment Plan: Based on the consultation and assessment, your acupuncturist will create a customized treatment plan. This plan may involve targeting specific acupuncture points to address your primary concerns and promote overall well-being.
Acupuncture Treatment: During the treatment, you will typically lie comfortably on a treatment table. The acupuncturist will gently insert thin, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on your body. You may feel a slight sensation upon insertion, but acupuncture is generally painless and relaxing.
Needle Retention: The needles are usually left in place for about 20-30 minutes while you rest quietly. Some acupuncturists may gently manipulate the needles or apply heat (moxibustion) to enhance the therapeutic effects.
Aftercare: After the needles are removed, your acupuncturist may provide recommendations for post-treatment care, such as drinking water, avoiding strenuous activity, or applying heat or ice to the treated areas if needed.
Follow-Up: Depending on your condition, your acupuncturist may recommend a series of treatments to achieve optimal results. They will discuss the frequency of follow-up sessions and answer any questions you may have about the process.

Overall, your first acupuncture session is a collaborative process focused on addressing your health concerns and promoting relaxation and well-being. Many people find acupuncture to be a calming and rejuvenating experience, and its effects may be felt immediately or over a series of treatments depending on the individual and their condition.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of acupuncture treatments you will need depends on several factors, including your specific health condition, its severity, how long you've had the condition, and your individual response to acupuncture.

For acute conditions, such as a recent injury or mild illness, you may experience relief after just a few acupuncture sessions. Chronic conditions, such as long-term pain, digestive disorders, or emotional imbalances, often require a series of treatments to achieve lasting results. Initially, weekly sessions may be recommended, followed by gradually spacing them out as improvement occurs. Some people choose acupuncture for preventive health and may benefit from periodic sessions every few weeks or months to support overall well-being and prevent future issues.