What can acupuncture treat? 

Chinese medicine has a unique goal of treating the root cause of a health challenge, which is found through unique diagnostics that evaluate the energetic state of the body, mind and spirit.  There are many health challenges and imbalances that respond very well to acupuncture, in all systems of the body, mind and spirit.  The beauty of Chinese medicine diagnostics is that we find the root cause, treat that, and often can see healing and balance restored to not only the presenting "problem" but other symptoms that may have been present, and seemingly not connected by way of western thinking. 

For example, a patient may be referred by her doctor for insomnia, yet once we begin treatment, not only will she be sleeping better, but her skin may clear up, she may find she loses weight, is less nervous, no longer has night sweats, and her GI acid reflux is no longer a problem.  

This is very common with Chinese medicine, because when we find the root cause, it is often responsible for other things as well. It gives you an idea of the connectedness of Chinese medicine diagnostics, in looking at the "whole person" rather than a symptom in isolation, too. 

If you wonder if acupuncture or Chinese medicine can be of use in your particular situation, you can always call me at 203.878.9913, and I will talk to you personally, because every situation is unique.   Often after talking, we can get a good idea if you will respond well to Chinese medicine.  

Also, it is important to know that acupuncture is but one therapy of Chinese medicine.  When used with other therapies, it can become much more effective.  

 How can I prepare for an appointment?

Come to your appointment about 10 minutes early, so you can begin treatment in a relaxed state.  If possible, wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be rolled up in the pantleg or sleeve.  Alternatively, you can undress and be draped with sheets which is fine, but many people like the convenience of not having to undress.  

Come to your appointment with the mindset of relaxing, and allowing healing in your body, mind and spirit.   That's it!  Just come in, relax, and be who you are. 

As far as eating and drinking, you may wish to abstain from food about an hour before your appointment.  Following an appointment, you may wish to avoid alcohol and heavy foods.  Eat and drink light and healthy!  If possible, take a few hours in quiet. Many people with busy lives like evening appointments for this reason. It is much easier to relax, go home and go to sleep.  For this reason, I have several days a week with later afternoon and evening appointments. 

Can I help myself to heal, in addition to what we do in the clinic?

Yes!  Absolutely.  In fact, one of the reasons I really love the Chinese healing arts so much is that they are very empowering.  I studied in a very old and classical way, which is learning qigong and qi healing first, and I keep and honor these roots in my clinic because by teaching people meditation, qigong and self healing methods, healing can be accelerated more than if the patient just comes in and receives passive healing.  Also, I find that sharing the arts of qigong and qi healing brings the most ancient experiential gifts into each person's life in a unique way.  It is empowering, and is a practice you can integrate as you see fit into your life.  Many people wish to learn self healing, and so it is available to all if they wish at my clinic. 

Additionally, we discuss diet and exercise and make practical recommendations for your own constitution.   I include basic qigong self care with all appointments, if the person wishes, and we tailor it to your own unique life. 


How many treatments will I need? 

This really, truly depends on the person, their condition and how long it has been present, and a lot of other factors.  The patients I see vary from very healthy athletes to those facing the health challenge of cancer, to those quitting smoking,  to those who are trying to conceive a child, and even those who just enjoy energetics as a relaxing therapy to stay well.  As you can see, no two people are the same.

We discuss the treatment course on your first visit, and determine what will work for you personally.  

Factors that affect treatment efficacy are being sure to have regular scheduled appointments (especially in the beginnning) and to reinforce the new pattterns of energy in the body, mind and spirit, and your life.  Making certain life changes also can affect the length of treatment time. 

Treatments can vary from one or two visits to a course of six, or at least 10 or more.  To keep it open to maximizing your own healing potential, we always plan for the least amount of treatments, and reassess after completing them. I find that in this way, people generally do a lot better and are happier. 

Should I tell my doctor I am receiving acupuncture or Chinese medicine care?  

Yes, of course you should.  Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are now respected, time honored medical arts, which are being integrated into western medicine more and more.  Also, working with energy and practicing qigong or energy arts of healing is now considered cutting edge evolution in medicine.  Mind body medicine is nothing new, and qigong is definitely very old, but as we evolve in medicine and share our arts and ideas, many physicians are very interested in what these arts can offer to their patients, as a means of avoiding costly interventions, pharmacy, and surgery.  Good medicine means being informed, and also, good communication!  So don't be shy on either end of sharing with your Chinese Medicine practitioner, or your doctor or nurse, your own health and wellness goals, and treatments. 

What can I expect during a treatment?

Come in and expect to relax.  In the treatment room, it is a quiet and healing space where you can lay back on a comfortable table, and simply rest as you listen to soft music during your treatment.  You can even fall asleep if you feel like it, and many people do.  If you are receiving acupuncture, you will find it is very gentle.  The style I practice is very old, and rooted in qigong healing.  I combine the art of qi healing with needling, as in Classical medicine of China, and therefore use few needles, and very gentle insertion style.   Most people report feeling a sensation of energy moving along the channels, or near the needles, and this is a pleasant feeling of warmth and relaxation, as well as sometimes tingling or coolness.  It is unique to the person, what they will experience.  Often after leaving, people report feeling a sense of energy near where the needle was, for the remainder of the day.  This is normal and very healing. It is simply your body allowing energy (qi) to do its healing work as you go about your day.