Acupuncture 101: Getting to Know Acu

What is it?

There are meridians (sort of like energy channels) that run throughout the body that each corresponds to an organ (Liver, Spleen, Heart etc). When there is a disruption of flow of energy in these channels, disease manifests whether that is symptoms or diagnosed medical conditions such as Anxiety, PCOS or Hypothyroidism.  By manipulating the flow of Qi (the ‘energy’ that runs through the body) with acupuncture, we are able to help correct these imbalances.

Check out Dr. Michelle Jackson, ND’s article HERE that explains the difference between Eastern and Western acupuncture as well as provides some research that has been done on it’s efficacy! 

What Can You Expect?

The needles I use are 0.25mm thick (that’s TINY) and vary in length depending on where I am using them. The biggest question people ask is: does it hurt?? The simple answer is no, it shouldn’t.  Typically the sensation we are looking for with acupuncture is an achy, bruise-like sensation, which dissipates after a minute or two.  This is called ‘de qi’. It shouldn’t be sharp, so it is not at all like getting a needle.

In a regular visit, it depends on the case whether acupuncture is the most indicated treatment.  If you are curious about it, there is Walk-In Acupuncture held Wednesdays between 10-4 on a $20-$40 sliding scale.  In this, you receive a 15 minute intake and based on that, you’ll get an individualized acupuncture protocol that you can sit back, relax (fall asleep if you’d like) for 30-45 minutes.

What Can Acupuncture Help With?

Well, most things. It is completely individualized so your whole picture is taken into account when creating an acupuncture protocol. Some common reasons people seek acupuncture include:

-       Painful or irregular periods

-       PCOS, acne

-       Joint, ligament or muscular pain like arthritis or tense muscles

-       Anxiety/low mood

-       Digestive concerns such as IBS

-       Low energy

-       Headaches