Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture is not meant to be painful. You may feel a slight prick upon insertion of the needle or feel a dull ache, tingling, warmth, or sensation of heaviness with needle placement, but no part of the treatment is ever meant to be painful or uncomfortable in any way. Once the needles are in, you should be able to rest comfortably for the duration of the treatment. Please let your practitioner know if anything feels uncomfortable at any point during your treatment.

We can use laser acupuncture instead of needles to avoid any discomfort or fear of needles.

Are there any risks or side effects?

Acupuncture is an incredibly safe treatment modality with minimal risk of adverse side effects. Although occasional and minimal, some side effects are possible and normally disappear shortly after treatment (such as slight bleeding or small bruises). Each needle is sterile and disposable, eliminating the risk for infection.

How often will I need treatment? When will I start to notice results?

Frequency may be determined by the severity of the condition (whether chronic or acute) and a variety of other factors that will be determined during your initial consultation. Typical treatment frequency is once or twice a week with regular reassessment of symptoms and appropriate modification of treatment frequency and protocol. Most people feel calm and relaxed after acupuncture treatments, and improvement of conditions will vary depending on severity and duration.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture consists of inserting hair-thin, stainless steel needles in different parts of the body to elicit various biological and physiological responses through activation of sensory receptors. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the healing state of the autonomic nervous system, as opposed to fight or flight), increases blood flow to injured areas, decreases inflammation, boosts the immune system, and sends the message to the brain via the central nervous system to release pain-relieving neurotransmitters such as endorphins and serotonin.

What if I’m afraid of needles?

We have a solution. We offer a "no needle" approach using laser acupuncture (low level laser therapy) for those who are needle-phobic.

Frequently Asked Questions about Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT/Photobiomodulation) Treatment:

How does low level laser therapy work?

Low level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as cold laser or photobiomodulation, utilizes red and infrared light. These wavelengths of light work to decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines, promote blood circulation and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), and promote tissue regeneration. How does it accomplish this? By increasing mitochondrial ATP production through the process of photobiomodulation. Mitochondria function as the "power plants" of your cells, and the increase in ATP production (cellular energy) accelerates your body’s healing process, cell metabolism, and cellular regeneration at the DNA level. Low level laser therapy also facilitates the secretion of serotonin, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and endorphins for pain management.

How is low level laser therapy different than acupuncture?

Low level laser therapy shares many benefits of acupuncture, including:

• Increased blood circulation
• Decreased inflammation
• Pain relief caused by the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines and neurotransmitters.

Instead of using acupuncture needles to activate the nervous system, low level laser therapy uses red and infrared light to stimulate cellular photon metabolism. Our combined laser and acupuncture treatments incorporate the best of ancient Eastern and innovative Western modalities for powerful and effective relief of symptoms. During your initial consult, we can discuss whether low level laser therapy, acupuncture, or both, will be best for your specific health concerns.

How often will I need treatment? When will I start to notice results?

With low level laser therapy, initial frequency is crucial for positive results. Depending on the condition, we typically recommend three treatments per week for the first two weeks or so, and then gradually taper down to periodic maintenance treatments or until your symptoms have been completely alleviated. Depending on the severity, type, and length of injury, between 5-20 treatments are typical before the desired results are achieved.

Are there any side effects of low level laser therapy?

No. Low level laser therapy is completely safe, non-invasive, pain free, and has no adverse side effects.