1. Are the services professional?
Yes, the practitioners in Vitality Therapy are very professional. They all well educated and have had many experiences in their field. They also make sure to keep learning and improving their skills.
2. What should I expect during treatment?
Where the acupuncture needle has been inserted, you may experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling, or dull ache. Sometimes people experience a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needle. This is called the “Qi” sensation. All these reactions are good and a sign that the treatment is working. Afterward you may feel energized or a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.
3. How should I prepare?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
- Do not eat large meals just before or after the visit.
- Refrain from overexertion, drugs, or alcohol for up to 6 hours after the visit.
- Avoid stressful situation. Make time to relax and be sure to get plenty of rest.
Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, ie., the alleviation of pain, or pain moving to other areas, changes in the frequency and type of problem(s).
4. Why did my acupuncturist recommend herbs?
Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body, or clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever, or acute pain. Your practitioner may suggest starting with herbs, and then adding acupuncture to your treatment in the future. This is suggested to build up internal strength in order to receive full benefits acupuncture has to offer.
5. Will my insurance cover acupuncture?
Insurance coverage varies from company-to-company. Contact your insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered. Here are a few questions to ask:
- Will my plan cover acupuncture?
- How many visits per calendar year?
- Do I need a referral?
6. What is Qi and how does it move?
At the core of this ancient medicine, is the philosophy that Qi, (pronounced “chee”) or Life Energy, flows throughout the body. Qi animates the body and protects it from illness, pain and disease. A person’s health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. Qi circulates through specific pathways called Meridians. There are 14 meridian pathways throughout the body. Each is connected to specific organs and glands.
Meridian pathways are like rivers. Where a river flows, it transports life-giving water that nourishes the land, plants and people. Like rivers, meridian pathways transport life-giving Qi to nourish & energize every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle. When Qi flows freely throughout the body, one enjoys good physical, mental & emotional Well-being. An obstruction of Qi anywhere in the body is like a dam, backing up in one area, and restricting it in others. Restricting the flow affects the nourishment required by the body in order to function optimally.
7. What can affect Qi?
Many things influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, diet, accidents, or excessive activity can lead to a blockage or imbalance of Qi. Normally when this occurs, the body naturally bounds back. Returning to a balanced state of health & well-being. When the disruption to Qi is prolonged, excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, illness, pain, or disease can set in.
8. Do the needles hurt?
The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies. Some people feel a little pain as the needles are inserted, but most people feel no pain at all. The needles are tiny, just a little larger than a cat’s whisker or a hair
9. How deep do the acupuncture needles go?
The depth of the insertion varies. For example, your acupuncturist will use a needling technique that is different in fleshier areas, such as your buttocks. Typically, needles are inserted at depths ranging between 1/8” to 1 1/2” deep.
10. Why do they want to feel my pulse?
There are 12 pulse positions on each wrist that your acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific organ and meridian. They will be looking for 27 individual qualities that reflect overall health. If there are any imbalances, they may appear in the pulse.
11. Why do they want to look at my tongue?
The tongue is a map of the body. It reflects the general health of the organs and meridians. They’ll look at the color, shape, cracks and coating on the tongue.
12. How safe is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects, except feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then disposed of.
13. Is Acupuncture safe for children?
Yes! In some instances children actually respond more quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, your acupuncturist may massage the acupuncture points, This is called acupressure. Or by using the ear acupuncture technique which has no needle involved.
14. What can I expect?
During the initial exam a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health and life-style. An acupuncturist may also check pulses, the tongue, and conduct an appropriate physical exam. The information is then organized in order to create a complete, comprehensive and accurate diagnosis. After the interview process, you may receive an acupuncture treatment. Visits range from 30 to 90 minutes.
15. How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief, others may take months, even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes. Treatment frequency depends upon a variety of factors: the severity and duration of the problem, constitution, & the quality and quantity of Qi. An acupuncturist may suggest anywhere from one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance, seasonal “tune ups”, or prevention.