ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is believed to have originated in China around 3,000 years ago.
In acupuncture, hair fine, disposable needles are used to treat points on the body that are along electro-magnetic energy pathways (meridians) in order to re-establish balance and treat symptoms.
The Chinese learned to diagnose the patient from external clues derived through tongue and pulse, abdominal palpation, face reading, as well as information given by the patient.
In acupuncture, the body is treated as a whole (holistic), to address imbalances.
The body's immune system is stimulated to heal itself naturally without side effects.
Acupuncture is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is popular in many countries around the world.
Most patients are able to have the benefit of deep relaxation and well being from acupuncture treatment.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The patient lies on his/her back and the pulse is taken, the tongue is examined and the belly is palpated gently for tightness, tenderness and/or guardedness to elicit information about what imbalance needs to be treated.
When hair fine needles are gently inserted into acupuncture points, the electromagnetic field of the body is being stimulated and the patient may or may not feel tingling, heat, heaviness, mild achiness and/or electrical sensations at the insertion site or elsewhere. Some people feel a lot of sensations while others feel very little or nothing. Acupuncture is generally a positive and pleasant experience. If there is a mild achiness it goes away in a minute or two.
Kellie typically treats both sides of the body. After the needles on the front of the body are inserted the patient may be left alone for 10-20 minutes. Many people get very relaxed in this time which helps the body to be more receptive to treatment and can be beneficial for stress reduction.
The points in the back and neck and shoulders are often heated with a traditional herbal heat called moxa or moxibustion which is very pleasant and relaxing as well as helpful for strengthening the body and moving pain and stiffness.
Kellie treats one patient at a time, giving that patient full attention. Some practioners have 2 or more rooms going at the same time.
The initial visit is 75-90 minutes. There is a full intake of complaint and health history as well as a full treatment.
Follow-up visits are one hour.
It is good, but not necessary to wear loose, comfortable clothing. There are blankets available and privacy to prepare if you are not dressed in this way.
It is best one hour before and after acupuncture to be moderate. i.e. to not come on an empty or overly full stomach and not to do excessive exercise.
For most patients, treatment is once a week when addressing a specific symptom. If acupuncture is going to help in a significant way, the patient should see a significant shift within 3-4 visits.
Some people use acupuncture the way they would a massage – for a special treat to themselves, for stress reduction and a sense of overall well-being. Those come in occasionally as their schedule/budget allows.