Oriental Medicine & Acupuncture Specialist

What Precisely is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture’s roots are deep in Eastern medicine -- it’s been practiced in Asia for thousands of years -- but it’s used throughout both the East and West today. By using small needles and micro-currents, acupuncturists are able to treat physical, emotional and mental ailments. Many conditions are caused by an imbalance in this system, and restoring its balance can relieve these conditions.

Is Acupuncture a Safe Practice?

Acupuncture is considered safe both in and outside of the medical community. Like all procedures, someone who has proper training should only do it. As long as a qualified provider administers the treatment, it’s extremely safe.

All licensed acupuncturists have the required training and are qualified to administer acupuncture treatments. In addition to formally studying the treatment, they’ve also demonstrated their knowledge of acupuncture by passing a difficult licensure examination.

How Long Do Acupuncture Treatments Take?

The duration of specific appointments varies slightly; depending on what part of the body is being treated and what kind of acupuncture is being administered. Most appointments take 30-60 minutes.  Patients can ask when scheduling an acupuncture appointment precisely how long they should expect it to take.

Effective acupuncture treatments typically involve multiple appointments. Although results are sometimes noticeable after a single appointment, they’re usually more pronounced after several appointments. Often, appointments are scheduled a week apart from one another, but the frequency may be increased or decreased on a case-by-case basis.

What Should Patients Look for in an Acupuncturist?

In addition to seeking out a licensed acupuncturist, patients should look for a provider who works at an office near them. Because multiple appointments are usually needed, it’s a good idea to go to a practice that’s easy to get to and from.