FAQ
- Frequently asked questions….
What
can I expect during my treatment?
I
will carefully evaluate your personal condition by asking
questions about past and present medical history, taking
the pulses, observing the tongue, and palpating various
areas of the body for tenderness. After arriving at a
specific diagnostic conclusion, one or several of the
following techniques will be incorporated:
*
Needles:
Thin,
sterile, stainless steel needles are placed in specific
acupuncture points. The needles are at least five times
thinner than typical hypodermic needles and insertion
is usually painless. You may feel a dull ache or tingling
sensation when the needle is stimulated. Acupuncture is
generally a very relaxing experience.
*
Moxibustion:
Moxa
is a Chinese herb (mugwort) which is rolled into sticks
or cones and burned above the skin. This aromatic herb
creates a sensation which is warming and pleasant and
regulates the qi.
*
Herbs:
Herbology is an intrinsic aspect of Oriental
medicine. Herbs may be prescribed to reduce acute conditions
or as a dietary supplement which will build and strengthen
the body.
*
Electric Stimulation:
Very low level electrical current may be applied
to the needle or to the skin. This is often used for muscle
spasms and acupuncture analgesia and to enhance point
stimulation in general.
* Massage:
Light massage and body work are often applied
in coordination with needling to aid relaxation and facilitate
the movement of qi.
Can
acupuncture needles spread disease?
No!
I use sterile disposable needles. These needles are used
once. These needles are used to stimulate one point on
the body and then are properly disposed
What
is expected of me during and after treatment?
This
time has been set-aside solely for you. Relax and allow
the healing process to occur. Feel free to ask questions
or voice any concerns which arise during the treatment.
Trust that all information is confidential. The treatment
does not end when the needles are removed. Acupuncture
has initiated a change within the body, and now it is
your right and responsibility to insure that these positive
patterns are fostered. If possible, take some time to
relax directly after your treatment. I recommend no strenuous
activity for at least 2 hours after a treatment.
How
should I prepare for my Acupuncture treatment?
Patients
should eat a light meal before coming for an acupuncture
treatment and should wear comfortable clothes. You should
be prepared to refrain from rigorous exercise for at least
two hours before and after treatment.
Occasionally
some symptoms of illness may temporarily increase after
treatment. This is known as a healing crisis, a positive
sign that the body is rallying its strength to move old
blockages and patterns of disease so that a balanced flow
of energy may reestablish.
Most
importantly, take an active part in your health care.
Because
acupuncture regulates energy, it is important that when
you arrive for treatment you are not exhausted, not too
hungry, or too full! Under no circumstances should you
have consumed alcoholic beverages or recreational drugs.
If there is any chance you are pregnant please stress
this to your practitioner. If you experience any disagreeable
problems as a result of herbal therapy, please call me.
How
long does an acupuncture visit take?
Your
first treatment is approximately 1.5 hours and involves
an initial consultation in which a diagnosis is made and
we determine which TCM treatments are right for you. After
the initial consultation, we generally move right into
a first treatment during the same visit. Follow-up visits
consist of a much shorter intake/diagnosis period before
treatment, and generally last for 1 hour.
How
many treatments are needed?
The
number of treatments needed to alleviate a disorder varies
depending on the type of illness and the individual. Generally,
acute diseases can be treated successfully within a few
treatments. Chronic problems which have taken years to
develop will not be "cured" overnight. Change
over time will reflect the gradual restoration of the
body's strength and vitality.
Will
treatments be covered by my insurance?
I
take insurance, and we can discuss the details in person
or over the phone.
esprucha@gmail.com
www.acupuncturesantarosa.org
