Does acupuncture hurt?

It doesn’t hurt in the way you would imagine it to feel getting needles stuck into your skin. The needles are so tiny they rarely draw blood. If they do draw blood, TCM views this as a release from the channel which would relieve pressure or heat. You may feel a slight prick to the skin, movement or tugging around the needle which is not painful so much as different. It’s strange to feel your body from the inside this way, but most people describe it as interesting, relaxing, and pleasant. People often fall into a kind of sleep I call the “acu-nap” and feel refreshed and more open and calm after treatment..

What is Qi?

Qi (pronounced “chee”) is translated literally from Chinese as gas or air. One way cells communicate is through gas. Many describe Qi as a vital force. Classical Chinese philosophy describes it as the force that makes up and binds all things in the universe. It is represented in the Yin/Yang symbol which illustrates how opposite energies actually reside within each other and must be kept in proper balance. There are many manifestations of Qi, but ultimately it is invisible, aside from how it affects the internal and external world. You see and feel Qi working through the living world. It’s both transformable and indestructible. The qualities of Qi which animate the universe animate our body as well. When it comes to how TCM describes Qi in the body; food, air, water make up the substantial, nourishing properties of Qi, whereas vital fluids and energy flowing through our body are more insubstantial. Seasons and environment have Qi which this medicine contemplates for individualized treatments. I direct Qi based on diagnosis and teach you how to direct Qi on your own through food and lifestyle to facilitate harmony.

Does Chinese medicine work?

For thousands of years, millions of people and practitioners would say yes, Chinese medicine does work. And in my experience, I’ve seen people accomplish their health goals and healing through the power of Chinese medicine. I’ve experienced benefits in my own body too. The theories and tools I use have benefited humans and animals far and wide. It is important to note that I have learned many things that can help you, but I only push the buttons so to speak. Your body is doing the healing. So the more intention and care you take to implement what I help you understand about your body, the more Qi, vital force, nourishment, I have to direct and help your body, mind and spirit, heal and be well. You are the healer of your own body, but I’m here to help through every step.

For more information check out these links. Also, on my About page, you can click the WHO/NIH paper pdf link which speaks to the many syndromes acupuncture can treat.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-you-should-know-about-chinese-herbs/

https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Efficacy-of-Traditional-Chinese-Medicine.aspx

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/chinese-medicine