Frequently Asked Questions
1) Does acupuncture hurt?
This is a difficult question to answer. There are sensations involved and in fact desired when using acupuncture, and though it is not painful per say, some acupuncture points can feel stronger than others.
2) I’m really afraid of needles; do I have to have them?
No you don’t. Many people who come to clinic are terrified at even the thought of needles, let alone seeing them. Luckily there are alternatives to using needles such as cupping, acupressure massage and electro-acupuncture with pads.
Although these are all viable alternatives, they don’t quite have the same effectiveness as needles, so we do recommend trying acupuncture needles at least once. Many people’s fears regarding needles stem from their childhoods, when their doctor would give them a vaccination shot with a needle that was almost as big as them. So when they come to clinic, they are quite surprised that when they do try acupuncture, because the needles are so thin, about the width of a human hair, they can barely feel it.
3) Can Chinese Medicine be used for children?
Absolutely, Chinese Medicine is perfect for children. Treatment methods are slightly different and are focused a little more towards acupressure massage and herbal formulas.
5) Is acupuncture the same as dry needling?
No. Acupuncture and dry needling are not that same thing. Though they both use acupuncture needles, their theories of practise are very different. Dry needling focuses on trigger point therapy where a needle is inserted directly into a trigger point to achieve pain relief. Acupuncture is based on the meridian channel theory and uses the stimulation of specific acupuncture points to regulate the flow of qi and blood through these channels, thus treating the issue.
6) How does cupping work?
Cupping works by improving circulation and encouraging movement of qi and blood through the meridians and body tissues via
the suction of the cup. Through the suction of the cup, toxins can also be drawn out and blockages moved, and this usually shows up as a red or purple colour, which many people believe is bruising, but it is actually heat toxins leaving the body. Cupping is generally used for muscular pain, colds and flu and digestive issues.
7) How many sessions will I need?
This is another difficult question to answer as every patient is different. Treatment options can vary from a just few sessions to several months of treatment, depending on the type and severity of illness, as well as how long the patient has had the complaint for.