Acupuncture

"Everybody Needs Acupuncture" marquee from our original South Lamar location

Community acupuncture works because our patients treat the clinic like a shared resource they really care about.


Frequently Asked Questions

What can acupuncture help with?

Here is a list of things we find acupuncture to be particularly good for:

StressWellness / Self care
InsomniaAcute / Chronic pain
Anxiety / DepressionSprains / Strains
Allergies / AsthmaBell's Palsy
Respiratory issues
Jaw pain
Digestive issues
Headaches
PMS
Peri-menopausal symptoms
Menstrual issues
Fatigue
Fertility Issues
Side effects of chemo / radiation
Labor Preparation
Addictions / Cravings

How many treatments will I need?

This can vary quite a bit from person to person, but more often than not, you will need some kind of course of treatments for best results.

For example, for an acute problem you might get a few treatments scheduled closer together for a short time. Whereas for a chronic problem, you might get treatments weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly over a longer period.

This article, Restructuring American Acupuncture Practices, provides some valuable information on how best to utilize acupuncture.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Mostly not at all. Acupuncture needles are tiny - way smaller than anything you might encounter in a Western medicial office. People are usually pleasantly surprised at how minimal the sensation is from an acupuncture needle, and most people find acupuncture deeply relaxing.

Are the needles sterile?

Yes. We use sterile one time use only needles, and then discard them.

How does acupuncture work?

This is a big question. On the one hand you have the explanations of traditional Chinese medical theory, and on the other, evolving scientific understanding of the mechanisms of acupuncture. In short, acupuncture works on multiple systems of the body to stimulate the body's innate healing response. You learn more about acupuncture here.

You treat in recliners. How do you treat back or neck pain?

Because needling the area that hurts is often not necessary to get results with acupuncture, we mostly do acupuncture in a recliner using key acupuncture points that are located on the extremities. We also have some treatment tables if we need them and will work with you to find the best way to address your problem and get the best results.

What about my privacy? How do you handle this in a group setting?

We always have the option to conduct patient interviews as privately as you need them to be. We want you to be comfortable discussing anything that is relevant to improving your health.

When is a good time to come when it's not so busy?

A question not frequently asked, but one worth addressing: In short, if you are asking this you might be missing the point of what the clinic is about.

A lot of people getting acupuncture together is the backbone and the beauty of community acupuncture. If you like what we do, you want us to be busy all the time - because that is the only way this works. We are only able to offer treatment at radically reduced prices by seeing a high volume of patients. And making acupuncture more affordable and accessible is what this is all about.

Can I come in the treatment room and sit while the person I'm with gets treated?

Our experience is that almost invariably having someone just sitting in the treatment room winds up being weird in some way or another. Our space is set up so people can get treatment together, so that's generally what we prefer you do if you want to be in the room with your person.

Can acupuncture help me lose weight?

Despite the number of people who come to acupuncture seeking help with their weight, we are not aware of any substantial evidence to support using acupuncture for weight loss. However, in that acupuncture tends to help the body function more optimally overall and can minimize cravings, it can help some - and we have seen some people lose some weight. We will often include herbs as part of a protocol for weight loss.

Can acupuncture help me quit smoking?

Yes, in that it can help minimize cravings and help take the edge off of withdrawal. Acupuncture will not make you quit doing anything. It is a useful tool, but it is only useful to the extent you use it. For smoking cessation frequent treatments are recommended, and we offer acudetox treatments for only $15 to make this more possible.