FAQs2025-02-18T14:53:54-06:00
Map to Wellness Acupuncture

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acupuncture?2025-02-18T14:39:16-06:00

Acupuncture is a traditional healing technique that involves inserting thin, pre-sterilized, single-use needles into specific points on the body.

How does it work?2025-02-18T14:39:48-06:00

Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body, acting as a catalyst for the body’s healing mechanisms. Different points serve different functions, so depending on the desired outcome, specific points are chosen to encourage the body towards those changes.

Do Acupuncture Needles Hurt?2025-02-18T14:45:06-06:00

Acupuncture needles are very skinny, small, delicate, and fragile – most people feel no pain when inserted. Other sensations are relatively common during needle insertion (e.g., pressure, pulsing, mild soreness), but once needles are in place, people usually feel relaxed and sometimes even nap.

Are acupuncture needles safe and clean?2025-02-18T14:45:28-06:00

Acupuncture needles are single-use and sterile. After each use, they are disposed of in a special container, ensuring cleanliness and preventing infection transmission. Additionally, successful completion of a Clean Needle Technique (CNT) course is required for acupuncturists in Illinois to receive their license.

What to Expect During Your First Acupuncture Appointment2025-02-19T14:06:15-06:00

Before your initial session, you will complete a detailed health intake form that addresses your medical history, current health concerns, and overall wellness goals. This information helps ensure a personalized and effective acupuncture treatment plan.

Upon arrival, we will review your intake form together. You are encouraged to share more about your health challenges and treatment objectives so I can understand your needs and craft a personalized approach to your care. East Asian Medicine (EAM) is a comprehensive approach to health, so if you are interested in additional ways to improve your health outcomes, then we can also review lifestyle adjustments to support your acupuncture treatment goals.

Following our discussion, you’ll relax comfortably on a treatment table. Before needle insertion, each acupuncture point is cleaned with alcohol to ensure a safe and hygienic procedure. Next, the delicate, sterile needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points, where they will remain for 20–40 minutes. You are encouraged to relax, meditate, or even take a restorative nap.

What conditions does acupuncture treat?2025-02-19T14:02:31-06:00

Please contact the office to see if acupuncture is appropriate for your individual situation. Also, you do not need to be experiencing symptoms to receive acupuncture; prevention is the best form of medicine.

Acupuncture can assist with most non-emergency conditions, including:

  • Addiction (including alcohol, smoking, drugs, food, etc.)
  • Autoimmune conditions and related symptoms (including Addison’s, celiac, Graves, Hashimoto’s, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis), lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjogren’s, etc.)
  • Cardiovascular and circulatory complaints (like high blood pressure, low blood pressure, anemia, etc.)
  • Digestive complaints (such as constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, IBS, etc.)
  • Endocrine complaints (like hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal fatigue, etc.)
  • Fatigue and Low Energy (including general fatigue, adrenal fatigue, post-viral fatigue, insomnia, anemia, etc.)
  • Immune and Lymphatic system complaints (such as autoimmune conditions, long COVID, weak immune system, frequent colds, shortness of breath, allergies, etc.)
  • Mental health issues (including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, nervous system regulation, etc.)
  • Muscular and Skeletal complaints (including tendinitis, tendinosis, sprains, strains, piriformis syndrome, frozen shoulder/adhesive capsulitis, injuries, low back pain, spasms, muscle pain, arthritis, joint pain, trigger points, scar tissue recovery, post-surgical recovery, etc.)
  • Nervous system issues (such as neuropathy, vertigo, dizziness, degenerative conditions, movement disorders, insomnia, etc.)
  • Nervous system regulation (including cases of trauma (complex trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), abuse, etc.), HPA axis regulation, etc.)
  • Pain (such as headaches, migraines, arthritis, muscle pain, sciatica, fibromyalgia, etc.)
  • Post-surgical recovery (like scar tissue alignment, range of motion support, pain reduction, etc.)
  • Reproductive system complaints (including PMS, dysmenorrhea, menopause (hot flashes, night sweating, mood regulation, etc.), pregnancy, fertility, morning sickness, prostate issues, etc.)
  • Respiratory conditions (such as shortness of breath, asthma, allergies, frequent colds, long COVID, etc.)
  • Skin complaints (including scar tissue, redness, rosacea, acne, wrinkles, etc.)
  • Sports medicine (including injury history, injury prevention, reduced recovery time, enhanced performance through energetic balance, etc.)
  • Stress and stress-related symptoms
  • Urinary complaints (such as incontinence, urinary tract infections, etc.)
  • And many more!
Is acupuncture suitable for everyone?2025-02-18T14:46:49-06:00

Almost anyone can benefit from acupuncture. If you are pregnant or have a disability, please inform me in advance so that I can arrange the necessary accommodation. Additionally, if you are under 18 years old, you will need written consent from a guardian, who must also be present during the session.

Are There Any Side Effects?2025-02-18T14:47:20-06:00

Acupuncture has few side effects; however, the most common are bleeding, bruising, or soreness at the needle insertion site. When this occurs, it is usually mild and resolves quickly. Other side effects include dizziness and fainting; you can reduce the chance of this by eating a light snack before your acupuncture session.

How Long Does It Take to See Results with Acupuncture?2025-02-19T14:33:44-06:00

The timeline for experiencing results with acupuncture varies based on several factors, including the nature of your health concern, how long you’ve been dealing with the issue, your overall health, and your lifestyle.

Acupuncture is a highly personalized therapy, so outcomes differ from person to person.

Many individuals feel relaxed and calm immediately after their first acupuncture session. Some report significant symptom relief after one treatment, while others may require several sessions to notice improvements. I recommend starting with at least six sessions for most conditions. Treatments are typically scheduled once per week for six weeks or twice per week for three weeks, depending on your specific needs and goals.

After completing the initial series of treatments, we’ll evaluate your progress and determine the next steps. Some people choose to continue weekly or biweekly treatments for a focused approach to addressing ongoing health concerns. Others find a maintenance schedule that works best for their body, which may include less frequent treatments over time.

East Asian Medicine (EAM) and acupuncture are effective for symptom relief and maintaining overall wellness by treating the root cause of those symptoms. Many individuals opt for regular treatments even when they are feeling well, as acupuncture helps prevent future issues and address minor imbalances before they develop into more significant problems.

The ultimate goal of acupuncture is to help you feel your best with fewer treatments over time, supporting your long-term health and vitality.

Payment2025-02-18T14:49:57-06:00

Payment is expected prior to services rendered. I accept payments in the following forms: Zelle, cash, and credit/debit cards (including FSA or HSA cards). If you are paying with an FSA or HSA card, please bring a second form of payment in case that card does not work. While I do not bill insurance directly, I can write a superbill (a summary of services) that you can submit to your insurance company. If your insurance covers acupuncture, then reimbursement is sent directly to you. Superbills are only written for a series of individual treatments and are provided once per quarter upon request; they are not available for community acupuncture treatments.

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