What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a medical system that has been in existence for 5,000 years.   Acupuncture is a healing modality that works from the inside out.  It works with the body’s own intrinsic healing abilities through the insertion of sterile, single-use hair-thin needles into specific points on the body.  It does this by stimulating the body’s internal resources to correct imbalances in the flow of vital force (Qi, Energy, ). 

 

How does Acupuncture work?

Your body is much like a system of rivers, seas and oceans.  Think of a river that becomes blocked by debris, dried up due to lack of rain/moisture or a river that overflows its banks.  Our bodies do much the same.  Acupuncture works to unblock obstructions whether physical, emotional and/or spiritual, helps to increase the flow of energy and to shore up the banks by strengthening the body.

 

Do the needles hurt?

Most people do not feel much of anything.  Occasionally there is a brief sensation that subsides within a few seconds. 

 

How long does it take to notice a change?

Some people notice a change in the first treatment however, most people begin to experience change within 4-6 treatments.  For some, noticeable improvement may take up to 10 treatments.  As with any type of treatment, much depends on the length of time the patient has been dealing with their specific circumstances and the severity of the circumstance.

 

How long do I need to receive treatment?

Initially people are treated once or twice a week for the first few weeks.  Then depending on what serves the individual best treatment can be spaced out to weekly, bi weekly, monthly.  Quite a few people choose to come on a weekly basis because it feels good.

 

Who can receive acupuncture?

Anyone. Infants, children, teenagers, adults, seniors; Those preparing for the conception of life to those preparing for end of life.

 

What is an appointment like?

The initial intake appointment lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours. This gives the patient and practitioner time to discuss concerns, goals and treatment strategies. 

 The intake session includes an in depth health, personal and social history and a general physical exam.  Each consecutive session is approximately 1 hour.  There is a period of checking in and discussing previous treatment observations and concerns- if any- for the day’s treatment.  After this, the patient lies on the treatment table and the practitioner listens to pulses and decides on treatment plan.

 

Credentials

Kathy has been promoting wellness for 15 years.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture from Tai Sophia Institute in Laurel MD, is licensed in Maryland, Virginia and DC, holds a Diplomate of Acupuncture from the NCCAOM (National Commission on Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, B.A. in Liberal Studies from Vermont College of Norwich University, Nationally Certified Massage Therapist since 1998, and has been self-employed since 1998.

 

Insurance

Most insurance companies cover Acupuncture.  Please check with your provider for specifics.

 

*If you have questions that have not been answered here please contact me at: gateoflifeacupuncturenh@gmail.com