Acupuncture Q&A "What is Acupuncture?" "How Does It Feel?" "Is Acupuncture Safe?" "What Problems Can You Treat?" "Do I Have to Believe in Acupuncture for It To Work?" "Do I keep My Clothes On?" "What Can I Expect On My First Visit?" "How Long Before I Begin to Feel Better?" "What is Acupuncture?" Acupuncture is a whole-body healing system so effective it has been in use for 3,000 years. Acupuncture directs your body’s flow of healing energy by stimulating specific points. By restoring your body’s natural balance-point, pain and symptoms subside and you feel whole again. Through these techniques, we can find and treat problems that go undiagnosed with western medicine. "How Does It Feel?" People experience acupuncture differently. Some don’t feel the needle when it goes in and then feel a tingling or energizing sensation around the needle. Others feel a poke as the needle goes in and then nothing at all. Still other people feel warmth, a mild ache or even heaviness around the needle. But, just about everybody reports feeling relaxed and comfortable. To help minimize any discomfort, the needles are very thin. "Is Acupuncture Safe?" Yes, acupuncture is extremely safe when compared to other treatment options. It is one of the safest medical procedures in the world and it has very few adverse effects. According to the American National Institutes of Health: "One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for treating the same conditions." The other common question is "Are the needles safe? " The needles are factory sterilized and used only once—eliminating the risk of disease transmission. "What Problems Can You Treat?" For a full list of treatable conditions, click here. "Do I Have to Believe in Acupuncture for It To Work?" Not at all. Just try it; you’ll feel the difference whether you believe in it or not. "Do I keep My Clothes On?" Yes, just wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing. "What Can I Expect On My First Visit?" People are often surprised at the amount of personal attention they receive. We talk about your problem in great detail. We will also discuss your medical history and wellbeing: appetite, energy levels, sleep, digestion, stress, etc. There is also a physical inspection: taking your pulse, looking at your tongue and gently touching areas that may be affected. For the treatment, you’ll lie down in a comfortable, relaxing environment. To treat your particular problem, needles are placed in very specific points. The most common points are around the elbows, knees hands, and feet. This allows you to be treated with your clothes on. I may also use heat, pressure or certain herbs. The first visit generally lasts an hour to an hour and a half. "How Long Before I Begin to Feel Better?" Most patients notice a difference after the very first treatment. This is especially if you are suffering from pain. During your first visit, we will discuss how many treatments it usually takes to resolve your type of problem. It is best to receive two treatments per week. By putting the treatments closer together, you get better faster.  303.250.0684 8015 W Alameda #110C, Lakewood, CO 80226 lindaraford@att.net