Frequently Asked Questions:

• Does acupuncture hurt?

    Many patients are surprised to find that acupuncture is painless.  While the insertion of acupuncture needles will occasionally cause a sharp sensation, most patients will not feel the needles go in at all, and will often notice a warm or tingling sensation during treatment.  At Springs Community Acupuncture, we use fine, high-quality needles and very gentle needle technique.  We find that we can achieve great results without causing discomfort to our patients.

• How does community acupuncture work?

    In community acupuncture, all treatments take place in an open treatment room where patients relax quietly together. The initial intake is conducted in private.  Acupuncture points on the legs, arms, and head are used to effectively treat a wide variety of conditions.  Patients simply roll up their sleeves and pant legs and lie back in their recliner.  Each patient determines his or her own optimal length of treatment, resting as long as they prefer, and catching the acupuncturist’s eye when they feel finished.  Our patients appreciate the synergy that happens with group treatment and often bring in friends and family to share the experience.

• Are Chinese herbs safe and effective?   

    The use of Chinese herbs has been well-studied and documented for thousands of years.  The right herbal formula can greatly accelerate healing, by deeply nourishing the body and correcting the flow of qi and blood.  At Springs Community Acupuncture, we commonly prescribe herbs for digestive disorders, women's health, and allergies/respiratory disorders, among other conditions.  We offer Chinese herbal formulas in capsule form and also as powdered herbs that are taken as a tea.  All the products we carry are of the highest quality, rigorously tested for chemical and heavy metal contaminants.  If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask.  You can schedule an herbal consult with us anytime.

• How many treatments will I need?       

    The answer to this question is highly individualized; it depends on the symptoms and the patient.  For example,         someone who comes in with severe pain, a 10/10, may need treatments every day in the first week and then 2-3 treatments for a few weeks following.  A patient with a mild digestive disorder and high-stress level might come in twice a week during high-stress times, and as-needed during low-stress times.  In general, we recommend that any new patient expect to come in for 3 to 5 treatments to start.  We work with each patient individually to find a treatment plan that works for them, and offer a punch pass for frequent visits.

• What does acupuncture treat?

    Acupuncture is probably best known for treating pain.  From acute injuries, to chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, acupuncture can often provide significant relief.  Due to its calming effect on the nervous system, and ability to decrease the inflammatory response in the body, acupuncture can help with stress management, anxiety, depression, insomnia, digestive disorders and other ailments associated with high stress.  However, this is just the beginning.
    The following is a list of some of the symptoms, diseases and conditions that are recognized by National Institute of Health (NIH) and World Health Organization (WHO) to be treated effectively by acupuncture and chinese herbs:

Upper Respiratory Tract
Sinusitis, runny nose, cold and flu
Tonsillitis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma
Gastrointestinal Disorders
⋅Esophageal spasms, hiccough, stomach prolapse,
⋅Gastritis, acid reflux, duodenal ulcer
⋅Colitis, bacterial dysentery, diarrhea, constipation
Mouth Disorders
⋅Toothache, gingivitis, pharyngitis
Mental Emotional Problems
⋅Stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia
Eye Disorders
⋅Macular degeneration, cataracts

Neurological Disorders
⋅Headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia,
⋅Facial palsy, paralysis following a stroke
⋅Peripheral neuropathies, Meniere's disease
⋅Neurogenic bladder dysfunction, bedwetting
Musculoskeletal Disorders
⋅Frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica
⋅Low back pain, back and knee pain
⋅Osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome
⋅Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue
⋅Sports injuries and pains
Reproductive & Gynecological Conditions
⋅PMS, menstrual cramps, spotting and excessive bleeding,
     absence of menses, infertility
⋅Impotence, incontinence, prostatitis