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Acupuncture

Specializing in lifestyle health, pain resolution, and nutritional support, Kevin works with his patients to discover and reconcile the causes of their health complaints. He has a strong track record in helping people with athletic injuries, chronic pain, digestive and gynecological issues. Below are some commonly asked questions:

What is acupuncture?
What problems can be treated by acupuncture?
How deep are needles inserted?
Does acupuncture hurt?
Are the needles clean?
How does acupuncture work?
What criteria should one use to find an acupuncturist?
How many treatments will I need?
Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture treatment?
What can I expect after treatment?


What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into the body at specific points shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of 2500 years, and recently have been confirmed through electromagnetic research.

What problems can be treated by acupuncture?
Neurological
Headache
Migraine
Neuralgia
Post-surgical pain
Stroke
Parkinson's disease
Facial Pain
Bell's Palsy

Musculo-skeletal
Pain and weakness in:
Neck, shoulder, arms
Hands, fingers, knees
Legs, Feet
Low back pain
Muscle cramping
Trauma
Sprains, strains
Sports Injuries
Arthritis
Disc problems
Sciatica

Digestive
Abdominal pain
Hyperactivity
Chronic diarrhea
Indigestion
Constipation
IBS
Ulcerative colitis

Eye, Ear, Nose, Dental
Poor vision
Tinnitus
Hearing loss
Post extraction Pain
Gum Problems

Respiratory
Sinusitis
Common cold
Tonsilitis
Bronchitis
Allergy(hayfever)
Asthma

Gynecological
Pms
Cramps
Menopause symptoms
Obstetrics
Infertility
Morning sickness

Other benefits:
Increased vitality and energy
Stress reduction
Relaxation
Skin rejuvination
Weight control
Smoking cessation
Addictions
Pain control
Regulates heart rate
Lowers BP
Boosts Immune function


How deep are needles inserted?
Needle insertion generally ranges from 1/4 inch to 1 inch in depth. The depth of insertion depends upon the nature of the problem, location of points selected, patient's size, age, and constitution.

Does acupuncture hurt?
When receiving acupuncture, you generally feel some heaviness, distention, or tingling around the needle site or traveling up and down the affected meridian pathway. If you experience any discomfort, it is usually mild.

Are the needles clean?
Yes. We use sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles.

How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (energy) and blood through specific meridians or pathways that cover the body like the nerves and blood vessels do. According to these theories, acupuncture draws Qi to areas that are deficient and away from areas that are stagnant, regulating and restoring balance.

What criteria should one use to find an acupuncturist?
Patients should ask about where the practitioner trained, how long the training was, how long he or she has been in practice, and what experience the practitioner has had in treating the patient's specific ailment.

How many treatments will I need?
That depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. For acute conditions fewer treatments are necessary, where as chronic conditions generally require more time. I recommend 5-10 consecutive treatments for most patients at which time we re-evaluate and set a follow up schedule that suits the needs of the patient.

Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture treatment?
1. Relax. There is no need to be frightened. Ask you practitioner any questions you have ahead of time so that you can get the most benefit possible from the treatment.
2. Lie still and do not change your position during the treatment. If you are uncomfortable, tell your practitioner.
3. Try to eat a small meal 1-2 hours before your treatment. Having a treatment on an empty stomach can make you feel dizzy or fatigued afterward.
4. If you find your treatment unbearable at any point, be sure to speak up so that your practitioner can make the proper adjustments or stop the treatment.

What can I expect after treatment?
Most patients experience some form of relief from their pain or other symptoms. This relief may last or some pain may return. In a few cases there may be no immediate relief, but your symptoms may diminish over the next couple of days. Generally, you should expect to feel better after a treatment.