Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Therapy that originated in China thousands of years ago. Acupuncture promotes natural healing through the insertion of very fine needles into specific sites on the body. Acupuncture encourages the flow of energy, enhances the body's natural healing abilities, and has been found to improve health and functioning. Acupuncture is a natural healing modality that balances the body and promotes health and well-being.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is a therapeutic system that involves the insertion of tiny, hair-thin needles into specific points on the body for the purpose of restoring balance and flow. Needles are inserted on specific vital points that correspond to a specific internal organ. The light insertion of the needles into vital points is supposed to free the flow of internal energy or chi. According to Chinese medical theory, any blockage in the flow of chi in the body's energy streams, or meridians, can cause an imbalance in the body --- resulting in illness. The natural flow of chi ensures a person's general state of health. The focus of acupuncture is on restoring harmony in the flow of the chi throughout the body and, in the process, balancing the metaphysical concepts of yin and yang.

In a more Western view, the benefits of acupuncture are found in its efficacy as a non-invasive, drug-free means of alleviating a number of physical ailments, as backed up by a growing body of scientific research. Moreover, acupuncture has been found to stimulate the release of certain chemicals in the body, including endorphins, neuropeptides, and neurotransmitters, as well as balance blood hormone levels and positively impact neuronal and brain activity and the limbic system.

Is Acupuncture treatment safe?

Yes. Sterile, disposable needles are used, and acupuncturists undergo comprehensive training to assure your safety.

Is Acupuncture painful?

Unlike injection needles which are thicker and hollow with cutting edges, the needles used in acupuncture needles are hair fine and extremely thin. Most people do not find the insertion of acupuncture needles to be painful.

How Big Are the Acupuncture Needles?

The needles used in acupuncture are ultra-thin, roughly the diameter of a strand of hair.

What is Auricular Acupuncture?

Auricular therapy, also known as Ear acupuncture, is widely used to treat a range of conditions, including weight loss, pain, stress, mood issues, addiction treatment, and more. The acupuncture points on the ear correspond to the body’s internal organs and functions. In addition to providing Auricular Acupuncture to our Maitland-area patients, we also offer ear seeds. Ear seeds are tiny seeds placed on your ear with adhesive tape. They typically last up to 5 days, and allow you to stimulate acu-pressure points in your ear. Users have reported many benefits, including help with addictions and cravings, headaches, anxiety, stress, pain, and even weight management.

What Conditions Can Be Treated With Acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been found to be beneficial for a broad range of health issues including acute conditions and pain as well as chronic and degenerative diseases. Visit our Conditions Treated page for a comprehensive list of including treatment of pain, headaches, sports injuries, headaches, infertility, and more. Countless patients have found relief at The Points of Health, with everything from headaches, trouble sleeping, mood issues, and digestive ailments to weight loss, hormonal issues, and other imbalances.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Every person is different. Generally, a series of treatments are necessary to resolve your complaints. During your initial consultation at The Points of Health, Amy will work with you to customize a treatment plan and answer any remaining questions that you have. Contact us or schedule an acupuncture consultation to learn more

What Can I Expect When I Go to My Acupuncture Consultation?

Your acupuncturist will conduct a full health history to find out about the underlying causes of your health issues. You will be asked a series of questions about your symptoms, health, and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist may examine your tongue, check your pulse, and palpate various areas on your body to help determine which organs and meridians are out of balance. With this information, your acupuncturist will customize a treatment plan to rebalance your body and resolve your issues.

What is Cupping?

Cupping therapy is a traditional Chinese practice that involves placing cups at certain points on a person's skin. The practitioner creates suction in the cups, which pulls against a person's skin. Cupping works in two main ways: 1) it increases or decreases a person's blood flow under the cups, and 2) it links to acu-points on a person's body, which are central to the practice of acupuncture. There is evidence to suggest that cupping therapy may be beneficial for some health conditions, though research has only just begun to document the potential. However, countless users have reported improvements in their health and wellbeing, including pain, inflammation, sports recovery, respiratory conditions, skin conditions, toxins, blood flow, fatigue, anxiety, digestion, headaches and migraines, stiff muscles, immune system, detoxification, stimulating qi, and more. Cupping is often used as a complementary practice to acupuncture.

How Should I Prepare for My Acupuncture Appointment?