Chinese medicine includes 8 practices, commonly listed as: feng shui, cosmology, tui na, tai ji, dietary therapy, qi gong, herbal medicine, and acupuncture. As a licensed acupuncturist and Master of Traditional Oriental Medicine, Kellen practices dietary therapy, qi gong, herbal medicine, and acupuncture. Please reach out to Kellen through our contact form for an appointment.
People find it most effective to employ a combination of these modalities. At North Node Clinic, we offer a complimentary consultation so that you can find out what will work best for you. Below are some frequently asked questions about acupuncture. Please reach out if you have questions about the other modalities, too!
FAQ
What does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is effective in treating acid reflux, allergies, anxiety, arthritis, back pain, common cold, depression, digestive issues, endocrine health, fertility, grief, headaches, hot flashes, insomnia, muscle strain, unhealed injuries, and more. For a comprehensive list, see the World Health Organization’s official position.
Does acupuncture hurt?
No, acupuncture treatments do not hurt. There are a few different sensations that can be felt at different times during a treatment. There can be heaviness, tingling, warmth, or a sensation of movement in the acupuncture channel. The insertion of the needle might be felt; that sensation fades quickly.
How many sessions will I need?
Initially we like to have patients come in for 4-6 weekly treatments. After that series of sessions, we re-evaluate and decide if weekly, bimonthly, or monthly treatments are appropriate. Acute symptoms respond quickly to acupuncture, so two or three sessions may be all that is required. For chronic diseases, it may take 3-6 months of weekly treatments. We will know if acupuncture is working for you after 3 treatments.
How many needles will I get?
Depending on the symptoms present, acupuncturists usually use 5 to 18 needles.
What happens during a treatment?
At the beginning of your treatment Kellen will ask you about your symptoms and answer any questions you have. Based on that information, they will determine which points to use to address your pain. After the needles are inserted, Kellen will move on to the next patient and you will have 40 minutes to rest with the needles in your body. It takes 28 minutes for qi to cycle through all of the 12 main channels in the body. It is good to focus the mind on the breath or the body part that needs healing. Many people fall asleep during acupuncture, which is a great way to spend time during the treatment.
Is there anything inside the needle?
No. Acupuncture needles are very thin, stainless steel, solid needles. They are sterilized, single-use, and disposed of in a sharps container. We use 30 to 38 gauge needles, whereas hypodermic needles commonly used in western medicine are 26 to 16 gauge.
Do you take insurance?
At this point, we do not bill insurance companies. If your insurance policy does cover acupuncture, we are happy to print a super bill for you to submit.