Frequently Asked Questions
How does acupuncture feel?
Acupuncture is not painful. Most people experience and describe acupuncture as feeling very relaxing and calming, and it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during a treatment. Sensations that you might experience during an acupuncture treatment include tingling, achy, dull, buzzing, or radiating sensations down the channel that is being needled or at the site of the inserted needle. In addition, some patients feel nothing or a subtle awareness of the point needled. Everyone’s experience is unique. Acupuncture is not meant to be painful; therefore, maintaining open communication with your practitioner is very important so that we can act together to create the most comfortable and effective treatment possible for you. Learn more about acupuncture.
What are the benefits of using herbal medicine in conjunction with acupuncture?
When indicated, herbal medicine can be very powerful in assisting and accelerating the healing process after an acupuncture treatment. And when appropriately used, herbal medicine can work just as strong and fast as any pharmaceutical drug without the negative side effects. Chinese herbal medicine formulas use at least two and typically up to 20 (or more) herbs that work synergistically for your specific presentation.
Acupuncture is potent in initially opening up any blockages that might exist, and herbs taken regularly post-treatment maintain the effect of the treatment and can work on deeper levels to move out excess energy and strengthen deficiency. Herbs can be used internally or externally. External herbs are mainly used for injuries, acute or chronic, to directly target specific areas of the body. Herbs used externally also can be applied by use of a plaster or liniment, an herb preparation that adheres to the body and is absorbed via the skin. The internal forms of herbal preparations that Summer Acupuncture primarily uses are in granule (dissolve in hot water and drink as a tea) or pill/tablet form. If your practitioner feels that taking herbs will help your healing process, we will discuss which form is most appropriate for you at the time of treatment. Learn more about herbal medicine.
How long is a typical treatment?
The first and following treatments are approx. 60 minutes including intake and treatment. Arriving on time is very helpful as we aspire to give you the time you deserve and the time it takes for desired results. Return visits are approx. 60 minutes. See our online schedule for current offerings.
What other techniques can be used in conjunction with acupuncture/Acutonics?
Tui-Na: Asian-style massage used to further assist the Qi (energy in our bodies; pronounced chee) to flow into areas where it is needed. Tui-Na is very effective in the treatment of physical injuries or pain. Learn more about Tui-Na.
Moxibustion: A warming technique commonly used on specific points on the body to aid in the movement of energy. The herb Mugwort (available in many forms) has been used to perform Moxibustion for centuries due to its fragrant aroma and heat-penetrating characteristics. Learn more about Moxibustion.
Cupping: A technique used by many different cultures as a way to relieve tension, strongly move energy, or for acute cases of a cough or cold. This method uses glass or bamboo cups that suction to the body. The cups are either stationary on an area or moved (“running cupping”) to further break up stagnation. Learn more about Cupping.
Gua-sha: Also referred to as dermal friction, Gua-sha is used when there are signs of chronic stagnation resulting in pain. This technique also can be used to release the muscle layer when signs of adhesions are present.
TDP lamp: This portable lamp is fit with a mineral disc, which emits infrared heat where it is placed. TDP lamps increase micro-circulation accelerating the natural healing process of the body. They are very commonly used on areas lacking good Qi flow or areas of coldness, such as on the feet or belly. It also is used above pain areas that could benefit from increased blood flow for healing.
What can I expect when I come to see you for a treatment?
When you come in for an initial treatment, we will have looked over your intake and ask a series of questions to further understand your reason for treatment. Next, you will lay on the treatment table (massage table) while we take your pulse, look at your tongue, and performs channel/meridian palpation. These tools help us to get a “feel” for your body and further guide her in the treatment direction most fitting for you at the time. Every treatment is unique and different-because so are you! We often use a combination of acupuncture, moxa, cupping, but not always-just depends on what we feel would be most helpful that day.
Where can I get more information?
Rainbow Wellness offers a complimentary 10-minute consultation to all new patients, please send us an email or call to schedule. In addition, our Resources page includes a variety of other sources of information. Feel free to contact us with any questions.