GENERAL FAQs ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
Acupuncture needles are generally only slightly thicker than a strand of hair and insertion of these needles are relatively painless. Sensations that follow can range from nothing at all to tingly, dull, numbness or achiness as well as a warm spreading or electrical pulsations that can be felt in other areas of the body. These sensations usually stop after the needles are removed.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
The number of treatments you need depend on a number of factors, including the length of time you've had the condition, what the underlying cause is if any and what your lifestyle entails (i.e. diet, water intake, sleep, etc.). So while a chronic condition ( lasting and persistent or having developed slowly) may need between 5-10 treatments, an acute condition (rapid onset or short-term) may be treated in as little as one treatment.

IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?
Yes, acupuncture is very safe when practiced by a trained and licensed practitioner. There are no side effects, in fact there are side benefits! For example, though you may have come to be treated for low back pain, you may begin to notice that you're not constipated any longer or that you donât get as cold as you once did before you began acupuncture!

WHAT KIND OF TRAINING DOES AN ACUPUNCTURIST HAVE?
In New York State, acupuncture programs are Master and/or Doctorate level degree programs accredited with the state. A license is required to practice in New York and information on a practitioner's standing can be obtained from the NYS Education Department OPS (Office of Professions) online.

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE GOOD FOR?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment modality for many conditions and ailments including:

Musculoskeletal Disorders
Low back pain
carpal tunnel syndrome
TMJ
frozen shoulder
sciatica
tennis elbow
arthritis

Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders
Toothache
earache
sinusitis
rhinitis
laryngitis

Respiratory Disorders
Colds and flues
bronchitis
asthma
allergies

Circulatory Disorders
Hypertension
high cholesterol
arteriosclerosis
angina pectoris

Gastrointestinal Disorders
Food allergies
nausea
indigestion
diarrhea
constipation
ulcers
irritable bowel syndrome

Urogenital Disorders
Cystitis
incontinence
neurogenic bladder
prostates
prostatic hypertrophy

Gynecological Disorders
Menstrual irregularity
Endometriosis
PMS
infertility
menopausal syndrome
Fibroids

Psycho Emotional and Neurological Disorders
Depression
anxiety
insomnia
headache
migraine
trigeminal neuralgia
intercostals neuralgia
post stroke paralysis
dizziness
tinnitus

IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD DO BEFORE TREATMENT?
It is suggested that you have a light snack or meal before treatment, not a full meal. You don't want to be full, hungry, excessively tired, upset, or have had any alcohol or sex shortly before treatment.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT?
Some people may feel relief immediately, while others experience a gradual diminishing of symptoms over the course of the next few days. Many people report having a better night's rest and improved capability in handling stress. Some people may experience a slight improvement in relief of their symptoms yet overall, you should expect to feel better after treatment.

©2008 Zen Soul Spa, LLC.