Frequently Asked Questions:
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture helps by creating and restoring the conditions needed for the body/mind/spirit to heal itself. It is about integration, and bringing us back into harmony with who we are, and how we should feel in complete health.
While injury is something that happens, it is not something that should stick around. The body and mind are flexible and designed to heal. There are specific acupuncture points that stimulate, and unblock these healing potentials. A needle in a specific point can remind the body to heal pain, emotional or physical.
Acupuncture also creates the healing conditions necessary to heal deeper trauma. When we are in a state of peace and receptivity, we can unfreeze and move the parts of us that are stuck in trauma. It is something that happens spontaneously, and is never forced. The acupuncturist/healer does not heal you or psychoanalyze you, rather your body and heart are given the opportunity to heal on their own.
What does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture treats the entire human being. If you have back pain, dont be suprised if acupuncture therapy also helps you with your anxiety, helps with your sleep, with your relationships, with your stress, allergies and so on. I could write a very long list but here's a start: depression, chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, irregular digestion, irregular menses, menopause, erectile dysfunction, pain anywhere in the body, asthma, over worry, OCD, insomnia, social anxiety, lack of awareness, body image issues, etc.
How many treatments will I need?
It very much depends.
Expect to come in weekly for 4-5 weeks for chronic issues.
Some things may go away in one treatment, but deeper issues will take longer.
you should treat acupuncture like a therapy: there will be days of major breakthroughs, and days where its a little more sluggish.
The overall benefits of acupuncture will likely be felt quickly, and many people make this a part of their wellness and life for years and years.
It is better to think of acupuncture as a preventative medicine, like a therapy session.
The idea is not for you to come weekly, the goal is to get it so you can come 4-5 times a year.
However, in the beginning of treatment, the frequency needs to be greater in order to root out the illness. Once we do that, we can graduate you to much less frequent "maintenance" treatments.
Options for treatment:
Chronic pain: weekly until symptoms improve then biweekly or monthly
Acute pain: 2-3 times per week for two weeks or until symptoms improve markedly then switch to monthly maintenance.
Deeper rooted emotional work: every two weeks or monthly.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles are very thin, and are gently and expertly inserted--not too deep-- into very specific points. There is sometimes a sensation, but not pain.
What is community acupuncture?
Community acupuncture is a way to treat people in an affordable way. Here the treatment tables/chairs are in a space with up to 4 others. There is ample space, and at times entire walls between the treatment spaces. It is very quiet and private. If there is anything you wish to discuss outside of the room, we can do that. Community acupuncture is on a sliding scale of $30-60, in order to treat everyone. Please only pay what you can. I would not price it at $30 if I was not perfectly happy to accept $30.
The treatments are expert, and 100% custom to you and your specific needs. I do not recycle the same treatments for everyone--everyone is different. Even the same conditions are treated differently from person to person. You are you, and I treat the individual, not the symptoms. I spend the time with each person to see what the best treatment is for that individual, from the heart.
In what cases would I need private acupuncture?
For more in depth bodywork, and more cupping. I also practice classical 5 element acupuncture, in which I stay with you for most of the treatment. It is an opportunity to talk more, and treat more on the level of spirit/emotions. A nice treatment plan is one private session per month, and one community session per month.
Do you treat kids?
Depending on age, kids are great candidates for very simple acupuncture treatments. Kids are so responsive to treatment, that often less than 5 points are necessary to get them on their way, for any condition. Ages 10 and up are ideal, but I have treated younger, and have treated my 11 year old son since he was 4.
If you want to book a joint appointment for both you and a kid, or a friend/partner: simply book two back to back community or private sessions, and arrive at the same time!
I require that the legal guardian remain with anyone under age 18 for the duration of the treatment.
I'm nervous but want to try...
I am available throughout the treatment, and treat you only where you are mentally/emotionally/physically. If you need a very simple/gentle treatment, that is what will happen. If it needs to be shorter, that can happen too. Often, the treatment itself is very calming. People who come in anxious/stressed leave blissed out, that is what this medicine does. After the treatment, you may leave "acu-stoned".
Can I come in for simple things, like a headache/hangover?
Of course. There is no judgement for whatever you come in for. I'd rather fix your problem than you rely on taking a pill. Plus, acupuncture does a far better, and deeper reaching job than most pharmaceuticals.
I love treating things like allergies/headaches/hangovers--because acupuncture is very effective for these ailments. Who knows, maybe the treatment will also help you connect with yourself on a deeper level--leading to less stress in the future.
What is your experience?
I started working with holistic medicines in the form of plants/herbs, and meditation. At the age of 18 I went to Ecuador, where i immersed myself in the rainforest plants and healing work. I continue this process today, and have spent periods of up to a year deeply immersed in meditation and internal work in the rainforest. I believe all holistic medicine is rooted in transformation. Truly beautiful and miraculous things can happen. It is not necessary to stay in the same stuck patterns of chronic illness/addiction/stress. It is very much worth taking the leap and healing yourself.
I specialize in treating the root of disease--often this is trauma. Trauma is something that has become stuck. We can gently strengthen the spirit, and body, and self, so that you can strongly confront and move on from whatever is holding you back.
Currently I provide treatments in New Albany on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays.