FAQ

Is there anything I should do before or after treatment?

Before treatment, I like to tell patients to have something light to eat at least 90 minutes before treatment, so they are neither too full or too hungry. Having acupuncture or massage on an empty stomach could make you feel lightheaded or fatigued after, so it’s best to eat within a few hours before your treatment.

Try to plan your appointment so that you avoid doing anything too stressful or strenuous afterwards, I encourage patients to take it as easy as possible after treatment. This time is for you and your body to relax and heal, and it’s important to carry that forwards throughout the rest of your day!

After treatment, patients tend to feel a blissful state of deep relaxation or euphoria, and many people find that this also results in them having a wonderful sleep that night! Use this post-treatment daze to take an enjoyable walk, a warm bath, or simply rest to allow your body to fully absorb the physical and emotional healing.

If you received a deep massage, you may be slightly sore the next day - much like a good workout at the gym. Sometimes a hot shower or a soak in the tub can ease this soreness. After your session, you should increase your water intake a bit. Just a glass or two more than normal is usually fine. This helps keep your body's tissues hydrated and healthy.

Do I have to remove all my clothing for therapy?

No. Your comfort as a client is very important to me, whether that is in the context of the clothing you wear or the treatment you receive. I am trained in proper draping procedures to ensure that your privacy is completely respected at all times during treatment. Your comfort and ability to relax is paramount to effective treatment.

I will also describe the treatments to be provided to ensure that you are comfortable with them. Your consent is sought before treatment is provided. If you are uncomfortable, I want you to let me know immediately, whether that discomfort involves the treatment, draping or any pain you may experience.

What’s the purpose of acupuncture?

The philosophy behind acupuncture is achieving balance throughout your body. I believe that if you’re in pain, your body is not in balance. In treating the pain, I try to find the specific acupuncture point that will address your physical problem, thereby putting your body back in balance.

Is acupuncture painful? What does it feel like?

Acupuncture is usually a very comfortable treatment. Needles are very fine, metallic and as thin as a hair, making them quite painless upon insertion. Everyone experiences acupuncture differently, but most feel no pain or very minimal pain as the needles are inserted. You may experience a mild aching sensation or warmth around the needle site.

Do you use disposable needles for each treatment?

Absolutely. The needles are sterile and for one-time use only.

I'm scared of needles - can I still have acupuncture?

As a replacement for the needles I may use a mild electric stimulation or a laser.

What illnesses are treated using acupuncture and how many sessions are needed for acupuncture to be effective?

Both acute and chronic illnesses can be treated with acupuncture. Most acute issues resolve in five to ten treatments, while more treatments are needed for chronic conditions. Because everyone responds differently, the number of treatment sessions can vary for each individual. Acupuncture can be done as often as five times a week, or as little as once a month.

How many sessions of massage therapy will I need?

Every person is unique and every condition is unique to each person. It may take one session or it may take several. We will be able to talk more specifically about this after your first session.

If I am pregnant, can I receive massage therapy?

Yes. Regular massage sessions are a great way to relieve the uncomfortable physical symptoms that often arise during pregnancy. Massage supports your overall wellbeing by helping to reduce fluid retention, by naturally decreasing gas, heartburn, indigestion, and constipation, by easing cramps, by diminishing headaches, and by soothing aches and pains in muscles and joints. It will help you feel good, hurt less, and sleep better.

Can my children receive treatments?

Everyone can benefit from massage. Depending on the age of your child I may ask you to bring in a few toys, books or “distractions”. Also, your child’s session may be shorter than a typical treatment. I ask that you stay at the office during their treatment to ensure they feel completely comfortable and that you are close by if needed.

Will my insurance plan cover acupuncture or/and massage?

Many insurance plans offer coverage for acupuncture or/and massage treatment. Contact your insurance company directly to find out if your plan covers acupuncture and massage, and any limits to the number of treatments covered.