Does acupuncture hurt?

Generally speaking, acupuncture is a very relaxing experience. Occasionally, an acupuncture point will feel a little pinchy for a few seconds. However, if after a few seconds it continues to be a nuisance, that point is removed, and another point is chosen. After the needles are all in, there should be no discomfort, and you should be very relaxed.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. Acupuncture is very safe when administered by a well-trained acupuncturist. Acupuncturists attend school for around 4-years, in order to learn every traditional acupuncture point, and its depth. I highly recommend seeing a licensed practitioner who went to a well-respected school. Personally, I avoid any point that is potentially dangerous, and choose a safer point along the same acupuncture channel. Community-Style Acupuncture naturally lends itself to safe acupoint selection.

I do not recommend receiving what is called, “dry needling,” and is performed by physical therapist or chiropractor, because they do not extensively study needle depths, which is very dangerous. I believe that dry needling is illegal in Pennsylvania, now.

Are you a member of the People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture?

No. In order to be a member of the POCA COOP you need to operate on a sliding scale between $20 and $40. I offer a flat rate of $40 for every treatment because I think it’s very fair and keeps me in operation. No additional cost for new patients. I am licensed to practice in the states of Pennsylvania and Florida. Maybe one day I will join the POCA COOP, but not at this time.

Do you do massage?

No. If you would like a massage then I recommend seeing Corinne Farrell at Balance Yoga and Wellness.

Do you do cupping?

No. If you would like a cupping treatment there are other acupuncturists and massage therapists who I can refer you to.

Do you prescribe Chinese herbal formulas?

As a Practitioner of Oriental Medicine, I am trained and licensed to prescribe Chinese herbal formulas, however, it is not my passion and I am not currently prescribing Chinese medicine.

Do you treat one side of the body and then the other side of the body during the same appointment?

No. Community-Style Acupuncture treatments are all administered face-up (prone).

What health issues do you usually treat?

People seek out acupuncture for a wide variety of health issues, including, but not limited to: any pain condition, headaches, migraines, low back pain, shoulder pain, wrist pain, ankle pain, knee pain, hip pain, allergies, insomnia, anxiety, depression, stress, bell’s palsy, gastrointestinal issues, endometriosis and more.

Even though people generally seek out acupuncture when they are not feeling well, it is highly recommended to receive acupuncture treatments even when you feel good. Acupuncture boosts the immune system, and releases hormones which allow your body to relax and re-balance itself.

How many treatments do I need before I see results?

Many people experience improvements after the first few treatments. Every condition is different, and every body is unique, so these are just general. By the third treatment, you should notice positive changes. By the sixth treatment, there should be significant improvements. By the ninth treatment, you should feel well on your way to health and balance.

It is recommended to receive at least 10-treatments before re-evaluating the continuation of care. Every treatment builds upon the last one, like mowing the lawn. You don’t just mow one part of the lawn, you mow the whole lawn before seeing significant results.

Do you treat pregnant women?

Yes, we can treat you throughout your pregnancy. We provide a gentle treatment, using safe acupuncture points and less acupoints than a treatment for someone who is not pregnant. Common acupoints safe for pregnancy are: Yintang, Shen Men, DU20, PC6, ST36, and GB41.

What should I wear to an appointment?

Please wear loose comfortable clothing to your appointment. If you’re wearing a long-sleeved shirt, please make sure that you can push the sleeves up past your elbow. It’s also advised to wear pants that can be pulled up to your knees, such as sweat pants.

How come you don’t process insurance?

I am operating as a community-style practitioner which makes acupuncture affordable to everyone.

What do you specialize in?

I am a spiritual energy healer, by nature. I specialize in spiritual energy healing, with, or without acupuncture needles. When I provide an acupuncture treatment, there are benevolent spiritual forces at work that come through to help heal different aspects of the lives of my patients. While I am trained in acupuncture and Oriental medicine, like every other practitioner, what makes my practice different from many acupuncturists is that I am primarily interested in the spiritual, mental and emotional well-being of my patients, and offer general guidance in those areas without providing mental health counseling. I am familiar with many techniques, practices and other modalities that, along with acupuncture, can aid in spiritual, mental and emotional well-being, and I share those with my patients.

Can you see energy?

Only when I look at a tree. Other than that, I cannot see energy, but I CAN feel energy. My gift is sensing energy. I can FEEL energy, very strongly. That’s why I love crystals such as Moldavite so much… I love the energy that they emit. Positive energy is naturally channeled when providing acupuncture. I work with crystals to amplify positive healing energy.