Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture
What conditions do acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treat?
Chronic and acute pain, numbness or weakness: arthritic conditions, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, Bell's Palsy, bursitis, tendonitis, trigeminal neuralgia, sprains, sports injuries, post-stroke recovery
Fatigue: Chronic fatigue, auto-immune diseases, environmental sensitivities, post-surgical recovery, issues related to aging
Menstrual irregularities: PMS, painful periods, menopausal symptoms, infertility, amenorrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding , morning sickness, vaginitis
Respiratory problems: chronic or acute cough, wheezing, frequent infections, allergies, colds, flu, hay fever, sinus problems, post-nasal drip, ear infections, acute or chronic sore throats
Digestive problems: irritable bowel, symptoms of Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis, chronic indigestion, acid reflux, chronic constipation or diarrhea , ulcers, problems with blood sugar regulation
Emotional conditions: anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic tension and stress, and addictions
Genito-urinary: chronic yeast infections, cystitis, urinary urgency, impotence, incontinence
Circulatory: anemia, cold extremities, hypertension, Reynaud's phenomenon
Pediatric: chronic infections of the ear, sinuses or throat, wheezing, bedwetting, cough, failure to thrive, migraines, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, trouble sleeping, learning difficulties, allergies
How can acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine treat so many conditions?
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treat individual people rather than isolated symptoms; therefore any condition that can be understood as an imbalance in the body’s systems can be treated and altered. Once a pattern is correctly identified and treated, it is common for many of the symptoms associated with this pattern to improve—even ones that didn’t seem related to the initial condition.
Treatment of any health issue with acupuncture and herbal medicine does not replace a physician’s care. It is important to utilize both medical systems, as each one has its own strengths and weaknesses.
How many treatments will I need?
A better question would be “How many treatments will be necessary until I know if the treatments are helping?” The answer to this depends on a number of factors, including the severity and duration of the problem, as well as its complexity. An issue that has been troublesome for many years tends to require more treatments than a recent problem. Initial improvements for long-standing problems may be more temporary. As treatments progress further, improvements become more sustained.
Do the needles hurt?
Almost every first-time client has some trepidation before the first visit. However, an acupuncture needle is a fraction of the thickness of the hypodermic needles we envision when we think of “needles.” Common sensations from an acupuncture needle may include a mild temporary heaviness or soreness, slight tingling, warmth, moderate pulsations, or no sensation at all. If there is an initial sensation, it dissipates very quickly.
What about danger of disease transmission from the needles?
Any acupuncturist licensed in the United States has been thoroughly trained in and tested on OSHA standards for disease transmission prevention. At Lightwave Healing Arts, as is the rule throughout our profession, only sterile, disposable single-use needles are used. Prior to each needle’s insertion, the skin at each point to be stimulated is cleaned with alcohol.
What kind of training do acupuncturists receive?
A minimum of 3 years of full-time graduate level training, including extensive clinical training and course work in Oriental medicine and western biomedicine. To become licensed in Vermont, successful completion of a national board certification exam is required, as well regular continuing education credits.
What forms of payment does Gail Rex and Lightwave Healing Arts accept?
We accept MasterCard and Visa, as well as checks and cash. We can also charge your health savings account credit card.
Please note that payment is expected at each visit.