FAQ

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) refers to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and Chinese therapeutic
massage called Tui Na. TCM has been used in China for thousands of years. 3,000 years ago, references to acupuncture appear as inscriptions on bones and shells. The first acupuncture instruments were made of stone (ouch!). Today the tools of the trade have changed, but treatments still use the knowledge gathered over centuries of practice. The
fundamental idea is that when the energy of the body is in balance there is health, when it is out of balance, there is illness or pain. Acupuncture, Herbs and Tui Na work to restore balance to the body to
reduce pain and support healing.

Does it hurt?
No.
Acupuncture, when done correctly, is not painful. The needles are
extremely fine, most of them are as thin as a hair. When the “chi”
feeling is achieved, the patient may feel a numbness, heaviness or
aching, but not pain. Most people find acupuncture painless and
profoundly relaxing.

How many treatments will I need?

This varies person to person. In acute situations one or two treatments
may be enough. Long-term chronic conditions may take several treatments
to begin to be affected. The reason for this is that TCM works to heal
the root of the problem, not just cover up the symptoms. Heather
suggests patients come for 6-8 treatments to decide if acupuncture will
be helpful, some shift should occur in that time even in chronic cases.
Herbal treatments can range from short term (i.e. for a cold) to ongoing for chronic or maintenance care.

Are Acupuncturists required to be
licensed?

Yes. All acupuncturists must complete an accredited 3-4 year course in
TCM and pass a national exam in acupuncture, a national exam in Chinese
Herbology is optional. I am nationally certified in both modalities and
state certified in CT, NY. and CA.

Are the Needles Clean?

Yes. I use only sterile, individually wrapped, disposable needles that
are disposed of immediately after each treatment.

What conditions can acupuncture be
used to treat?

Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of health issues including pain, infertility, digestive disorders, headaches, insomnia and anxiety or depression. The World Health Organization lists more than 40
conditions for which acupuncture may be used. They include: Pain,
musculo-skeletal problems, infertility, digestive disorders,
ear-nose-throat problems, gynecological problems, neurological problems
and respiratory problems.