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Acupuncture has numerous benefits, including pain relief, stress reduction, improved sleep, increased energy, and enhanced immune system function. It can also help with digestive disorders, menstrual issues, fertility, and many more.
When choosing an acupuncture practitioner, it is important to look for someone who is licensed and trained in acupuncture. Acupuncturists who have at least a Master of Acupuncture degree have over 3,000 hours of classroom and clinical experience during school. Acupuncturists who have a Doctor of Acupuncture have even more. These programs take anywhere between 3-5 years to complete from an accredited school.
Other types practitioners who provide acupuncture or dry needling in the state of Alabama are only required to take a minimum of 100 hours of study to practice acupuncture.
You may also want to read reviews or ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have had acupuncture before. It is important you feel comfortable with your practitioner.
Acupuncture treatment by a trained acupuncturist is very safe. We are trained in Clean Needle Technique, anatomy, proper technique of needle placement, insertion, and theory.
The needles used are incredibly thin--the width of a few hairs. I use a gentle technique for needle insertion. The client may feel the needle on the skin or perhaps deeper once the needle touches the acupuncture point. The sensation could be a tingling or warmth, or sometimes a traveling sensation most likely along the meridian. Every person feels acupuncture differently and every point can feel different from others on your own body.
The first appointment will include a detailed intake. Please allow a minimum of two hours for the visit. We spend the first half going over your health history and health goals. The second half of the appointment is an acupuncture treatment.
The subsequent treatments should take an hour or less.
Treatments include the use of thin, sterile, single use needles. Moxibustion is also used in treatments. Moxibustion involves burning of dried mugwort (moxa) on acupuncture points to stimulate the point and can also boost immunity. Moxa sticks can also be used to warm needles to get heat deep into the body or warm channels. Other tools such as gua sha or fire cupping may also be utilized.
Community sessions are acupuncture sessions in a group setting. Needles will be placed in the ears for auricular acupuncture. Additional needles may be placed in easily accessible areas like the hands or feet. The needles will be retained for 30-40 minutes while you focus on the internal self, quiet the mind, and connect with your Spirit. The needles can be removed at any time before the 30-40 minutes is up also--just let the practitioner know you would like them taken out by waving them over. When everyone has needles in, the practitioner will turn the lights down so everyone can rest. There will be gentle music playing during the session.
Please eat 1-2 hours prior to treatment. Avoid caffeine, stimulants, and similar substances a few hours before and after treatment. Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to remove items of clothing for treatments (such as on the back or on the hip), coverings for draping will be provided. In community clinic, the points are in the ear or easily accessible areas.
You can also have the new patient paperwork completed and returned via email ahead of time to save time during the initial appointment.
This depends on each individual's specific needs. For chronic severe conditions, on-going weekly or bi-weekly sessions may be necessary to manage symptoms and then taper to every other week, then to once a month, to seasonal.
Acupuncture can also be a part of your overall wellness plan. Regular treatments can help reduce stress and anxiety, enhance sense of well-being, and increase immunity. Some people like to receive treatments just because it is the only time they get to themselves.
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