How does acupuncture work?

According to Chinese medical theory, we all have Qi (pronounced "chee," which is energy or life-force) flowing through our bodies. Acupuncture reminds our bodies of how to let the Qi flow smoothly. When Qi flows smoothly, we are healthy and pain-free. From a western medical perspective, we know that acupuncture has effects on the nervous, vascular, musculo-skeletal and other systems of the body, but do not understand how it works.

DOES acupuncture work?

Yes it does. Acupuncture has been used in China for over 3,000 years for health maintenance and the treatment of many different disorders. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as suitable for treating over 200 common clinical disorders.

Is acupuncture painful?  Is it safe?

Acupuncture needles are VERY fine - about the thickness of a human hair. There should be little or no discomfort with the insertion of the needles. For your safety, only single-use needles are used. They are disposed of through a medical hazardous waste facility, just like hospitals and western health clinics.

Can Chinese medicine help my condition?

While most people know that acupuncture can be used to relieve pain, did you know that acupuncture as well as Chinese herbs can be effective in treating a variety of other conditions? Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can treat or ease the symptoms associated with digestive disorders, urogenital disorders, gynecological disorders, respiratory disorders, circulatory disorders, disorders of the bones, joints and muscles, disorders of the nervous system, immune disorders, sleep and stress disorders, emotional and psychological disorders and as supportive therapy for many other chronic and debilitating disorders.

What should I expect on my first visit?

Download the forms from the Clinic & Appointment Info page and fill them out prior to your appointment. This will ensure that we have more time available for your treatment. Bring shorts and a t-shirt or tank-top to change into (this will allow me to reach most areas needed for treatment, and you'll be able to avoid having to change into a hospital gown!). During this first visit I will interview you about your health from head to toe. In Chinese medicine, it is important for me to see you as a whole system. After the interview, you'll have needles inserted and you'll be able to rest with them in for anywhere from 10-30 minutes. Then I'll remove the needles and send you home having had a great, first-acupuncture-experience!

How many treatments will I need?

It depends on your particular condition. In general, I recommend a series of ten treatments, at which time we will reevaluate your condition and progress. It is not uncommon to begin seeing changes in your overall health prior to the tenth treatment. With one or two treatments per week, many conditions can be alleviated rapidly with acupuncture and herbs. Acute conditions will generally respond faster, while chronic conditions may take several weeks or longer to respond. Remember that attitude, diet, determination and lifestyle will also affect the outcome and course of treatment.

How do you get pets to stay still for their treatments?

To tell you the truth, they usually just do.  No anesthesia or sedatives are required.  Once the needles have been inserted, many pets actually fall asleep during their treatments!

Can acupuncture help my pet's condition?

Acupuncture can help all of the same conditions that occur in their human counterparts. 

How many treatments will my pet need?

Pets tend to require fewer treatments than their human counterparts.  I find that they, generally, need half as many treatments as a human.  No one is quite sure why this is the case.  Many believe it is because pets don't tend to internalize and hang onto their daily stressors.  Perhaps it is because pets are natural meditators and thus promote the smooth flow of Qi all the time.

Becca Seitz, MAcOM, LAc - Acupuncture in SE Portland, Oregon
Serving Portland, Clackamas, Milwaukie, and Gresham areas.