FAQ
What do you specialize in?
We specialize in Pain, Oncology, Pediatrics, and Insomnia. I treat all patients with all presentations, especially ones where you’ve had a bunch of different specialists tell you different things are wrong.
What are your De-Stress Clinics?
It’s a group setting clinic the first Wednesday of each month, where I do a de-stress acupuncture protocol called NADA (National Acupuncture Detox Association) that helps participants drop into their body and fully relax. The sessions last about an hour, cost $10, and begin at 6pm the first Wednesday monthly.
What if I’m REALLY ticklish?
Your body is protecting you but also reacting to touch so strongly that you tickle easily. It’s something I’ve worked with many times, and there is a specific protocol to keep even ticklish people comfortable.
I had acupuncture and it triggered a migraine. Why would that happen?
If a person has frequent migraines, it’s important for the acupuncturist to know this ahead of time, and be clear on the cause of those migraines, so that they avoid triggering them. Each area of the head has a different organ system, so -where- the migraines are located on your head is super important to us!
How big are those needles?
Acupuncture needles are entirely different from hypodermic needles used for shots or medication. Acupuncture needles are much thinner — each as thin as a strand of hair. They’re fine and flexible. Their points are smooth — not hollow with cutting edges like hypodermic needles. If acupuncture needles cause any sensation, it’s typically similar to a mosquito bite or a mild pinch.
What can someone expect from the first session?
If we move a lot of energy, you’re likely to be tired or thirsty after a treatment. I highly recommend eating a light meal before the treatment as well.
Can you make me look like Hellraiser?
Yes, but no. It would be the most insane thing to do with actual needles, because it would send so much energy to your head!
Can you cure cancer with acupuncture?
Several of my patients receive chemo or radiation therapy, and my work is geared to support their recovery and limit the nausea, insomnia, fatigue, and brain fog that comes with chemotherapy.
How frequently should I have acupuncture for X condition?
Part 1: it takes as long to cure as it did to get there.
Part 2: for acute issues, frequently for short time (1-3 x week) for chronic, once a week for several weeks.
When will I see results?
The joy of America’s Get-It-Now mentality. For acute issues (first couple days of a fever or cold, or twisted arm) you should see results when you get off the table. Chronic (you’ve had it over a year) sometimes may see results the first treatment, often the results will expand over time (1st tx benefit lasts 1 day. by 3rd tx benefit lasts 4 days. by 5th tx you’re feeling healthy all week!)
Does it hurt?
Like a short pinch at best. Some people are very sensitive, and I have a method for releasing some of that sensitivity quickly so they don’t have as much of a reaction. I’ve had a patient mention that he only felt three needles go in after I’d put in ten, so it’s definitely relative.
Also, after the needles are in, you should have no sensation other than possibly energy moving around your body.
Are you a real doctor? Like a white coat and M.D. and everything?
My license is LAc, which is Licensed Acupuncturist, in Texas and Minnesota. I also am a Certified Practitioner of Tuina bodywork, and a Certified Cupping Therapist. I have a white coat that I keep in a closet. If it makes you happy, you’re more than welcome to put it on while I treat you.
Can it help with sciatic pain?
Yes, my patients have good recovery from sciatic pain, which is usually caused by the inflammation of the gluteus or piraformis muscle groups around the sciatic nerve.
Acupuncture vs Dry Needling?
Chiropractic doctors and Physical Therapists often use acupuncture needles in something called ‘Dry Needling’ to relax muscle groups and engage the body to release tension. It is not acupuncture because they are using muscle-directed work, yet it is often effective.
Acupuncturists use needles to enervate specific organ pathways and acupuncture points based on theories of Chinese Medicine. This is used for more systemic issues – we rarely use needles to just relax a muscle group, because we use different points of the body for that process.
Can it help TOS thoraccic outlet syndrome and occipital neuropathy?
TOS responds very well to cupping & Tuina, with acupuncture to engage the rest of the body. I’ve restored sensation and feeling for multiple neuropathy patients, using either local acupuncture or distal work to re-engage the muscles and nerve clusters.
Can you prove that acupuncture is real?
There are those who say Life is an illusion. There are also those who say Reality itself is an illusion. If they are, they are shared illusions we all enjoy.
What is Qi?
It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together.
Are the needles sterile?
Absolutely, which is why I have Sharps containers and single-use sterile packaged needles. Acupuncture needles are single-use, and once I open a pack, they go into the secured trash immediately after a treatment.
How deeply do the needles go?
On the head, hands, and feet .2cm or so, depending on the locations. For larger muscles such as the thighs and glutes, they easily 1-2 inches to go through fat.
What if acupuncture doesn’t help me?
Acupuncture isn’t a cure-all. I isolate the problem, understand the environment, and look at the situation as a whole. If you’re not seeing results within 4-6 treatments at most, I’d rather you try another modality or another acupuncturist.
Please understand, my preferred patient is someone I see for enough treatments to get them past the issue they’re working on and into a state of health, and then let them enjoy a needle-free life. You’re more than welcome to come back if you’ve had a rough weekend or attend one of my de-stress clinics. It’s very rare that I have a client who needs to return regularly.
