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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient, time tested method for preventing and treating various diseases, illnesses, and conditions. It involves the insertion of hair thin sterile needles into various points located all over the different "meridians" or pathways of the body. Acupuncture helps the mind and body achieve and maintain balance through a mechanism we call "Qi," or our body's natural energy. Acupuncture not only treats the symptoms that arise, but the root of the problem as well. Each person is treated specifically and individually based on what they are experiencing.
How is "community acupuncture" different from private practice acupuncture?
Community acupuncture is the more common form of acupuncture practiced in China/Asia. It consists of one large room with up to 10 others being treated simultaneously. The group setting not only combines the healing energy from those being treated around you, but also allows for more affordable ($30-$50) and frequent treatments, leading to faster results. In community acupuncture, you are treated sitting in a reclining chair rather than on a treatment table, and points are chosen mostly on the limbs. The average acupuncture treatment is approximately one hour, but can be up to 90 minutes if necessary. You are encouraged to come more than once a week (2-3) in order achieve optimal results.
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
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*Not a complete list of conditions
• ADD/ADHD • Allergies • Arthritis • Asthma • Back/Neck Pain • Cancer support • Cardiovascular or circulatory issues • Cold/Flu • Depression/Anxiety • Fatigue • Fertility (for natural or assisted support) • GI Disorders • Headaches/Migraines • Insomnia • Immune Disorders • Low Libido • Lyme Disease |
• Menopause • Menstrual Irregularities • Mental/Emotional Disorders • Musculo-skeletal Issues • Neurological Disorders • Pain Conditions • PMS • Pre-post-natal Care • Respiratory Conditions • Skin Disorders • Smoking Cessation • Stress • Women's Health *Don't see your issue listed? Call today to see if acupuncture can help you! (603) 828-7477 |
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture should not hurt. You may feel other "Qi" sensations such as tingling or warmth. If you are unsure about the needles, magnets can be used to stimulate the acupuncture points as well. People are often surprised by how relaxed they feel once the needles are in and the healing has begun. It isn't uncommon for people to actually sleep throughout their treatment!
What should I expect at my first visit?
Your first visit will be approximately one hour and twenty minutes. We highly recommend downloading and filling out forms ahead of time, or arriving 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. Your initial visit will involve a brief health history intake, where your main issues and concerns are addressed. Other questions regarding your body, lifestyle, diet, etc may also be asked in order to best treat you. Once the intake is finished, you will enter the community room where you will choose an available recliner, place your belongings in your bin, and wait for the practitioner to administer the acupuncture. Then you are asked to just sit back and relax for an hour while you let the needles and your body's energies do the healing. Please wear loose comfortable clothing during your treatments, as the points used during community acupuncture will mostly be on your limbs. You are more than welcome to bring your own headphones, earplugs, or eye masks for your treatments.
What should I expect during follow-up appointments?
When you come in for your follow-up appointments, check in with our Invisible Receptionist, take care of payments or booking of upcoming treatment, use the restroom, or grab earplugs, then go right ahead into the community room. Find an available chair, put your belongings in your bin, and wait for the practitioner to discuss with you briefly about any new concerns or changes. Now your acupuncture and relaxation begins!
How often should I get acupuncture? For how long?
Usually when first starting your acupuncture treatments, you are encouraged to have 2 to 3 sessions a week in order to quickly get your body back into balance. Remember, it is highly uncommon that you will be "cured" after one treatment. Acupuncture has a cumulative effect, and many find gradual improvements with each visit. Once your issues start to clear you can come less often or just for maintenance. People often look forward to their treatments and will continue treatment even after their main issue has resolved in order to keep their body balanced while dealing with the stresses of everyday life. Because community acupuncture is more affordable, this is actually an option!
Do you accept walk-in appointments?
We are not accepting walk-ins at this time. Please schedule your appointments online or by calling 603-828-7477 rather than walking in. You can schedule your appointment online within 30 minutes of your desired appointment time, and often times, if you call even a few minutes beforehand, we will do our best to get you in if space and time allows.
104 Congress St. Suite 403 Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 828-7477
