FAQ Page

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and that they be labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only. In our clinic, only disposable one-time-use sterilized needles are used. Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported to the FDA in light of the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used. Still, complications have resulted from inadequate sterilization of needles and from improper delivery of treatments. Practitioners should always use a new set of disposable needles taken from a sealed package for each patient and should disinfect the treatment area thoroughly before inserting needles.

Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. The needles are significantly thinner than hypodermic needles; as a result, for some, the needle insertion may not be felt at all, while in other cases, it may feel like a pinprick. After treatment, some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.

Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment. This is why it is important to seek treatment from a licensed and experienced acupuncture practitioner.

In the past two decades, acupuncture has grown in popularity in the United States.

The 2007 NHIS data indicated 6.5% of Americans had reported ever using acupuncture. Of these, 22% had seen an acupuncturist in the last 12 months, and 25% of those who had tried acupuncture had done so at least once, and 70% had seen an acupuncturist at least 5 times. The majority of those who had seen an acupuncturist had done so usually for some kind of pain, primarily arthritis and other orthopedic pain, headaches, or fibromyalgia. The study results showed growing popularity among those with chronic conditions that impact the quality of life and self sufficiency. Various studies on acupuncture utilization suggests that from about 5-25% of people in the world, regardless of nationality or ethnicity, will at some time try acupuncture. Conventional therapies are often used along with acupuncture in these cases.

Acupuncture is a holistic approach that is especially effective for many chronic conditions as well as disease/surgery recovery. For a look at what we have been successful treating in the past, please click here.

Please refer to this page for an in-depth discussion.

Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holistic therapeutic approach that is especially effective for chronic conditions such as various forms of pain, for recovery from significant surgeries or other treatment methods (e.g. cancer therapies), for hormonal conditions such as fertility concerns, menopause, menstrual cycle symptoms and regularity, etc. For a more in-depth look into how acupuncture works, please click here.