FAQs

The guiding premise of all of our services is respect for the positive life force in all beings within which there exists the potential for growth and renewal.

Acupuncture
Herbs
Moxibustion
Shiatsu and Thai Massage
Reiki

Acupuncture

Q: Does acupuncture hurt?
Not at all. Acupuncture is not painful. You may feel a sensation when the needles are in but you should not feel pain. One might feel heaviness, distention, tingling, warmth, or a sensation of movement along the acupuncture channel. Most people feel very relaxed during the treatment and energized after.

Q: Where do you put the needles?
Acupuncture needles are inserted in points located around the body. Usually points are located on "channels" or "meridians" flowing through the body carrying energy, blood and nourishment. Inserted at these points, needles adjust the flow to help the body rebalance and become healthier.

Q: How many needles will I get?
Acupuncturists typically choose between 6-18 points for a treatment depending on the presenting problem.

Q: Are the needles clean?
Acupuncture needles are single-use, disposable, sterilized, metallic, solid, and hair-thin. After each treatment, all needles are disposed of.

Q: What is acupuncture good for?
Acupuncture can provide relief and healing for many kinds of conditions and diseases — from back pain and other injuries to digestive and autoimmune disorders. See Our Services page for desciptions of some common ailments we treat.

Q: How soon can I expect to see results?
Some patients feel an immediate reduction in their symptoms, for others it may take a few treatments. If you are not seeing results after 5 treatments, we will refer you to another practitioner or a different type of medicine that may serve you better.

Q: How many times do I have to visit?
Acute disorders respond quickly to acupuncture, so 2-3 visits over two weeks may be all that is needed. For chronic diseases that need a longer course of treatment, one visit per week for 3-6 months may be required. Usually after six treatments we will know whether or not acupuncture is working for your condition.

Q: Will insurance cover this?
Insurance companies in the Midwest are increasingly covering acupuncture. If your insurance company does cover treatment, we would be happy to provide you with the necessary paperwork to get reimbursed.

Herbs

Q: How can Chinese herbs help me?
Taking herbs daily increases the duration and depth of effectiveness of an acupuncture session. They represent a time-honored tradition of gently altering a patient’s condition to correct long standing diseases and disharmonies. They work to restore balance at the deepest levels. Herbal formulas may be prescribed as teapills, granules, or teas.

Q: Do herbs taste terrible?
Traditional boiled herbs can have a very strong smell and taste, but our granule pharmacy provides patients a safe, convenient and much better tasting option. Many formulas contain ginger, cinnamon, cloves or mint. Most patients actually enjoy taking their herbs, especially because of the feeling of wellness they bring about.

Q: Are herbs safe? What if I am taking other medication?
Our practitioners are trained in the safe use of herbal medicines both alone and in the presence of biomedical drugs. Our integrative training includes a Master’s of Science degree, with extensive training in pharmacology, physiology, and biochemistry, as well as traditional uses and modern understandings of our traditional pharmacopia. We participate in continuing education events and reading to maintain an up-to-the-moment perspective on these ancient and time-tested therapies.

Moxibustion

Q: What is moxa?
Moxibustion is a traditional treatment commonly used by acupuncturists to treat arthritis, numbness, infertility, indigestion and other illnesses thought to be caused by prolonged exposure to cold. It consists of burning the leaves of the herb Artemesia, commonly called moxa or mugwort, near to or on the patient’s body.

Q: Will moxa burn my skin?
No. Our practitioners typically use they type of moxa which does not come into direct contact with the skin. When direct moxa is indicated, we protect your skin with an herbal balm to allow the healing effects of moxa to penetrate in a safe, gentle way. Patients experience it as a very pleasant warming sensation.

Shiatsu and Thai Massage

Q: What are the benefits of Shiatsu and Thai massage?

enhanced body/mind connection
reduced stress, increased sense of well-being
relaxation of mind and muscles\
reduction in pain and symptoms of chronic illness
increased range of motion
improved digestion, sleep, blood pressure, energy and motivation

Q: How do Shiatsu and Thai massage work?
Shiatsu and Thai massage are forms of therapeutic bodywork based on the principles of traditional Asian health maintenance which views physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual life as a unified whole. This bodywork encourages regulation of the body/mind through compression, joint rotation, acupressure and stretches which nourish vital tissues to stimulate the digestive, endocrine and nervous systems. Fluidity, rhythm, focus, quality of touch, and sensitivity to the individual’s needs are primary.

Q: What is the difference between Shiatsu and Thai Massage?
The techniques of shiatsu and thai massage have much in common. Either approach is suitable for most people and our practitioners typically incorporate both disciplines during a bodywork session. The major difference is that Shiatsu is based upon the principles of Chinese and Japanese meridians of energy and utilizes pressure on acupuncture points to accomplish health goals. Thai massage is influenced by yoga asanas and emphasizes meditative rhythmic hand pressure and deep stretches. Both include range of motion joint rotations and basic stretches and work the entire body.

Q: What should I wear to receive Asian bodywork?
Bring along or wear loose, comfortable clothing and fresh socks. It’s best not to eat immediately before coming in. Asian bodywork is performed fully clothed, usually on a futon mat in a lying and/or seated position.

Reiki

Q: What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

Q: What does the word Reiki mean?
The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words: Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."

Q: What does a Reiki treatment feel like?
A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and well-being. Treatments are usually one hour in length. It is done fully clothed on a massage table.

Q: What conditions does Reiki treat?
Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of encouraging healing. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

Q: Do I have to believe in it for it to work?
While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not.

A quote from the founder of Reiki, Dr. Mikao Usui:

The secret art of inviting happiness
The miraculous medicine of all diseases
Just for today, do not anger
Do not worry and be filled with gratitude
Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people.