Acupuncture can be described from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective as using thin needles to influence the flow of energy, or Qi, through the meridians to help maintain the balance of energy in the body.

The simple answer is, “Yes, with the permission and presence of a parent or legal guardian.”

Technically, acupuncturists don’t treat Western labeled conditions, rather acupuncturists treat the individual. We do this by diagnosing based on a set of symptoms that match a pattern in Chinese Medical Diagnosis. These Chinese medical diagnoses have been studied for thousands of years and in modern times can be interpreted as being similar to Western conditions.

Some (but not all) conditions that acupuncture can help with are pain, emotional disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, infertility, gynecological disorders, metabolic disorders, skin disorders, side effects of chemotherapy, respiratory disorders & common cold/ flu.

No, there is no “treatment” for cancer in Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs help to minimize the side effects and pain of Western treatments for cancer such as radiation and chemotherapy.

Typically, one to two times a week is recommended for maintenance. However, your practitioner will develop a treatment plan based on your condition.

This question depends entirely on your condition. Generally, acute conditions can be treated with less treatments than a chronic condition.

No! Traditional Chinese Medicine is a preventative form of healing which means it’s actually IDEAL to get acupuncture BEFORE you develop symptoms of a disease.

Traditional Chinese Medicine generally includes acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, tui na (a form of massage), moxibustion, herbal formulas, single herbs and nutrition. Your practitioner will assess your condition and decide which modalities are most beneficial.

No. The needles used are most often thinner than a strand of hair. The sensations most often associated with insertion of an acupuncture needle are “dull”, “achy” and “heavy”.

Generally, acupuncturists go to school for a minimum of 4 years (after obtaining a Bachelors or equivalent) to obtain a license to practice acupuncture. There is a second degree, which is the highest degree in the field, called a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine which requires anywhere from 1 to 2 years to obtain. Many acupuncturists also have other degrees or experience in other fields.