Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Anna Lagios Tsu, L.Ac.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What can Acupuncture do?

Acupuncture is well-known for the treatment of pain. However, many other conditions may be addressed, including but not limited to the following:

Sports injuries

Repetitive stress injuries

Arthritis

Back and neck pain

Insomnia

Fatigue

Depression

Infertility

Digestive disorders

Asthma and allergies

Cough

Tinnitis

Facial tics

Sequelae of stroke

Hypertension

Premenstrual syndrome

Emotional complaints

Stress

Headache

Sciatica

Acid reflux

Morning sickness

Nausea from chemotherapy

Addictions to drugs, alcohol, nicotine, food, etc.

Will it hurt? Is it safe?

When practiced by a qualified acupuncturist, acupuncture is virtually risk-free. All needles used are single-use disposable, individually sealed needles manufactured under the strictest conditions of cleanliness in Japan. The insertion of needles is controlled as to direction and depth so as to prevent any damage to the tissues. The most common side effect (perhaps one patient in a hundred) is a small bruise at the site of insertion.

Acupuncture needles are fine as a hair (eight will fit inside a hypodermic needle); most patients can hardly feel them at all. When combined with a gentle and responsive technique, the treatment is almost entirely pain-free.

How long will it take?

It is not unknown for a patient to require only one treatment for relief, but this is rare. A good rule of thumb is: one month of weekly treatments for each year you have had the condition. Some conditions require fewer actual acupuncture treatments, but more constant use of herbs. After about three treatments, you and your acupuncturist will be able to estimate how long treatment will be necessary.

How much does it cost?

Individual office visits are $75 for a one-hour session.