Safety and Comfort

In the hands of a trained and skilled practitioner, acupuncture therapy is remarkably safe and quite comfortable. In its 1997 Consensus Statement on Acupuncture, the National Institutes of Health cited the impressive safety record of acupuncture compared to drugs and other medical procedures. I work only with single-use disposable needles, which eliminate the risk of disease transmission.

The acupuncture experience bears almost no resemblance to receiving an injection. Acupuncture needles are solid, flexible, and hair thin, and most people feel minimal discomfort with acupuncture needle insertion.

As a new patient, you will provide some basic health information, then we will discuss your specific condition and general health in some detail. Patients usually experience a sensation of heaviness, energy, or aching once the needles are set. See my discussion of DeQi for more.

I often combine movement, heat, or gentle massage with the needles to promote relaxation, improve circulation, increase range of motion, and release restrictions. Most patients are pleased at how much better they feel after only one treatment.

Additionally, I now am using one of the most modern treatments available, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT).

This therapy has been used extensively for over 20 years in Europe, and has been tested rigorously for safety and effectiveness. In 2002, the FDA approved LLLT for use in treating a number of painful conditions. The laser I use is a medical grade device made by Medical Laser Systems Inc, an FDA approved manufacturer in the USA. It emits invisible infrared light that falls just outside our range of vision, and is well below any level that can easily damage tissue.

Patients will find treatment to be very relaxing, and many even fall asleep during a session.