FAQ

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) effectively treats a wide variety of conditions, specializing in chronic or difficult health issues that have not been relieved by Western Medicine. Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific acupoints located along energetic pathways.

These pathways travel all over our bodies and connect energy along the pathway, to the organs and to each other. Fine sterile needles are placed gently in acupoints to promote the movement of Qi (vital energy) and rebalance energy in the body’s organ systems.

Acupuncture restores the flow of “QI”. Points are selected to both relieve symptoms and correct the root cause of disease. Treatment is virtually painless. The number of treatments required to resolve symptoms and restore health depends on the severity and nature of your individual condition.

Does acupuncture therapy hurt?

In short, acupuncture therapy does not hurt. For the most part, you will not even feel the needle. At Zen Acupuncture & Wellness, we use a Chinese style painless technique. The most common sensations you can expect to feel include warmth, pressure, energy traveling, or possibly a deep ache, similar to a sore muscle. This pain will dissipates after a minute or two as the acupuncture opens up the energy blockage in the channel. If you would not consider aching muscles after a workout “pain” your answer is no – acupuncture does not hurt!
How many sessions do I need?

How many sessions you need is dependent on what you are being treated for and how long you’ve had the problem for. Acute conditions such as a sprain or back pain, when caused by recent trauma, may only take one to three sessions. Chronic pains or internal health issues, such as indigestion or insomnia that you’ve had for years will not be fixed in one session. Acupuncture is not a miracle fix; it is a form of therapy and may take many sessions. The effects of acupuncture are cumulative and you will feel progressively better with each session. To get a better prediction of how many sessions you might need, you can participate in several sessions in order to determine how you’re responding to the therapy.
How much does a session cost?

For follow-up sessions each acupuncture treatment is $90.00. For new patients, a “first visit” session is $135.00 which includes a 30 minute initial health consultation and the acupuncture treatment. Acutonics or Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture are $90.00 per session which includes a regular acupuncture treatment. Facial Acupuncture with LED light therapy is $115.oo per 45 minute session.
What does acupuncture treat?

Most people think of acupuncture as a pain relief treatment for things such as back pains or headaches. While acupuncture is great for pain management, it also successfully treats a variety of women’s health issues including fertility, nausea during pregnancy, digestive problems, insomnia, emotional stress, anxiety, and more. According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture is proven to treat hundreds of health problems.
Can it help with my condition?

Most likely, acupuncture can help with your condition. Acupuncture is just one treatment modality, as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is a complete medical system to treat all health issues. Sandy Rye, R. Ac., has observed almost everything being treated with acupuncture and herbs during her education and practice. If you are wondering whether or not acupuncture can help your specific condition, give her a call at (403) 966-9454.
Are the needles sterile?

The needles are absolutely sterile. Acupuncture needles are prepackaged, sterile, hair-thin, solid needles. They are used only once on your body and are properly disposed of into a Sharp’s container immediately following. We follow strict clean needle technique guidelines.
Is it ok if I fall asleep during a session?

Yes, it is ok to fall asleep during a session. In fact, most people do! If you’re having a session to treat insomnia, it is expected that you will fall asleep. Acupuncture is a wonderful way to de-stress, in fact, many patients feel more relaxed after an acupuncture session than they do after a professional massage. Many new clients ask if it is ok to fall asleep during a session, as we notice their eyes starting to close.
How does acupuncture actually work?

It depends on whether you want the eastern or western answer. From a western view point, the acupuncture needles stimulate neurotransmitters to release chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin providing our bodies with natural pain relief. From an eastern view point, our bodies run on energy called “Qi,” a Chinese term, which circulates the blood, chemicals, hormones and nutrients in our body. Acupuncture stimulates the flow of Qi energy to provide proper functioning and balance in our mind, body and spirit.
Do medical doctors practice acupuncture?

Generally, medical doctors do not practice acupuncture. There may be a select few doctors who are open-minded to incorporating natural and holistic options for their patients such as acupuncture. However, most medical doctors prefer to refer patients to licensed acupuncturists.