FAQ Sheet

Q: What is qi?

A: Qi (pronounced "chee") is based on the ancient Chinese theory of the flow of energy. Qi and blood flow through distinct meridians or pathways. The flow of qi begins inside each organ of the body and courses through it meridians and rises through the muscle layers to the surface of the skin. Qi is accessible at specific points along these meridians. This is where the acupuncturist is able to effect the qi and blood and help bring the body into a better state of balance.

Q: What can I expect during the first visit?

A: Acupuncture treatment is based on an Oriental medical diagnosis that includes an intake of the patients health history, family's health history and the current condition the patient wishes to address. Then follows a physical examination, an assessment of pulse quality and tongue diagnosis all combine to form an understanding and diagnosis of the patient. Following the diagnosis a treatment plan is discussed with the patient and the treatment begins!

Q: How does acupuncture work?

A:Vibrant health depends on the smooth flow of qi. When the flow of qi and blood is blocked due to environmental factors, contagious disease, trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, hereditary conditions or emotional issues the balance of the system is disrupted. Illness is an outcome of this imbalance. Acupuncture regulates and restores the energetic balance in the body and facilitates the body's own healing capacities.

Q: Is there medicine on the needle?

A: No. It is the needle itself, the technique employed by the acupuncturist and the needle's connection with the qi in the meridian that engenders physiological change.

Q: Does acupuncture hurt?

A: Generally no. Sensations vary from nothing at all to mild sensations of warmth, tingling, a tugging feeling or sensations that may travel above or below the needle. Generally, people are very relaxed by acupuncture treatment and often doze off into a very comfortable sleep.

Afterwards, this relaxed state may last or transform into a more energized state of being.

Q: Are the needles sterile?

A: All needles used by Denise Daniel are pre-sterilized and disposable. One time use only.

Q: What is the length of an acupuncture treatment?

A: The first office visit generally will last between 90 minutes-2 hours and subsequent visits generally will be 45 minutes to one hour. The time spent doing the acupuncture treatment ranges from 20-40 minutes depending on the specific condition. Infant and children appointments are generally shorter. First appointments generally will be about one hour and follow-ups are usually 30 minutes.

Q: How many treatments will I require?

A: Each patient and condition will need to be assessed in the first visit. Some conditions require little intervention and others may require longer care. Your body constitution, severity of problem and length of time that you have had a condition all contribute to the time involved.

Q: What should I do before my Acupuncture treatment?

A: I recommend that patients bring with them any relevant medical information such as a list of any medications, herbs and supplements as well as any diagnostic material that can be used to understand your condition. MRI's, blood work and other diagnostic information related to your current condition are welcome.

Patients should arrive to their appointment when not on an empty stomach and should be prepared to refrain from rigorous exercise for at least three hours after treatment.