About Acupuncture

Acupuncture

At nearly 5,000 years old, Acupuncture is one of the oldest successfully practiced medical systems in the world.
Its relevance today is evidenced in the numerous studies showing acupuncture’s ability to treat physical as well as emotional conditions.
The practice of Aupuncture includes the use of pressure, heat, cupping, scraping, massage, and the insertion of solid, sterile single use hair thin needles into specific points on the body to remove blockages. This allows blood, fluids, energy, and emotions to move more freely.
Acupuncture Helps the body begin to heal itself by releasing the body’s natural pain killers, anti-inflammatory and feel good chemicals.

Acu Detox

NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) is a standarized auricular (ear) acupuncture protocol for behavioral health, including addictions, mental health, and disaster and emotional trauma.
More Information

Acupunture

At nearly 5,000 years old, Acupuncture is one of the oldest successfully practiced medical systems in the world.
Its relevance today is evidenced in the numerous studies showing acupuncture’s ability to treat physical as well as emotional conditions.
The practice of Aupuncture includes the use of pressure, heat, cupping, scraping, massage, and the insertion of solid, sterile single use hair thin needles into specific points on the body to remove blockages. This allows blood, fluids, energy, and emotions to move more freely.
Acupunture Helps the body begin to heal itself by releasing the body’s natural pain killers, anti-inflammatory and feel good chemicals.

Acu Detox

NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) is a standarized auricular (ear) acupuncture protocol for behavioral health, including addictions, mental health, and disaster and emotional trauma.
More Information

How to prepare for your first visit

Preparing for your acupuncture visit

Wear comfortable loose fitting clothing.

Eat a light meal or snack at least 2 hours before your appointment.

Do not brush or scrape your tongue 24 hours before your appointment (acupuncturists gather a lot of information from observing your tongue).

Avoid wearing perfume or cologne, and avoid using strong scented soap.

Avoid wearing make-up if at all possible. Come as natural as possible!

After your acupuncture treatment

Drink plenty of water.

Avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day.

Avoid alcohol for 4-6 hours after your treatment. No alcohol is optimal.

Listen to your body and if you feel tired, rest.

Observe any changes.

Frequently asked questions

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a medical system that has been in existence for 5,000 years. Acupuncture is a healing modality that works from the inside out. It works with the body’s own intrinsic healing abilities through the insertion of sterile, single-use hair-thin needles into specific points on the body. It does this by stimulating the body’s internal resources to correct imbalances in the flow of vital force (Qi, Energy, ).

How long does it take to notice a change?

Some people notice a change in the first treatment however, most people begin to experience change within 4-6 treatments. For some, noticeable improvement may take up to 10 treatments. As with any type of treatment, much depends on the length of time the patient has been dealing with their specific circumstances and the severity of the circumstance.

Do the needles hurt?

Most people do not feel much of anything. Occasionally there is a brief sensation that subsides within a few seconds.

How long do I need to receive treatment?

Initially people are treated once or twice a week for the first few weeks. Then depending on what serves the individual best treatment can be spaced out to weekly, bi weekly, monthly. Quite a few people choose to come on a weekly basis because it feels good.

What's an appointment like?

The initial intake appointment lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours. This gives the patient and practitioner time to discuss concerns, goals and treatment strategies.

The intake session includes an in depth health, personal and social history and a general physical exam. Each consecutive session is approximately 1 hour. There is a period of checking in and discussing previous treatment observations and concerns- if any- for the day’s treatment. After this, the patient lies on the treatment table and the practitioner listens to pulses and decides on treatment plan.

Who can receive acupuncture?

Anyone. Infants, children, teenagers, adults, seniors; Those preparing for the conception of life to those preparing for end of life.

How does acupuncture work?

Your body is much like a system of rivers, seas and oceans. Think of a river that becomes blocked by debris, dried up due to lack of rain/moisture or a river that overflows its banks. Our bodies do much the same. Acupuncture works to unblock obstructions whether physical, emotional and/or spiritual, helps to increase the flow of energy and to shore up the banks by strengthening the body.

What are Kathy's credentials?

Kathy has been promoting wellness for over 20 years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture from Tai Sophia Institute (Maryland University of Integrative Health) in Laurel MD, is licensed in New Hampshire, holds a Diplomate of Acupuncture from the NCCAOM (National Commission on Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, B.A. in Liberal Studies from Vermont College of Norwich University, Nationally Certified Massage Therapist since 1998, and has been self-employed since 1998.

How acupuncture works

Copyright ©2020 Gate of Life Acupuncture and Wellness | All Rights Reserved | Designed by HFB Technologies