What is acupuncture? 
The body consists of various channels (also called meridians), which hold the basic elements of life.  One of these elements, Qi (pronounced "chee"), flows through our body and helps to keep us strong and healthy.  The body can become deficient due to overwork, stress, lack of exercise, or poor diet. When the body becomes deficient, injuries and ailments are more likely to occur.

Acupuncture uses very fine, flexible needles to stimulate points along channels on the body. Points may be used in the affected area, or other areas of the body.  These points are commonly referred to as "Acupoints."  Acupuncture works with your body's energy to help open up the channels allowing your energy to flow properly.  Once the needles are in place, we let the body do its work to heal itself. 

How does acupuncture work? 
To help you better understand; think of a major highway as the channels/meridians in your body.  When all is well and the highway (channel) is open, traffic (your body's energy) is moving along without any problems.  Traffic flow is smooth with no disruption and everyone is happy on the highway. 
If you have an accident (injury, trauma, stress, illness, etc.), the highway becomes blocked, and the energy cannot move as before, so things begin to back-up causing more problems.  Acupuncture helps to relieve the blockage either locally, or using other points on the body to help "redirect" traffic so the back-up does not continue to build and get worse.  Acupuncture lets your body know there is a blockage in a particular area of the body and to avoid sending more energy to the area until it is resolved.  Once you alleviate some of the build-up on the congested highway, the accident can be resolved and the highway can re-open and begin to flow again. 

What will I feel? 
People often ask what they will feel when receiving acupuncture.  There are various sensations that might be felt when receiving acupuncture.  Common sensations include tingling, tightness, itching, heaviness, or nothing at all.  Unfortunately, sometimes a blood vessel or nerve is touched upon insertion.  If you feel uncomfortable once the needle has been inserted, please let us know and we will remove and re-insert the needle. 

What type of acupuncture do you practice?
There are various styles of acupuncture, such as Five Element, Classical, Japanese, Tan Style, Master Tong, etc.  Christine is trained in the various styles but does not limit treatment to one particular style.  Your treatment is customized for you based on your condition and the style best suited for you. 

Who can benefit from acupuncture/herbal medicine?
Anyone, at any stage of life, from the child in the womb to the elderly, can benefit from acupuncture / herbal medicine.  In addition to its healing power, acupuncture/ herbal medicine is a great way to relax and have some quiet time for you. 

Does acupuncture go against my religious beliefs?
Christine does not perform any 'magic', nor push any particular religious belief.  She will listen to your complaint, ask you questions, and then treat you according to the imbalance in your body identified through her training.  Acupuncture needles are used to assist your body in healing itself.  The only magic is what your body already knows how to do. 

Is Acupuncture safe?
One of the many benefits of acupuncture is the absence of serious side effects.  All needles are sterilized, individually packaged and disposable.  We do not reuse acupuncture needles.  Acupuncture generally causes no bleeding on entry or removal. 

Are the herbal medications safe?
We take into consideration current medications, vitamins, or supplements to make sure there are no drug interactions.  We use only the highest quality herbs so you receive the best benefits of the remedies. 

What type of acupuncture do you use?
Many acupuncturists train in specific types of acupuncture (i.e. Five element, Classical, Japanese, etc.).   Practitioners in ancient times considered the various types of acupuncture when treating clients and so do we.  We are trained in the various types of acupuncture, but prefer to individualize your treatment so we may give you the best treatment for your ailment. 

What criteria should one use in choosing an acupuncturist?
Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated healthcare profession in the United States.  In Florida, acupuncturists must be licensed by the State of Florida to practice.  In states not requiring state licensing, patients should seek practitioners who are certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).  Beyond checking credentials, the best assurance is a referral from satisfied patients.  You can also visit www.nccaom.org to find a licensed acupuncture practitioners.