Is Acupuncture Safe?

Yes, in fact, the National Institute of Health (NIH) states that "the occurrence of adverse events in the practice of Acupuncture has been documented to be extremely low." 

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Instiute of Health (NIH) and World Health Organization (WHO) as being effective in treating the following conditions.

Due to our early traumatic experiences with needles from shots and vaccines, this is the most common question asked about acupuncture. The needles used during an acupuncture session are roughly the thickness of a cat's whisker, and are typically painless when used for insertion. The common sensations felt can vary from achy, tingling, warming, or no sensation at all. Each experience is different for each individual. Your comfort is important to us. If any discomfort is felt, inform the practitioner so the proper adjustments can be made. Active Life is certified in Clean Needle Technique (CNT) and needles are pre-packaged for one time use and disposal.

Yes, Acupuncture has survived the scrutiny of Western science and controlled double blind studies. It has also been endorsed by the NIH Consensus Committee for use as treatment for many health disorders. The data in support of acupuncture is as strong as those for many accepted Western medical therapies.

Arriving to the clinic in a calm state is important. Try to arrive ten or fifteen minutes before your appointment to allow yourself a chance to relax. Vigorous exercise or sexual activity in the hour before treatment is not recommended.

You should not have recently eaten a large meal, nor should you be fasting for more than 6 hours before your appointment. The use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs is also not recommended prior to or just following a treatment.

Comfortable, loose clothing should be worn,  Makeup and nail polish should be minimized or eliminated and please also avoid the use of perfumes, colognes or strongly scented cosmetics.

This depends upon the duration, severity and nature of your complaint. We begin with a series of five treatments which may be all that is needed for a minor acute condition. A continued treatment plan may be prescribed as well as herbal medicine to help resolve more chronic, degenerative conditions. We will discuss an estimated amount of treatments during your free initial consult.