"Traditional Chinese Medicine method is based on the idea that no single part can be understood except in its relation to the whole. A symptom, therefore, is not traced back to a cause, but is looked at as part of a totality." - Ted J. Kaptchuk |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a 4000+ year old medicine first discovered and practiced in China. The basis of this medicine lies in the philosophy that when the body, mind, and spirit are in balance, the individual can withstand any internal and external stresses. Balance is achieved when blood and Qi (the body’s energy life force) are flowing smoothly. This in turn reduces inflammation and illness. Because it is a holistic form of medicine, it is gentle enough to use on children, the elderly and the infirm. Acupuncture can be viewed as part of your regular wellness regime. Regular treatments can prevent you from becoming ill and help you deal with the stresses and pressures of daily living.
How do you balance the body?
Based on an assessment that is performed at the beginning of each treatment, Linda will determine which points need to be stimulated. Diagnosis is based on your symptoms, pulse, and palpating your abdomen.
A point prescription will then be formulated by Linda. Fine acupuncture needles are shallowly inserted in specific acupuncture points for the “root” treatment. The insertion of a needle or stimulation of an acupuncture point causes a response by the body to send additional blood flow and energy to the area.
Acupuncture is a holistic form of medicine where your body heals itself. The goal is to treat the “ROOT OR CORE” imbalance. Once this imbalance is corrected, most symptoms will be alleviated. There are additional beneficial “side effects” such as better sleep, better digestion, and concentration/focus, and overall sense of well-being.
Does it hurt?
The needles used in acupuncture are typically finer than a strand of hair. Most insertions are very superficial. Usually patients, feel nothing. If there is a sensation, it is just a quick sting. For areas such as where the muscles are stronger and thicker, such as gluts and muscles in the back of the shoulder blades, larger gauge needles may be used.
For those who are needle sensitive or needle phobic, Linda will use a Teishin (a Japanese tool that is placed on top of the surface of the skin), microcurrent/colored light or magnets. These non-needle alternatives can be used for children, the elderly or infirm. Please ask her about these options.
What should I expect in a treatment?
Wear comfortable, loose clothing. Don’t come on an empty stomach or too full of a stomach. Make sure that you have gone to the bathroom before your appointment. We will:
What are the office policies?
The cancellation policy is 24 hours in advance. Linda has reserved this time for your treatment. If you are unable to make it, please call or email as soon as possible to allow another patient the opportunity to have a treatment.
If there is inclement weather, Linda will either call or email to reschedule your appointment. Your safety comes first.
Please do not come to your appointment if you have a temperature, are experiencing muscles aches.
What are some of the conditions that Linda has treated successfully?
These are just some of the many conditions that Linda has successfully treated.
Does each patient get a treatment plan?
Treatments usually last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes long. On average, changes in your condition are experienced within 4-6 treatments. Your road to health is dependent on the length you’ve had the condition, the severity, your lifestyle, and frequency of treatments. Linda will work with you in achieving your goals.
What accreditations do North Carolina acupuncturists have?
Acupuncturists in the state of North Carolina are required to have a minimum of a Masters in Acupuncture and to be certified by the National Certification Committee for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. This encompasses over 3000 hours of classroom instruction and over 1000 hours of supervised clinical experience treating over 200 patients during clinical rotations.
The North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board (NCALB) is the governing body responsible for issuing acupuncture licenses. When selecting an acupuncturist, please make sure that he/she has at least a Masters in Acupuncture and is a licensed acupuncturist. Credentials to seek are: LAc (licensed acupuncturist), M.Ac. (Masters in Acupuncture), DAOM (Doctorate in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine).
Acupuncture is a 4000+ year old medicine first discovered and practiced in China. The basis of this medicine lies in the philosophy that when the body, mind, and spirit are in balance, the individual can withstand any internal and external stresses. Balance is achieved when blood and Qi (the body’s energy life force) are flowing smoothly. This in turn reduces inflammation and illness. Because it is a holistic form of medicine, it is gentle enough to use on children, the elderly and the infirm. Acupuncture can be viewed as part of your regular wellness regime. Regular treatments can prevent you from becoming ill and help you deal with the stresses and pressures of daily living.
How do you balance the body?
Based on an assessment that is performed at the beginning of each treatment, Linda will determine which points need to be stimulated. Diagnosis is based on your symptoms, pulse, and palpating your abdomen.
A point prescription will then be formulated by Linda. Fine acupuncture needles are shallowly inserted in specific acupuncture points for the “root” treatment. The insertion of a needle or stimulation of an acupuncture point causes a response by the body to send additional blood flow and energy to the area.
Acupuncture is a holistic form of medicine where your body heals itself. The goal is to treat the “ROOT OR CORE” imbalance. Once this imbalance is corrected, most symptoms will be alleviated. There are additional beneficial “side effects” such as better sleep, better digestion, and concentration/focus, and overall sense of well-being.
Does it hurt?
The needles used in acupuncture are typically finer than a strand of hair. Most insertions are very superficial. Usually patients, feel nothing. If there is a sensation, it is just a quick sting. For areas such as where the muscles are stronger and thicker, such as gluts and muscles in the back of the shoulder blades, larger gauge needles may be used.
For those who are needle sensitive or needle phobic, Linda will use a Teishin (a Japanese tool that is placed on top of the surface of the skin), microcurrent/colored light or magnets. These non-needle alternatives can be used for children, the elderly or infirm. Please ask her about these options.
What should I expect in a treatment?
Wear comfortable, loose clothing. Don’t come on an empty stomach or too full of a stomach. Make sure that you have gone to the bathroom before your appointment. We will:
- Check-in on your symptoms for the week and that day through a quick conversation
- Diagnose through pulse taking and palpation of your abdomen
- Needles are inserted, and you remain in the room resting while the needles “do their job” of moving your Qi, blood, and reducing inflammation. This “quiet time, ” which is typically 30 minutes, allows all of the systems in your body to reset
- Needles are taken out and additional therapies may be applied if there are specific injuries that must be addressed
- You will then lie on your stomach for additional needles in the back that support the overall treatment
- Linda finishes with Tuina, cupping, or gwa sha to address any pain or tightness in the musculature of the back
What are the office policies?
The cancellation policy is 24 hours in advance. Linda has reserved this time for your treatment. If you are unable to make it, please call or email as soon as possible to allow another patient the opportunity to have a treatment.
If there is inclement weather, Linda will either call or email to reschedule your appointment. Your safety comes first.
Please do not come to your appointment if you have a temperature, are experiencing muscles aches.
What are some of the conditions that Linda has treated successfully?
- Back Pain: chronic and acute
- Neck Pain: chronic and acute
- TMJ
- Stress, anxiety, depression
- Repetitive Stress Injury: tendinitis – elbows and shoulders, etc.
- Sports injury recovery
- Post-cancer recovery
- Pre-surgery preparation and post-surgery recovery
- Concussions/traumatic head injuries
- Gastrointestinal issues
- PMS, menstrual irregularities
- Migraines, headaches
- Allergies, chronic sinusitis, respiratory issues
- Infertility
- Fibromyalgia
- Incontinence
- Tinnitus
- Sleep irregularities
These are just some of the many conditions that Linda has successfully treated.
Does each patient get a treatment plan?
Treatments usually last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes long. On average, changes in your condition are experienced within 4-6 treatments. Your road to health is dependent on the length you’ve had the condition, the severity, your lifestyle, and frequency of treatments. Linda will work with you in achieving your goals.
What accreditations do North Carolina acupuncturists have?
Acupuncturists in the state of North Carolina are required to have a minimum of a Masters in Acupuncture and to be certified by the National Certification Committee for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. This encompasses over 3000 hours of classroom instruction and over 1000 hours of supervised clinical experience treating over 200 patients during clinical rotations.
The North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board (NCALB) is the governing body responsible for issuing acupuncture licenses. When selecting an acupuncturist, please make sure that he/she has at least a Masters in Acupuncture and is a licensed acupuncturist. Credentials to seek are: LAc (licensed acupuncturist), M.Ac. (Masters in Acupuncture), DAOM (Doctorate in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine).
