Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't see an answer to one of your questions, or simply would like to talk to a practitioner, don't hesitate to contact me.

What to expect from treatment?
 
  After a detailed consultation and exam, including Pulse and Tongue diagnosis, the patient lies comfortably while needles are carefully inserted. Acupuncture needles are designed to enter the skin with the least resistance. All needles are pre-sterilized and disposable for one time use. Sensations vary: you may feel a sense of heaviness, warmth, a "dull achiness", numbness or tingling. Patients are encouraged to clear their minds and focus on their breath for the course of the treatment because the "qi follows the mind", being present ensures a superior treatment. Most patients find treatments relaxing and even fall asleep.
Please note that slight bruising is possible whenever a needle is inserted into the body.


How many treatments are necessary?
 
  The duration of treatment depends upon the nature and severity of your complaint. You may need a singular treatment for an acute condition. On average patients need six to ten treatments to reach their goal. Some degenerative conditions many require many treatments over time. A change will be felt after the first treatment. I recommend that patients have weekly sessions as the treatments have a cumulative effect. Patients seeking treatment for fertility should note that 3 months of treatment are typically needed to regulate the menstrual cycle, preparing the body for a healthy and happy pregnancy.


Is acupuncture safe?
 
  Michelle Spina L.Ac., MTOM, uses only sterilized, disposable, one-time-use acupuncture needles. As a licensed practitioner, she has undergone comprehensive training to provide a safe, accurate implementation of this modality. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have concluded that acupuncture and other modalities of TCM can effectively treat a wide array of acute and chronic health conditions and provide palliative care.


What can be treated with TCM?
 
  The following list gives some indication of the power and scope of TCM:
  • Respiratory/Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat: allergies, asthma, bronchitis, colds & flu, shortness of breath, rhinitis, sinusitis, sore throat, tinnitus, eye disease.
  • Gastrointestinal: Crohn's disease, colitis, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, bloating, nausea/vomiting, GI pain.
  • Musculoskeletal & Neurologic: Arthritis, spinal pain, hip pain, knee pain, sports injuries, Bell's palsy, postoperative pain and swelling, TMJ, neuropathy, headaches, migraines.
  • Gynecological: Infertility, prenatal, postnatal, endometriosis, PCOS, PMS, amenorrhea, irregular periods, painful periods, anovulation, habitual miscarriage, fibroids, fibrocystic breasts, menopause, morning sickness, increase the effectiveness of IVF & IUI procedures, turning breech presentation, increase lactation.
  • Immune Disorder: HIV/AIDS, chronic fatigue, lupus, side effects of chemotherapy/radiation, herpes simplex.
  • Cardiovascular: Hypertension, palpitations, angina pectoris.
  • Addiction: Smoking cessation, detoxification from drugs, alcohol and sugar.
  • Psycho-emotional: Stress, anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, depression, night terrors.
  • Dermatology: Aging/wrinkles, acne, herpes zoster, psoriasis, eczema.

How should I prepare for my treatment?
 
  **** Initial appointments typically last 90 minutes and follow ups are 60 minutes so clear your schedule accordingly. If you are coming in for your initial appointment please print and fill out the intake form and informed consent prior to arrival.

Please eat as hunger can interfere with the treatment efficacy. Please avoid alcohol before and after treatment for the day.

The tongue is a diagnostic tool, so please do not scrape or brush prior to treatment.

Please do your best to keep your voice low and cell phone on silent. This helps ensure that you and all other patients have a positive and uninterrupted treatment.

Your appointment time is reserved solely for you. Consequently, a 24-hour-cancellation policy applies to your appointment.



**** Please print and fill out both the intake form and consent form prior to your treatment: