Answers to your questions
What is Acupuncture?
From Andrew Wegman’s “Why did you put that needle there? Let's first define the terms.
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most common and dependable medical therapies used in the world. It is by nature simple, safe and effective health care. Acupuncture practitioners use thin, sterile disposable needles inserted superficially into specific areas of the body in order to help the body's ability to heal itself.
Over the three decades or so in which acupuncture has gained popularity in the United States, it has been proven by an increasing body of scientific evidence to be not only exceptionally safe, but statistically effective as well.
What should I expect on my first visit?
The most common experience with first visits is that after the points are placed, people usually fall asleep for a half an hour or so, and awake feeling relaxed and refreshed.
On your first visit, you will get a chance to meet with Ryan, our Doctor of Oriental Medicine in a private room. He will review with you your medical history, your treatment goals and objectives, and hear your concerns about acupuncture and your health.
Based on this, he will determine where to put the acupuncture points. After your session, you’ll receive a treatment plan and an explanation of what to expect over the course of care, if you decide to continue to use acupuncture.
Does it really work?
Yup, it really does. And after giving 90,000 treatments over the last ten years, in clinics and community centers throughout the border region, we can say that from experience. There are various studies attesting to acupuncture’s effectiveness for pain, anxiety, inflammation, and beyond.
Frequent acupuncture is a safe, simple tool that can change people’s lives.
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What precautions do we take for Covid-19/Coronavirus?
Our clinic follows all local and CDC guidelines. We will never sacrifice your safety for our profit. We screen all patients ahead of time and require everyone wear masks that come to the clinic.
We practice social distancing throughout your time of care, and when we actually put needles in, our acupuncturist, Ryan, wears a face shield. We are not afraid to close for periods of time when necessary to keep you and our community safe.
We strive for a contact-less clinic, which means we prefer credit cards instead of cash. We ask you bring a few blankets with you to lay down over the treatment surfaces. We will have one set area for you to put your personal belongings.
We encourage you to speak with your primary care provider and your family to determine whether or not it is safe to get acupuncture at this time during the Covid-19 pandemic. Stay safe out there!
Will it hurt?
Most people don’t feel a thing- in fact, they often feel so relaxed that
they fall asleep! Acupuncture needles are so tiny that they’re more like eyelashes or cat whiskers than needles: just a half-inch long, super thin, and flexible. When you get a treatment, you will rest comfortably while we gently place your needles; then you simply relax for 45 minutes. We call it nap time for grown-ups!
Do you reuse needles?
Never! We use single-use only needles, pre-sterilized and we follow the highest of international standards in Clean Needle Technique.
Do I have to get undressed?
It’s up to you, but not if you don’t want to! We have tables and private rooms for points on your back. And we can also offer a less invasive, “distal” acupuncture approach.
The acupuncture points we primarily use most often are located from the elbows and knees down, and on the ears and head. We can use these points to treat issues throughout the whole body, even the back.
Top 5 conditions we treat
#1: Pain in back, neck and joints
One of the most common reasons people get acupuncture is back & neck pain, or in joints like the knee and shoulder. Acupuncture helps your body change its response to muscle tension or even structural damage. Whether you woke up with a stiff neck or are in chronic pain after a serious injury, acupuncture can help your body adjust and heal.
#2 Stress, anxiety and depression
In our modern world, our bodies’ stress responses are constantly triggered. Acupuncture can help your body and mind learn how to calm down again, and to adapt to a more moderate response to the pressures of daily life.
#3: Migraines and tension headaches
Acupuncture is very effective for headaches of all kinds. It’s best to come in well before a migraine starts,but even if you are already feeling the onset of a headache, a treatment can quickly reduce or even stop the pain altogether.
#4: Allergies and sinus issues
In our dry climate, with pollination and dust affecting us year-round, sinus issues and allergies abound. Acupuncture quickly calms an intense histamine response, reduces inflammation of the membranes in your sinuses, and over time improves your resistance so your body doesn’t overreact in the future.
#5: Better quality of life!
Getting regular acupuncture helps you feel more like yourself again. Acupuncture helps your body rest and recover in all kinds of ways. Most acupuncture “regulars” report better sleep, better libido, better digestion, fewer menstrual cramps, less PMS, more energy, and greater enjoyment of life!
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Do you prescribe herbal medicine?
Acupuncture is our clinic’s first line of treatment. Depending on the condition you are seeking treatment for, however, it may be recommended that you try Chinese herbal medicine. This can enhance the effects of acupuncture, leading to quicker and more sustaining results. For particular conditions such as digestive disorders, infertility, menstrual problems, menopausal symptoms, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, insomnia, common cold or headaches, herbs may be recommended.
During your initial acupuncture visit or in follow-up visits we may suggest that you try herbs. Chinese herbal medicine is safe and natural. The herbs used at our clinic are tested numerous times for safety. We offer a line of herbs processed into a pill-tablet form that is easy to take. We also offer topical analgesic pain relieving linaments and oils, as well as herbal cough syrup. Formulas are designed to meet your body’s particular needs and should not cause side effects. Most of the time herbs can be used alongside western medications, however, there are certain cases when they should not. The utmost care will be used in prescribing herbs for you.
Do you treat addictions??
We do offer care for people with addictions problems, from alcohol to pain pills as well as other addictive behavioral and substance use issues. We also have a network of clinics among behavioral health, harm reduction and addictions providers in the region who provide acudetox/ear acupuncture services.
How effective is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is not a cure for any one single disease, however many authoritative international and US health institutions have endorsed the value of acupuncture for treating a wide range of specific physical and psychological conditions. These include body pain and headaches as well conditions such as Diabetes Mellitus, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, menstrual problems, depression, hypertension and nausea and vomiting for morning sickness as well as patients receiving chemotherapy.
Who will be treating me?
Our acupuncturist, Ryan, is licensed by the state of New Mexico as Doctors of Oriental Medicine, and is nationally certified through NCCAOM.
He has completed a 4 year intensive Graduate-level medical training in accredited acupuncture training programs, and also have experience working in military medicine, behavioral health, psychiatric and addictions care.
What illnesses can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for many common illnesses. Many people seek acupuncture treatment for alleviating pain and for managing long term chronic physical and psychological illnesses related to stress. Others make it part of their weekly or monthly routine just to relax, rest, and recuperate from their busy and stressful lives.