Frequently Asked Questions

Acute/chronic pain of any kind, headaches, dizziness, cough, acid reflux, constipation/diarrhea, menstrual complaints, hemorrhoids, infertility, depression/anxiety/stress, lingering illness, allergies, and chronic illnesses are all complaints that are treated daily at Ruby Acupuncture Clinic. Given the noninvasive nature of acupuncture treatments, trying acupuncture is incredibly worthwhile! 

Acupuncture is the insertion of sterile, single-use, filiform (solid) needles in order to induce a local and/or systemic effect. Needle insertions should be comfortable and needles are about as thin as a human hair. Sensations at the insertion site are sought, but it should not be painful. Treatments can also include a variety of other modalities as needles are just one of many techniques that can be used. 

Different conditions require different amounts of treatment. The duration of the complaint, age, and lifestyle all play a part in a patient's prognosis and treatment plan. Some complaints can be resolved in 1 or 2 treatments, while others require regular treatments (1 - 3 times a week) for 8 to 10 weeks. Most patients need at least 3 to 5 treatments to experience significant results. Sustained effort over time is what elicits change, as is the same for exercise and eating well. Rome was not built in a day. 

Balanced acupuncture treatments utilize points throughout the body that are local, adjacent, and distal to your complaint area. Many of the most effective points are going to be away from your complaint area. Less is more. Less needles does not mean you are getting less of a treatment. Effectiveness comes from using acupuncture points that treat multiple aspects of your condition. 

Research has shown that acupuncture works in many ways throughout the body. It stimulates nerve tissue, effecting local blood flow at the needle site, improving healing. It has a local analgesic effect, inhibiting pain. Acupuncture can effect connective tissue healing. It has been shown to interact with local immune cells in the body. Acupuncture can also help chronic pain by effecting the hormonal system, autonomic functions, and mood in the brain. (An Introduction to Western Medical Acupuncture by White et. al.)