On Sunday, January 1st, we were devastated by the loss of Andie Deardorff.

This unexpected sadness marks not only the loss of a talented acupuncturist and tai chi instructor here at Wellness Works, but also the loss of a great friend. Those who knew Andie will never forget the light and positive energy she brought into the lives she touched. We ask you to keep your thoughts and prayers with Andie's family as they enter this hard time, as well as with Andie as she begins her new journey.

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Acupuncture is several thousand years old.  It is based on the concept of Qi(chee)- known to most of us in the West as Energy.  This Qi resides in all of us and provides us with the energy to live.  Qi moves through specific meridians throughout the body and provides all that we need to exist.  It is when this Qi (energy) gets stuck in one place that we experience pain.  It is the goal of acupuncture to allow the free flow of qi, in order to disinhibit pain and return the body to a state of balance.

What to expect at the first treatment:  Expect that your first appointment may take up to two hours.  If a patient has many health issues, it will take time to discuss each one in depth.  After speaking with the patient, the pulse is checked.  This pulse taking is unique to Chinese Medicine.  The pulse is taken on both the left and right hand, checked at three different places on the wrist. 

Very fine needles are placed in various points on the body.  Some of these needles may very well be placed local to the problem in question, and other very far away.  Once the needles are in place the room is dimmed and the patient is allowed to relax.  These needles are left in for approximately 20 minutes.  Often treatments are performed on both the front and back.  Once treatment is complete the patient should take time while getting off the table.  There is no rush to leave the room.

"It's not just needles!"  Acupuncture encompasses more than just needles.  Other modalities used may include Moxa (dried artemeisa/wormwood), Gua Sha (friction based therapy), and/or Cupping (special suction).
What to expect after a treatment:  A feeling of calm and relaxation will most likely be the first thing you experience.  For some pain , one may not feel improvement until the following day.  A nice, healthy meal after treatment is always a nice idea, and water consumption is a must.  Try to refrain from alcohol or tobacco after treatment as well.

Treatment course:  This is dependent on the health condition and how long the patient has dealt with the condition.  The longer one has had a health issue the longer it may take to receive results.  Expect initially to be in for six to eight weekly treatments before an honest assessment can be made.  Often patients improve before this (and this is the goal) if after 6-8 treatments no improvement is seen, then acupuncture may not be what can help at this time.  Once improvement is felt, it is then discussed how to taper treatment down to the least of treatments that still provide releif.  For some this is once a week, others once a month and some once a season.