Questions

Is it safe?
Who should perform acupuncture?
How does it work?
Will it hurt?
What does it help?
- Muscular and Arthritic Pain
- Respiratory Ailments
- Mental and Emotional Issues
Specialities at Root & Branch
How long will it take?
What is Moxabustion?
Why should I seek acupuncture treatment?

Is it safe?

In China, acupuncture needles were once made of gold and silver. In our office, we use flexible, presterilized, stainless steel disposable needles. The needles are very thin and range from about 1/4" to 3" long. Most patients report a sense of immediate relaxation and well-being one the needles are inserted.

Who should perform acupuncture?

Acupuncture should only be performed by a licensed, certified practitioner. Education requirements in the state of Massachusetts, includes completing a three year accredited program, involving extensive clinical training, as well as studies in Western Medicine. To be certified, applicants must pass a rigorous, national three day examination with a practicum on clean needle technique. The letters L. Ac. after a practitioner's name stands for Licensed Acupuncturist and indicates the attainment of, at least, a minimum standard or training, as well as approval by a state or national licensing board. The letters M.Ac. stands for Master of Acupuncture. In the state of Massachusetts, practitioners are licensed by the Board of Registration in Medicine and required to maintain a standard of continuing education.

How Does it Work?

The beauty of Chinese Medicine is that treatment is focused on healing the individual rather than eliminating a particular symptom. Each individual is viewed in their entirety and diagnosed based upon their unique systemic pattern. Few medical systems look at the function of the body as one related whole in the way that Chinese Medicine does. Based on this pattern we take measures to readjust the body to restore and optimize your health. A combination of acupuncture, moxabustion and possibly herbal medicine will be discussed with you, along with dietary recommendations and changes in sleep, exercise and work habits, if appropriate.

Will it hurt?

We all have negative associations with needles, but usually are thinking of the needles used in western medicine which are hollow in order to inject into or remove a fluid from the body. Acupuncture needles are solid, and therefore are significantly thinner, often about the thickness of a single hair. They are inserted quickly through the skin through the use of an insertion tube, and are left in place for roughly 15-30 minutes. Most people feel only a slight sensation at the insertion (a mosquito bite) if anything at all.

What does it Help?

While Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine are both excellent choices for preventative care, they also have been proven by the World Health Organization to provide effective treatment for many existing conditions including, but not limited to:

Muscular and Arthritic Pain

Back and neck pain, bursitis, headaches, sprains, arthritis, overuse injuries, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, pre-and post operative pain.

Respiratory Ailments

Colds and flu, coughs, asthma bronchitis, sinus infections allergies, earaches.

Mental and Emotional Issues

Anxiety, stress, depression, insomnia, heart palpitations, panic and sleep disorders.

Reproductive Concerns

Impotence, prostate diseases, infertility, PMS, PID, Vaginitis, irregular/painful menstruation, menopausal syndrome, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, a variety of prenatal symptoms including morning sickness, difficult labor, and labor induction.

Specialities at Root & Branch

At Root & Branch we treat all of the above conditions but have developed specialities in the following areas:

Chronic and Acute Pain
Injuries
Infertility
Gynecology
Digestive Disorders
Prenatal Acupuncture
Labor induction
Cancer Support
Menopausal Syndrome

How long will it take?

Every individual is unique, and will respond to treatment at a different pace. Thus, we generally suggest that people commit to a course of treatments (to be determined on a case by case basis), after which a more accurate time frame can be offered. As a general rule, conditions that are chronic may take longer to resolve, and acute conditions generally respond more quickly.

What is Moxabustion?

Moxabustion is a type of heat therapy utilized in acupuncture treatments, and often given to patients to use at home for a variety of conditions. Moxa is derived from the plant Mugwort, and is processed into a number of forms. The forms we most commonly use are moxa pole-a very dense, smokeless form that looks like a cigar which is held near the skin or needles to increase circulation of blood and fluids; semipure moxa-used typically on the needles to penetrate heat down through the needle and into the body or in the form of cones that are burned on the skin and removed before they reach the skin; and pure moxa which is a highly refined form that burns at a lower temperature and is used in tiny threads burned directly on the skin for inflammation, pain, etc.

Why should I seek acupuncture treatment?

Acupuncture can be used both as a means of preventing illness as part of a wellness program, and as a means of treatment for illnesses and injuries. It is helpful and effective for a variety of ailments including pain, (arthritis, inflammation, injuries, pre- and postoperative pain, etc.) stress and anxiety disorders, GYN, fertility, sleep disturbances, liver disorders (hepatitis B, C, mono with liver inflammation), digestive problems, emotional lability (irritability, anger, frustration, startling easily, fears, anxiety, panic), urinary problems, genital problems, supportive treatment for chemotherapy and radiation, and many others.