Acupuncture for Milwaukee - Brookfield - Wauwatosa

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points shown as effective in the treatment of specific health problems. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years. Recently, electromagnetic research has confirmed their locations.

Does acupuncture hurt?

If your acupuncturist has obtained the correct stimulus of the needle, the patient may feel some cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian, or energy pathway. In Chinese, acupuncture is bu tong, painless. In our Western culture, we may categorize these sensations as types of discomfort. In any case, if you experience any discomfort, it is usually mild.

Are the acupuncture needles clean?

The best practice among acupuncturists in America today is to use sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. Acupuncture needles are not saved nor are they reused for later treatments. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle.

How does acupuncture work?

Modern Western medicine cannot explain how acupuncture works. Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (Energy) and Xue (Blood) through distinct meridians or pathways that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels do. According to ancient theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is Deficient and away from where it is Excess. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body. In Chinese there is a saying, "There is no pain if there is free flow; if there is pain, there is no free flow."

Recent scientific studies suggest that acupuncture may work in a cluster of effects. First, by stimulating activity in the neural areas of the brain associated with the known action of the points used. Second, by creating a relaxation "cascade" along the muscle fibers where the needles are inserted. And third, by signalling the body's immune/repair response to a chosen region. Exciting research continues in these and other areas, giving us a more "Western" understanding of what the Chinese have known for centuries; namely, that acupuncture helps restore healthy balance in the body. 

What is an acupuncture treatment like?

At the initial treatment, a complete health history will be taken to give the acupuncturist information necessary to create a personalized treatment strategy for each patient. Then, the patient is asked to disrobe (only to the point necessary for the acupuncturist to easily access the needle points) and lie down on the treatment table. The needed points are swabbed with alcohol and fine needles are inserted gently. The patient will remain in a state of relaxation with the needles in place for 20-25 minutes. The needles are then removed and the patient is invited to get up slowly and have a little water before leaving the office. Most patients are counseled to take it easy for a few hours after treatment, if possible, as the effects of the energy shift are still going on. 

The cost is $70.00 per session.  The first session usually lasts an hour and a half due to the need for a complete health consultation.  Please eat a light snack and wear loose fitting clothing prior to treatment.

Subsequent treatments last between 45-60 minutes depending on your needs.  Additional services such as cupping, tui na (Chinese therapeutic massage), guasha and herbs will add extra time to service and prices will be quoted prior to treatment.      

How many treatments are needed?

Since acupuncture is a therapeutic treatment, several sessions are usually necessary.  The number varies depending on the severity and duration of your condition.  Most courses of treatment are from five (5) to ten (10) visits, with the number being determined after three (3) or four (4) treatments.  The acupuncturist will discuss this with you. 

healing hands therapy center provides acupuncture at our Wauwatosa location from Brenda Sherman- Board Certified Acupuncturist. Brenda studied acupuncture at the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine. See her biography under Therapist Bios for more information on her.

Call 414.476.9008 to schedule an appointment for pain relief with acupuncture TODAY!