What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a therapeutic system originating in China several thousand years ago. Acupuncturists insert thin, sterile needles superficially into specific points on the body to initiate healing and promote health.
Acupuncture has been used in the U.S for about three decades. It has been endorsed by the World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health as a safe and effective treatment for a number of physical and emotional conditions.
What's the Difference Between the private 5-Element session and a Community Acupuncture session?
Daphne uses different techniques in private and in community sessions. The 5 Element private session may feel like a coaching session built around acupuncture treatment, with an extensive intake session and more talking with each session. There is an emphasis on mental/emotional as well as physical health. This style of acupuncture doesn't target symptoms; the aim is to help you tap into your body's own ability to heal itself. The first thing a patient may notice is more energy or improved mood, although early physical changes are also common. These sessions can feel like an overhaul on an emotional and physical level. Treatments are once a week to start and gradually spread out to once or twice a month and then seasonally or for 'tune-ups' as needed. In Classical 5 Element sessions Daphne regularly uses 'Moxa' together with the acupuncture needles. Moxa is an herb that has been used historically with acupuncture needles. It is smoldered above the acupuncture point and stimulates the point with its warmpth, acting as a catalyst with the needles.
In the Community Acupuncture sessions Daphne uses Master Tung, Dr. Tan (meridian balance) and other styles which are highly effective and ideal for a community setting. Using these techniques she can affect issues anywhere in the body without going directly into the injury. There is no need to disrobe, as the points used are on the arms and legs from the elbows or knees down, ears and head. Patients often feel immediate relief and relaxation. Patients can also get treatments simply to relax or reduce stress, increase overall 'wellness'. The power of the community acupuncture sessions is increased by having many treatments going on in one space. Similar to when people get together to pray or meditate, there is a group-charge to the room that enhances the treatments. Once the acupuncturist checks in with each patient before treatment, talking is kept to a minimum and the atmosphere is quiet/meditative. Once the needles are in the patient reclines in their chair relaxes, and many fall asleep. Patients often come frequently at first to build momentum- up to two or three times a week. With the relief they get, many patients have been able to reduce medication and/or resume exercise regimes and so begin a positive spiral of health.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
From a traditional perspective, Acupuncture works by stimulating “Qi” the vital energy flowing in each of us along channels in the body just beneath the surface of the skin. Acupuncture helps to balance and revitalize the Qi, enabling a person to heal and their body to recover function.
From a modern scientific perspective, how acupuncture works is still a matter of study. However, clinical evidence of its effectiveness is well-proven. In 1997, the National Institute for Health recommended its expansion into mainstream medical care.
What's it Good For?
Acupuncture can be very helpful in speeding the healing of acute problems like the common cold and muscle strains or sprains. It can alleviate chronic pain, and often enables patients to cut down their pain medications and/or resume exercise.
Acupuncture can also be helpful with chronic, nagging health problems such as allergies, digestive problems, insomnia, menopausal symptoms and PMS. It works well on emotional issues and addictions of all sorts.
Regular treatment supports patients with serious health conditions that also require regular medical treatment, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, Lyme infection, and cancer. Acupuncture is excellent for any condition exacerbated by stress.
Acupuncture is NOT a magic bullet. Although “overnight” cure is possible, usually it takes a course of treatment.
Does it Hurt?
No - acupuncture doesn’t have to hurt, and it definitely doesn’t feel like getting a shot at the doctor’s office. The needles are much thinner -about the width of a few human hairs, not hollow and do not inject anything into the body.
Most people are deeply relaxed and/or asleep once all the points are placed, and don't feel the needles at all. They feel calm and refreshed after treatment. If any needle is uncomfortable the acupuncturist can adjust or remove it.
How Can I Support My Treatment?
Drink plenty of water through the week.
Commit to a course of treatment.
Avoid fasting before treatment.
After treatment it is advised to be moderate in whatever you do and hydrate with fresh water.
For Community Acupuncture, do I Need to Show Proof of Income / how does the sliding scale work?
No. The sliding scale is $20- $40 per treatment with a one-time extra $10 fee the first visit. Each patient decides where they fall on the scale/ how much they can afford to pay. No questions asked; no information or proof required.
The purpose of the sliding scale is to separate the issues of money and treatment. We want you to be able to come often enough to really get better and stay better.
Below are suggested guidelines. These are just guidelines, again, no proof required. We understand that everyone's situation is different. We would rather that you come more frequently to get good and lasting results, and pay lower on the scale, than come less often and pay higher on the scale.
INCOME ------------------- TREATMENT
Under $25,000 ---------------$15
$25,000-$30,000 ------------$20
$30,000-$35,000 ------------$30
$35,000-$50,000 ------------$35
$50,000 + -------------------$40
-----------------------------
+ $10 for the 1st visit
To Get Started:
Private 5 Element: Call Daphne at 617-401-1466 or email djochnick@gmail.com
Community: Call 617-627-9700 or click the Open Space link to the right to access online scheduling.
Welcome!
