Acupuncture Healthcare Clinic,

Sarah Halverstadt, MS, Licensed Acupuncturist

Acupuncture Healthcare
2146 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94115

ph: (415)794.0790

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Sarah Halverstadt, L.Ac.

 

 

Recommended Reading

 

Article on Qi
Scott P. Phillips

  • Understanding Qi 

The Web That Has No Weaver,            

Ted Kaptchuk

  • Basics to Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture

Between Heaven and Earth    

Harriet Beinfeld & Efrem Korngold

  • Five Element Theory

Healing with Whole Food,                        

Paul Pitchford

  • Chinese Nutrition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What does acupuncture treat?

Chinese Medicine may be generalized or specialized depending on the practitioner.  Many ailments can be treated with acupuncture, so it’s possible for me to to say acupuncture treats stress, muscle pain and tension, hot flashes, digestive disorders, insomnia, migraines, allergies, and so on, but the reality is that whatever symptoms you present, acupuncture looks at the big picture.  Meaning, you are not a bunch of symptoms, but an entire being presenting a pattern or multiple patterns.  Acupuncture works to balance these patterns and in turn help your entire body function optimally.  Often Chinese herbal medicine is used in conjunction with acupuncture to speed-up, enhance, or compliment treatments. 

Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?

Fortunately, no.  It works on animals and young children--both of which do not appear to have a belief system about acupuncture.

Does acupuncture hurt?

The needles used for acupuncture are hair-like in diameter and solid, not hollow like a hypodermic, so they do not cut.  There is typically a light pricking sensation and then other sensations occur such as heaviness, tingling, warmth, movement, pulling, a slight dull ache, numbness, or a spreading sensation.  The sensations stop once the needles are removed.  Following treatment it is common for patients to feel relaxed.

How long does an acupuncture treatment take?

The initial consultation plus first treatment normally takes 1.5 hours.  I will ask a variety of questions about your specific complaint and general questions about your health.  Subsequent treatments last between 45 minutes to 1 hour. 

How can I best be prepared for my acupuncture treatment?

Eat before treatment and wear comfortable, loose clothing.  Eating keeps you from feeling light-headed or weak after treatment.  For full benefit, refrain from rigorous exercise two hours before or after treatment. 

 What are the benefits of regular acupuncture treatments?

 

Happy patient!

 

  • Decrease in number of colds and flues
  • Less chronic pain
  • Stronger immune system
  • Increase and stability of energy
  • Feeling of calmness and a sense of balance to the emotions
  • Better sleep
  • Better digestion

 

Testimonial

I always wanted to try acupuncture and finally-- after trying multiple other medical and wellness avenues to solve a myriad of stress and travel related issues-- made an appointment on the recommendation of a friend to see Sarah.  

I truly enjoy seeing Sarah. You can dabble if you have a targeted issue but, really, like any health and wellness issue, this is something you work on.

As an aside. . .I wasn't scared of the needles so I can't say that was every a concern-- but, I barely notice them if that helps at all.  --Beth V.

 


 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah Halverstadt, L.Ac. Inc. All rights reserved.

Acupuncture Healthcare
2146 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94115

ph: (415)794.0790