Ms. Larissa Gay Stewart, L.AC.

Acupuncture can be very effective for relieving pain. How long the pain relief lasts really depends on what's going on that's causing the pain, how long you've been experiencing the pain and a little bit more about you as an individual and how you got into the condition that's causing pain. Most people who seek pain relief acupuncture will feel a significant shift in their pain on the first visit; however, it generally requires several consecutive visits (usually 1x/ weekly, but sometimes 2-3x/wk). I typically recommend 6-8 consecutive treatments to start, evaluated weekly to make sure we're making progress. After that time, we can determine a maintenance schedule if you are able to sustain a pain free state for 7 days.

Be well,

Larissa Stewart, L.Ac

How quickly you experience lasting relief from your neck pain depends on many factors including what's at the root of your neck pain, how long you've had the pain, what types of self-care practices you employ as well as the acupuncture methods your acupuncturist uses. Some acupuncturists who use the balance method can help you get relief in the first session, but it will take repeat treatments to repattern the body and brain for long-term pain relief. How many sessions depends on you and the nature of your pain.

People report that they experience a variety of sensations following acupuncture. Often, there is a healing response which is the body's way of healing. While dizziness is not a typical response, if it is something in your history, it could be a healing response. There are many possibilities. It could be an indication that the treatment was too much for your body to assimilate, or perhaps that you hadn't eaten or drank enough beforehand. I would encourage you to address your questions directly to your acupuncturist so you can both evaluate the treatment performed and adjust accordingly.

Be well,

Larissa Stewart, LAc.

Yes. Acupuncture can help to settle the emotions and allow the process of grieving a loss to happen with more ease. I have found it to be immensely helpful in my own personal experience healing the heart from emotional traumas no matter how big or small. I would recommend looking for an acupuncturist who is trained in five element acupuncture rather than a
practitioner of TCM, traditional Chinese medicine. I find they have a better understanding of the emotions and how they affect the overall wellbeing of an individual. They will have a more compassionate approach.

Be well,

Larissa Stewart, LAC.

Yes. Acupuncture can help to settle the mind and spirit which often get uprooted when there's emotional upset due to things like divorce. Acupuncture also helps to smooth out energetic patterns of disharmony in the body that can contribute to or be at the root of depression. Patients report feeling a greater sense of well being and being more at peace with their life after acupuncture, even though their life circumstances have not changed.

Be well,

Larissa Stewart, LAC

The needles I use are stainless steel, and it's not typical for someone to have an allergic reaction to them. That said, if you are allergic to nickel, it's possible that you may have reacted to the nickel in the stainless. Other needles are an option, but I don't currently have those needles in stock.

Often, acupuncture can bring present the true state of energy in the body. So, if you have been burning the candle at both ends or under a lot of stress, the body may be signaling that you need to get a good night's rest. Also, it has been my own personal experience that a strong acupuncture treatment may induce a feeling of tiredness while the body is trying to integrate the changes induced by the acupuncture.

Be well,

Larissa Stewart, LAc

Yes, acupuncture is very effective at providing relief from low back pain. It can also help you manage the stress that you're experiencing at work. Many people who have regular acupuncture report that it helps them relax, sleep better, feel more balanced, and have a greater sense of well-being.