Kim Peirano

There are plenty of natural treatments for anxiety. I'll assume by 'natural' you mean non-pharmacological. There are plenty of routes to address anxiety, and addressing the mind-body interplay is essential in most cases. You might try therapy, somatic healing, journaling, learning self soothing and regulation techniques as a first step. Next you might try receiving treatments like acupuncture, massage, exercise, etc. And finally we might try herbs and supplements that can help calm the anxiety response. Some work as more in the moment treatments, others build over time. It's essential you work with someone to help you determine which are right for you because many can interact with other medications, supplement, herbs etc that you may also be taking. Also no one person's picture is the same. One person's anxiety might stem from unexpressed anger or feeling stuck in a situation they cannot change - in which case learning to discharge that anger is a great way to combat anxiety. Other anxiety is more like overwhelm which can be a symptom of ADHD or other reasons. Getting to the root of the anxiety can go a long way in helping you treat it for good instead of just slapping on a bandaid of a supplement (although sometimes we definitely need bandaids.)

Absolutely! There are actually over 15 acupuncture points located on the neck, front and back plus more motor points, trigger points and a'shi points. Acupuncturists have years of training plus qualifying licensing exams in order to practice acupuncture (depending on your location) which means they are very well trained in anatomy and physiology as well as chinese medicine. Needling the neck is safe when performed by a trained professional.

Yes, it should subside although it can take a bit of time. Sometimes there is some mild nerve irritation from the needle which sounds like the case. This can take a few days-weeks to subside depending on the severity, likely more on the day's side of things. Keep moving it and give it time.

Hello,

The answer to this question will vary from acupuncturist to acupuncturist as helping keep our staff and selves safe is also a concern when treating sick patients. So, it will depend on what type of 'sick' you are. Acupuncture can be very beneficial in treating the symptoms of the common cold, flu, etc., however, it will depend on the practitioner whether they will see patients with active respiratory infections. If you are a COVID-19 positive patient, please do not seek out in-person treatments as this puts the clinic, staff, and patients at risk. Many practitioners now offer telehealth and Chinese herbal medicine is an excellent way to combat a cold, flu, and even COVID-19 (although it is no substitute for vaccination).

For other non-communicable diseases, illness, etc., acupuncture is often a great adjunct treatment to support your allopathic care. Acupuncture has been shown to decrease pain, nausea, and improve quality of life scores in patients experiencing a variety of conditions and illnesses. Call the provider first or have a consultation to go over your case to make sure the practitioner is a good match and treats your specific illness.

Infection from acupuncture is quite rare. The needles used are all single use and sterile and the skin is normally swabbed with alcohol prior to needle insertion. After treatment, the needle "hole" is not open to the naked eye, although this "hole" is present for about 10 minutes. To get an infection from acupuncture, you would need either an unclean/not sterile needle, dirty skin, a compromised treatment room or dirty practitioner hands. All of this is mitigated using clean needle technique, which is a required course and skill to be a licensed Acupuncturist. This is a reason to see only licensed professionals, as non-licensed acupuncturists may not be aware of CNT.

Hello!

Yes, acupuncture on the neck is safe. Acupuncturists are trained in specific needling techniques and styles in order to assure the safety of the treatment, this is why seeking out a trained and licensed acupuncturist is important, as other professions who do acupuncture 'on the side' like MDs and dry needling, in the case of physical therapists, have a very tiny fraction of the training of licensed acupuncturists. There are certainly risks in needling the neck from puncturing veins/arteries and even the brain, these risks are mitigated by proper training and needling technique, so you have nothing to worry about when seeing a properly trained acupuncturist.

Hello! Thanks for this great question.

Yes, acupuncture can absolutely help with aging skin, and the issues of aging in general. It works in a multitude of ways. For cosmetic enhancement you would find Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture or Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture suitable to fit your needs, but acupuncture on its own actually provides some rejuvenating benefits.

Cosmetic type acupuncture <https://www.lionsheartwellness.com/lionsheartblog/how-does-cosmetic-acupuncture-work-the-science-behind-it> works on the body and the face directly to trigger the healing process. By needling the skin this triggers fibroblast activity in the tissue - fibroblasts are responsible for healing wounds, they also provide the precursors to collagen and elastin which are responsible for youthful looking skin. The treatment is aimed to elevate sagging muscles which have gotten lax over time, relax tense muscles of the face like with the furrow wrinkle between the brows, and stimulate collagen production by treating wrinkles directly. The overall treatment combined with a body treatment increases blood flow and lymphatic drainage which can help the overall complexion look more even and bring a brightness to the eyes and face - like the best beauty sleep you ever had. It's amazing how many other issues like sleep, diet, lifestyle, stress, and pain <https://www.lionsheartwellness.com/lionsheartblog/5-reasons-your-beauty-routine-isnt-working-and-how-to-solve-them> can play a role in how we age, so the holistic nature of this treatment can really make a difference for many patients, not only in the treatment itself working, but enhancing any other beauty regimens one may have.

Cosmetic acupuncture is also a completely safe, non-toxic and minimally invasive alternative to injectables, harsh chemical peels and of course surgeries. It can be done on anyone of any age <https://www.lionsheartwellness.com/cosmetic-acupuncture.html#beforeandafterphotos>, younger patients will see less dramatic results, but the results will last longer due to their collagen stores, whereas older patients will see more dramatic results but need to maintain the results more frequently.

Now acupuncture on its own actually helps to preserve telomeres in the DNA. Telomeres are like the 'end caps' to our DNA, and when they shorten and eventually dissolve or break down that's how cellular death occurs - so preserving them = preserving life/cell life and some might consider it 'anti-aging' (it's really more like graceful aging though). This preservation of telomeres occurs because acupuncture helps the body to relax and actually changes our brain waves <https://www.lionsheartwellness.com/lionsheartblog/acupuncture-brainwaves-and-the-fountain-of-youth>, shifting out of beta/thinking to alpha/relaxing and theta/deep healing. In these alpha - theta states the body begins to repair and rejuvenate itself which is essential for healthy life. Things like acupuncture, meditation, good sleep and good food all help preserve telomeres, whereas smoking, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle and stress will age telomeres faster.

Dr. Kim Peirano, DACM, LAc, CNC

Hello! Great question, which has a pretty variable answer.

For back pain specifically, we are obviously looking for a reduction in pain levels to know if treatments are working, be it from acupuncture or other modalities. You may notice a reduction in pain or an increased ability to perform tasks that the pain prevented you from doing before, like picking up heavy objects or driving for example. Some patients may notice that they have fewer episodes of pain for types of pain that tend to come and go as opposed to being more constant. Your sleep may improve if pain was a reason sleep was difficult. Acupuncture may be working, but pain levels may seem the same when we notice we can do more or have an easier time with sleep or even our mood has improved, this is why your acupuncturist does a really thorough intake of your history and what's going on in the body, because while back pain may seem localized to the back it does have an effect on other systems in the body.

The next level of this question is WHEN will these results happen, and this is very different from patient to patient. Some may notice results instantly, others it may take months of treatments before pain relief occurs, often this difference boils down to the type of pain: acute or chronic and the general health and commitment of the patient to make lifestyle adjustments as needed. It's easy to get frustrated if pain levels don't come down quickly, but it's also important to remember that acupuncture isn't unlike going to the gym - we might feel good after one session, but lasting changes occur with consistency and dedication. Thinking outside just the 'pain box' is also helpful to gauge results, because acupuncture helps the whole body heal, not just the part that's bothering us - we might notice improved sleep, improved mood, improved digestion, even skin clarity before we notice pain relief and that's simply
because those areas of health needed to come into balance first.

Thanks!

Dr. Kim Peirano, DACM, LAC

Hi! I am going to assume this question is in regard to cosmetic anti-aging?
I am a specialist and educator in Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture
<https://www.lionsheartwellness.com/cosmetic-acupuncture.html> and happy to
help.

Acupuncture works for anti-aging, or more accurately - to improve the
appearance and reduce signs of aging, like wrinkles, dullness and lack of
vibrance in the face and body; in a variety of ways. I call this the 4
Pillars of Holistic Anti-Aging Skincare.

#1: It helps stimulate Fibroblasts in the Connective Tissue: This action
is what triggers the production of collagen and elastin. By needling the
skin the body experiences a 'micro' trauma, and the reply to that is the
activation of fibroblasts to repair the 'damage' which is done with
elastin, collagen and other substances which are also the components of
youthful looking skin. In this respect we can 'spot treat' certain
wrinkles to direct this function which helps soften and decrease the
appearance of wrinkles.

#2: It stimulates and relaxes muscles in the face: We have a lot of
muscles in the face and as we age they contribute to undesirable features
in 2 ways: by being too contracted or being too relaxed. Too much
contraction creates wrinkles, and these muscles need to be relaxed, this is
what Botox does, but acupuncture has a real strong point in relaxing
muscles, this is also why it helps relieve pain in the body so well.
Muscles that are too relaxed become this way with age, we lose muscle mass
and tone and this contributes to sagging appearance, like droopy eyelids or
under the chin skin. Acupuncture can help trigger the relaxed muscles to
re-engage thus lifting the skin with it.

#3: It doesn't cause harm: Acupuncture is a minimally invasive treatment
that really can't be 'overdone' there is no risk in looking weird after a
cosmetic acupuncture session, and the treatment itself doesn't damage the
skin. Some treatments that are done medically, like laser resurfacing, IPL
and chemical peels actually damage the skin over time - doing so breaks
down the connectivity in the skin layers and will cause crepey wrinkles
later on, acupuncture and needling in general do not pose this risk

#4: It treat the Whole Person: This is the most important piece, because
what's happening in our body-mind-spirit shows up on our face. If
digestion, sleep, stress, pain, underlying disease are at play, we won't
see good results no matter what we do - but acupuncture helps to
simultaneously treat these underlying causes of poor skin health and
appearance. By treating the whole person we also integrate the spirit into
the body - in Chinese medicine this is a crucial component of beauty
because our spirit shows up through the eyes. An acupuncture treatment has
also been shown to shift brainwave patterns which contributes to increased
telomere lifespan - telomeres are responsible for cell integrity and death
- when they break down the cell dies. This function on telomeres also
contributes to general anti-aging and cognitive awareness and is why
acupuncture can be a helpful treatment in stroke rehab and dementia.

Hope that helps!
Dr Kim Peirano, DACM LAc
<https://www.lionsheartwellness.com/cosmetic-acupuncture.html>

Hello!

Thanks for this question as it comes up a lot in practice. After receiving acupuncture patients may feel a variety of different sensations and feelings, from feeling energized to very drained/fatigue and what you mention as feeling like you've taken a muscle relaxer, some may liken it to feeling like they drank alcohol or smoked cannabis. This reaction is completely normal and it tends to be more significant and noticeable with a person's first few treatments then is less significant. This feeling is due to the dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins that the body releases during treatments, also the balancing of the energetic properties of the body, mind and spirit contribute to this feeling. As always, it's best to listen to your body and take it easy if need be (if you're able), and plan for a little recovery window if you notice this happens frequently for you. Drink plenty of water and enjoy the decrease in pain!

Dr. Kim Peirano, DACM LAc

Hello,

The length of time it takes acupuncture to work for a patient for any ailment will be dependent on a number of variables. Since every person is different, has different constitutions and imbalances it's very hard to give a rough estimate on the time it will take to work. In general, if something has only been going on for a short amount of time (under 3 months) it may respond more quickly than something more chronic, if a patient is in relatively good health - no major illnesses, traumas, good diet, sleep and digestion working pretty well, this person may respond more quickly.

As for anxiety, stress, depression and other mental health and emotional concerns, acupuncture will usually provide some relief immediately, but how long this relief may last will be dependent on factors above. Some patients may find the 24 hours after a session are great, then symptoms return, and after a few weekly sessions they may start to see a longer period where they hold the results of the treatment. Some may find the anxiety still remains but sleep improves a lot - which will eventually help the patient experience less anxiety. It's extremely variable from person to person.

Overall, acupuncture will help your body experience alpha - theta brainwaves states, when we are thinking/concentrating/stressed we are in a beta state which doesn't allow the body to rejuvenate and replenish itself. Anxiety and stress can extend the time we are in this state and this can create a snowball type effect when it comes to symptoms. Experiencing the alpha-theta state during a treatment helps put your body back on track to be more capable of regulating itself and also giving you a break from anxiety, overthinking and stressors.

A good expectation for treatment is to commit to 6+ weekly treatments, evaluate at the beginning the severity and frequency of symptoms then re-evaluate at the end of the 6 weeks. Changes can take some time, or may be subtle at first, but measured over time we find patients have a positive experience and relief with sessions. And of course, there is no substitution for using acupuncture in conjunction with other treatment methods like therapy, exercise and nutrition.

Side effects of acupuncture are rare and minimal, occurring roughly 2% of the time and can include bruising at needle sites, soreness after needling and fainting are the most common. More serious side effects are extremely rare and are more likely to occur with a non-licensed Acupuncturist or person performing dry needling who is not a licensed Acupuncturist. Compared with prescription drugs acupuncture has significantly fewer and less severe side effects.

Positive side effects are quite common and include improved sleep, improved digestion, regulated menstrual cycles, decrease in PMS symptoms, and many others.

Good luck in your healing journey

Dr. Kim Peirano, DACM LAc

Yes, acupuncture is actually one of the safest treatments for pain that is available. Adverse events with acupuncture occur at a rate of about 2%, the most common events include bruising at needle sites and fatigue or fainting after treatments, more severe adverse events are very rare. Most chronic pain medications have much higher rates of side effects and adverse events which often lead patients to discontinue treatment. A recent study found acupuncture to be more effective at pain relief than injected morphine, and of course without the side effects. It is a very safe and effective remedy for chronic pain.

Here's a link to that study:

https://www.ajemjournal.com/article/S0735-6757(16)30422-3/abstract

As an acupuncturist, I'm asked this question a lot, and I prefer to be honest about it. Of course it will hurt, but how much it hurts can be variable from nothing at all or very minimal feeling to occasionally more pain.

Pain experienced during acupuncture will depend on the patient's disposition towards pain - some people are simply more sensitive than others, and factors like not being hydrated, having too much caffeine, or being ready to start your menstrual cycle can all increase sensitivity. Another big factor is the practitioner, every person is very very different in regard to needling technique, some may have a stronger approach while others are more gentle. Just let your acupuncturist know you're nervous about pain and ask them to take a more gentle approach. Each treatment will also feel different from the time before, one time some points may hurt a bit while the next time no pain, so whether it's your first time or 100th time there's no way we can predict how it will feel.

Another thing to keep in mind for some peace of mind is that 30 acupuncture needles can fit into the hole in a needle you would have your blood drawn with! They're about twice the thickness of a strand of hair, and pain is usually quite minimal to non-existent. Sometimes receiving acupuncture can be more likely to feel strange or weird than painful, but in the end it's
very likely to help you with your pain.

Acupuncture works in a multitude of ways to help people with seasonal and environmental allergies.
-We look at the overall picture and health of a patient to determine what unique pattern / cause is resulting in you experiencing allergies in order to address it.
-Acupuncture helps improve the digestive system, which is one of the biggest sources of our immune system - faulty digestion = many issues, including allergies, so by improving the digestive system and protecting the tissues we can address the root cause of allergies.
-Acupuncture also helps protect the liver and helps it to be more efficient and work effectively, this can also include improving the quality of bile in the liver / gall bladder system. The Liver is responsible for processing histamines (histamines are what make us feel allergy symptoms), so by benefitting the liver we improve its function and help allergies.
-Acupuncture also helps boost the adrenal system and lessen the effects of stress on the body. Simply put, a stressed body (which is almost everyone in the modern age) isn't going to be working as well as it should, so supporting that system can help our body naturally process allergens without the symptoms.
-Acupuncture also helps benefit the sinuses and nasal passages which are of course directly related to allergy symptoms, we can help relieve congestion and sometimes decrease sneezing, mucous etc.
-Acupuncturists are also trained herbalist (depending where you're located) and there are plenty of herbal formulas and supplements that can also help allergies.

Overall, acupuncture helps treat allergies by treating the underlying physical weaknesses or dysfunctions that contribute to our bodies poorly processing histamines. The sooner you get treatments (like before allergy season starts) the more effective the treatments will be, because it does take some time to get the body to make changes in that way.

Bacterial infection due to acupuncture needling is very rare, especially in the US where re-usable needles are forbidden. Acupuncturists are trained in clean needle technique and use only disposable one time use needles to minimize infection risk as much as possible. There are a few studies quantifying adverse events from acupuncture and the results are extremely low, most events being fainting after sessions or dizziness.

Having an open wound isn't a contraindication for treatment, but the area should be avoided. If you are an immunocompromised patient it would be advisable to wait for treatment to take all precautions necessary, but in a healthy individual risk of infection is still extremely low.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22936058

For a condition like arthritis which is chronic, effects of acupuncture will be very variable depending on the specific patient's health and underlying constitution. Some may find relief for hours, others up to a week, and treatments need to be continued to keep relief going. Acupuncture tends to be a cumulative process, meaning one treatment may last 5 days but a subsequent treatment may last 7 and so on. Committing to a treatment plan of at least 6 weekly treatments and then re-assessing how things are going after those 6 weeks is a good course of action so that you can see how progress has been made (or not). With chronic conditions, and conditions like repetitive stress injury - where we are always using that part of our body (like the hands), getting 100% relief is unlikely without subsequent and diligent treatment, but with acupuncture being just as effective and without the side effects of pain mediations, for many it's a really great option.

Both! But it might depend on WHY your back is hurting. In many cases it's a combination of misalignment of structure (bones) and muscle / soft tissue involvement. The combination of chiro AND acupuncture together is a powerhouse for treatments! The chiropractor can help realign the spine and the acupuncture will help treat soft tissue - like muscle tension and nerve pain. In many cases acupuncture alone can help with back pain - especially if it's muscular or nerve related, but if there's a structural issue the chiropractor putting that into place is crucial.

The answer is yes, but that pain is relative and it will vary from day to day and practitioner to practitioner. Some acupuncturists may use thicker needles and a more aggressive needling style which can be more painful, and others are more gentle. But no matter how gentle we are, sometimes you will feel some pain. The pain is usually minimal, although other odd sensations like tingling, aching or electricity feelings come up, but it's all part of moving energy and getting things to regulate again. I also think that remembering that the needles don't inject or take anything out of the body is comforting, and 20 acupuncture needles can fit in the hole of a needle used to draw blood! Overall it's a very relaxing process with minimal pain.

No you don't need a diagnosis to receive acupuncture. If you have an HMO insurance plan that covers acupuncture you may need a referral, but to pay out of pocket or to use a PPO plan you don't need a referral or a diagnosis. The acupuncturist will do a thorough intake and evaluation and give you a diagnosis based on Chinese or Japanese Medicine principles and treat you from that theory, so a western medical diagnosis is unnecessary.