A: Marpe Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine – Katy uses only hair-thin single use needles. Some patients report feeling a slight sting upon insertion of the needles while other patients report feeling nothing. After insertion patients report unique sensations like warmth, numbness, tingling. Sometimes they report a “soreness” or “aching” feeling, and often they report nothing. Make sure to let your acupuncturist know if you ever have prolonged discomfort so they can adjust the needles.

A: Yes, it is safe! Only sterilized, single use needles are used by the licensed acupuncturists at Marpe Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine. Acupuncture has virtually no side effects. Occasionally a small temporary bruise may appear at the site of insertion of an acupuncture needle. When compared to the average pharmaceutical drug’s side effects, acupuncture is very low risk!

A: In Chinese medical theory, acupuncture is used to balance the body’s Qi (pronounced “chee”). Qi is a form of bioenergy that runs along meridians or specific channels. If Qi gets blocked your system is out of balance and it shows up as pain or illness. Chinese medical theory allows us to diagnose the imbalance and gives us the knowledge to balance it. Stimulating acupuncture points causes certain parts of the nervous system to increase production of endorphins and enkephalins (which have pain-relieving properties) and other internal chemicals, and increase blood flow to affected areas.

A: Wear loose fitting clothes that will roll easily up above your elbows and knees. Avoid one-piece suits or dresses, you may need to expose your abdomen from your rib cage to the top of your hips. If you are unable to wear loose clothing, we’ve got you covered -- hospital gowns are available.

A: The number of treatments needed varies and is based on your medical condition, how long you have had it, and how well your body responds to acupuncture.

A: The frequency of treatment depends on what medical condition(s) are being treated. Many conditions respond faster to more frequent treatments while others only need acupuncture treatment once a week. At Marpe Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine we always recommend what is best and will create a treatment plan to match your condition and schedule. Once your condition is stabilized it may require less frequent acupuncture treatments or maybe none at all.

A: Please make sure you have eaten at least a light meal prior to your appointment. Avoid overeating immediately before treatment. Being over-hungry or over-fatigued may increase the risk of dizziness or nausea.

A: It is best to avoid excessive exercise immediately before or after an acupuncture treatment and make sure you have enough time so that you are not rushing to and from your visit.

A: Moxibustion, or moxa, is a traditional Chinese medicine procedure where mugwart, a spongy herb, is burned to stimulate qi and blood flow, reduce inflammation and promote general health. Moxibustion is especially used on people with internal cold symptoms, stagnation or various chronic disease.

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A: Cupping uses round vacuum cups over a large or small muscular area, such as the back or shoulder. Cupping is used to reduce pain, stagnation, improve immune function, and stimulate detoxification.

A: Many people are sensitive to smells. Please avoid wearing any perfume, cologne, or scented lotions to your appointment.