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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

Does Acupuncture Work?

Absolutely!  Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (also known as Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture in encinitas, san diegoTCM)  is practiced on nearly every continent and has safely and successfully treated everything from pain to digestive disorders, stress and sleep conditions to autoimmune disease and common colds. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a professional medicine that has ‘standards of care’, a medical treatment guideline that specifies appropriate treatment based on scientific evidence and collaboration between the top professionals in the field.Unlike western medicine that treats disease, often with pharmaceuticals or invasive procedures, acupuncture treats patterns or the root of the disease. The major benefit in receiving acupuncture verses taking pharmaceuticals or surgery is that there are little to no negative side effects from acupuncture, only improvement in health.  Pharmaceuticals are very strong and sometimes absolutely necessary, but when ingested your body can become imbalanced. Your body is an extremely complex and intelligent system that always seeks balance, acupuncture helps facilitate this.

How does Acupuncture work?

Firewater Acupuncture encinitas, san diego Acupuncture involves the insertion of single-use, sterile, extremely thin solid needles at specific points on the body and may include twirling or other stimulation of the needles while in place. Pain or disease of tissues generally involves restriction of blood flow through the unhealthy tissue or organ, which starves the tissue, organ, or gland of nutrients, resulting in impaired metabolism.

 
The acupuncture points, when inserted with a needle, stimulates a nerve impulse to the central nervous system, which relays the impulse to the region of the body that needs therapeutic attention.  Needling generates a parasympathetic (rest and digest) neurological response. In other words, it causes the whole system to lose tension and relax deeply. This is what allows the body to heal itself.  
 
Specific points stimulate an increase of flow of blood to and from the unhealthy area. Increased blood flow brings in oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products of metabolism.  Increased oxygen supply allows the unhealthy tissues to “breathe” and generate energy (“qi”, pronounced “chee” or in Japan, called “ki” pronounced “key”), increased nutrient supply allows repairs to take place, and removal of toxins, reverses inflammatory processes that damage tissues, organs and glands.  In short, therapeutic needling works by inducing a relaxation response and increasing the flow of fresh, oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to starved tissues, organs, and glands.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Acupuncture treatments have a more subtle and cumulative effect.  Treatments will often be more frequent in the beginning in order to build up momentum in the body in order for the healing process to start.  Once this momentum is built up and your condition improves you may come in less often.  The frequency of treatments is also based on the condition being treated, how long you have had this condition and how compliant you are with your treatment plan. Acupuncture sessions last approximately 45-60 minutes.  Your first appointment will take 90 minutes.  Generally, for chronic conditions you will need 10-12 treatments and for an acute condition around 4-6 treatments. You will often notice changes in your overall health, sleep, digestion and stress within 1-2 treatments.  Patients have also experienced significant improvement with just one treatment; every individual is unique and responds differently.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

firewateracuPage1No, but you do feel it. Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are solid and hair-thin, not designed to cut the skin making it painless.  While each person experiences acupuncture differently, most people feel only minimal sensation as the needles are inserted. Some people report a tingling, warming, heavy or achy sensation. After the needles are inserted, most patients feel very relaxed and often fall asleep.

What should I expect at my first visit?

At Firewater Acupuncture Healing Arts we typically ask about your condition and symptoms, give an examination focusing on feeling your pulse in three different positions on both wrists and evaluating the color, texture and other aspects of the tongue. Feeling the pulse and evaluating the different aspects of the tongue is like an X-ray into the body allowing the practitioner to understand what specifically is causing the imbalance in your body and allowing for a more accurate diagnosis.

Firewater Acupuncture Healing Arts.

Whether your are on the road to recovery or simply maintaining a healthy balance, Acupuncutre and Chinese Medicine can assist you right now.

Every Journey starts with a simple step.

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Email: firewateracu@gmail.com

ACUPUNCTURE WORKS.  ACUPUNCTURE HEALS.

After a year of suffering through a nagging shoulder injury which would not fully heal I turned to William for acupuncture treatment. Through a series of acupuncture treatments my range of motion and strength have been restored. In addition to acupuncture, William is a wealth of knowledge on balancing yourself and attaining a higher overall well-being.

Hugh Martin, Encinitas

I am jealous of you if you are near enough William to book a session with him. He is a man of great integrity, passion and purpose. It also helps that he is filled with humor and compassion.

Adrian Danzig, Chicago

William is an incredible gifted and intuitive acupuncturist. He truly believes in stepping back and allowing the body to heal itself, and he will convince you that your body has healing powers you never thought possible!

Christina S, San Diego

I loved the community experience. William moved effortlessly around the room floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee (that's a good thing with acupuncture). I'll mos def be back!!

Moe C, San Diego

William Potter is a wise, powerful and dynamic healer. With numerous modalities to choose from, he combines knowledge, experience and discernement to identify the root underlying cause that will most significantly shift your system. I have sought his skill on numerous occaisions over the past year for physical, emotional and life issues-- with amzing results after each.

Johnny Blackburn, Evolving Life

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TAI CHI

Tai chi is often described as “meditation in motion,” but it might as well be called “medication in motion.” There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems, and you can get started even if you aren’t in top shape or the best of health. This gentle form of exercise can prevent or ease many ills of aging and could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life.

QIGONG

Qi Gong (Chinese Energy Work) is one of the most powerful practices to create and maintain Radiant Health and peace in mind and body. Qi Gong is for everyone, and many health care professionals are recommending it to patients as a complimentary alternative medicine. Learn more about practicing Qi Gong with us, and how practicing can help you to circulate your own energy, cleanse your body, and self-heal.

CHINESE HERBAL CONSULTATION

The right Herbal formula can enhance your quality of life! If you have a body, then herbs can benefit you. Chinese herbs and herbal formulas have been used for thousands of years and are successful at treating the root cause of sickness in the body, not just the symptoms. They make take a few weeks to produce visible improvements, but these improvements are long-term because they strengthen the body so it can naturally heal itself. Call or email today to schedule a consultation with our herbalist, William Potter, L.Ac.

Interested in Learning Tai Chi?

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