FAQS
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a traditional & holistic medicine that began in Eurasia. It uses small needles to effect change in the body.
The long history of acupuncture, often referred to as Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM), incorporates many therapies beyond "needling". Our goal at Lockhart Acupuncture is to integrate the modern concepts of acupuncture with the more traditional ones.
We focus on targeting pain & the musculosketal body (muscles, fascia, nerves, conductivity). But acupuncture is an effective remedy for an array of problems beyond pain - such as headaches & migraines, stress management, nausea, anxiety & depression, digestive disorders, allergies & more!
The long history of acupuncture, often referred to as Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM), incorporates many therapies beyond "needling". Our goal at Lockhart Acupuncture is to integrate the modern concepts of acupuncture with the more traditional ones.
We focus on targeting pain & the musculosketal body (muscles, fascia, nerves, conductivity). But acupuncture is an effective remedy for an array of problems beyond pain - such as headaches & migraines, stress management, nausea, anxiety & depression, digestive disorders, allergies & more!
How does acupuncture work?
When acupuncture needles are placed on specific points of the body, they allow the nervous system to communicate along its energetic channels. These "channels" are nerve pathways that may be in poor health, or even blocked. These blockages indicate internal dysfunction, which we eventually feel externally through pain, discomfort, aches, etc. By working towards opening these nerve blockages, acupuncture can induce calm; it can loosen muscles, decrease pain, increase circulation & even boost immunity.
Traditional healers knew nothing about nerves or neurotransmitters, yet acupuncture works in all such ways. The old Masters called these "channels" qi.
Traditional healers knew nothing about nerves or neurotransmitters, yet acupuncture works in all such ways. The old Masters called these "channels" qi.
Does it hurt?
While some needles are thicker or longer than others, traditional acupuncture needles are extremely small, & they're usually not stiff. You can feel them a little, but it is most often a small pinching sensation. Once familiar with the experience, most people do not find acupuncture uncomfortable in the slightest.
For all therapies, our goal is to be as painless as possible. We prep the area through light massage, heat, ice packs, topical analgesics, or electrical stimulation beforehand &/or afterwards. We will continue to check in with you along the way, until you are comfortable with the experience.
Acupuncture modulates the nervous system, so it is possible to utilize other tools to initiate a therapeutic response. However, an acupuncture needle is usually the first & best option. That being said, if you are concerned about pain, please inquire about our no-needle therapies.
For all therapies, our goal is to be as painless as possible. We prep the area through light massage, heat, ice packs, topical analgesics, or electrical stimulation beforehand &/or afterwards. We will continue to check in with you along the way, until you are comfortable with the experience.
Acupuncture modulates the nervous system, so it is possible to utilize other tools to initiate a therapeutic response. However, an acupuncture needle is usually the first & best option. That being said, if you are concerned about pain, please inquire about our no-needle therapies.
Does acupuncture involve more than just needles?
Acupuncture is the name for the general field of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as well as the name of the primary method itself (needling). It can be confusing when folks learn that in addition to needling, acupuncturists use herbs, electric stimulation & beyond as forms of therapy.
Acupuncturists are trained in traditional Chinese methods of nutrition, herbal applications & body work techniques, in addition to western-styled assessments. We offer an array of traditional & modern naturopathic therapies, as well as nutritional guidance, postural/weight analysis, & herbal medications. We can even help you get blood work! If you wish to learn more about our therapies, CLICK HERE.
Acupuncturists are trained in traditional Chinese methods of nutrition, herbal applications & body work techniques, in addition to western-styled assessments. We offer an array of traditional & modern naturopathic therapies, as well as nutritional guidance, postural/weight analysis, & herbal medications. We can even help you get blood work! If you wish to learn more about our therapies, CLICK HERE.
Are there risks involved?
Acupuncture is very safe, exposing patients to fewer dangers than with care received in big box medical settings. It is not without risk, but overall you are unlikely to receive any serious injury with acupuncture needles, herbal therapies or any of our non-needle therapies.
Needling can carry the risk of some occasional bleeding, bruising or possible infection. Although extremely uncommon, it is technically possible to receive a pneumothorax via acupuncture needles. Needles can aggravate or damage nerves if utilized incorrectly, but this is also unusual. One can feel dizzy or nauseous during needling or after. One should always proceed with caution while pregnant.
Needling can carry the risk of some occasional bleeding, bruising or possible infection. Although extremely uncommon, it is technically possible to receive a pneumothorax via acupuncture needles. Needles can aggravate or damage nerves if utilized incorrectly, but this is also unusual. One can feel dizzy or nauseous during needling or after. One should always proceed with caution while pregnant.
How can herbal supplements help me?
We recommend that all patients take either multi-vitamin or an herbal formula. Herbs supplement acupuncture therapies. They fill in the gaps between treatments, address chronic maladies & help you recover faster. When it comes to taking herbs for specific issues, we can address headaches, stomach aches, energy levels, colds, allergies, sleep issues, & so on.
Herbs are very natural products. This does NOT mean they should be used like food or candy. We take herbal medicine extremely seriously & expect our patients to do the same. Our herbal medicinal partner (Evergreen Herbs) has strict regulatory practices & quality controls. Unlike pharmaceuticals, the ingredients of traditional herbal remedies are not broken down to their concentrated elements. They are more naturally occurring plant & animal parts. As a consequence, while herbs can often act a little more slowly, they also are typically far less dangerous.
Herbs are very natural products. This does NOT mean they should be used like food or candy. We take herbal medicine extremely seriously & expect our patients to do the same. Our herbal medicinal partner (Evergreen Herbs) has strict regulatory practices & quality controls. Unlike pharmaceuticals, the ingredients of traditional herbal remedies are not broken down to their concentrated elements. They are more naturally occurring plant & animal parts. As a consequence, while herbs can often act a little more slowly, they also are typically far less dangerous.
What should I expect before my first appointment? Do I need to prepare?
All patients should arrive 10-15 minutes early. This allows time for paperwork, especially before your first visit. We will find you in the lobby & direct you back when ready. If the appointment has not been paid for online, we will charge you before or after your appointment.
Be sure to eat something light 30 minutes before a session to prevent dizziness. Additionally, go to the bathroom beforehand (since moving with needles in place can be bothersome). It is important to wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing. We need to be able to access both the area that hurts as well as the spine.
Acupuncture needling feels fun & interesting. People usually don't like needles, but acupuncture is NOT like drawing blood! This is a very different experience (we will even let you needle us)! It is easy. It is not scary. Sometimes you do not feel anything. Most of the time you feel a little "zing" & or a sensation of heaviness, which goes away promptly. We can use additional heat, cold & or electrical stimulation to make the needling process even more comfortable.
Be sure to eat something light 30 minutes before a session to prevent dizziness. Additionally, go to the bathroom beforehand (since moving with needles in place can be bothersome). It is important to wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing. We need to be able to access both the area that hurts as well as the spine.
Acupuncture needling feels fun & interesting. People usually don't like needles, but acupuncture is NOT like drawing blood! This is a very different experience (we will even let you needle us)! It is easy. It is not scary. Sometimes you do not feel anything. Most of the time you feel a little "zing" & or a sensation of heaviness, which goes away promptly. We can use additional heat, cold & or electrical stimulation to make the needling process even more comfortable.
How might I feel after my first few appointments?
If we need to treat certain muscles directly, you may experience an ache or even a twitch after needling. That is a good thing! Sometimes it is necessary to be a little uncomfortable to start that healing response.
Additionally, it is completely normal to feel sore for a day or so in the treated area (particularly for severe issues). It is not unusual to feel sleepy during & afterwards (this is also a good thing). Sometimes, people feel energized, particularly when the issue has progressed & improved.
Occasionally people experience bruising, though it's not typical. Please notify us of any coagulation issues, if you are anemic, or if you have a history of seizures.
Like any therapy, hydrating is important after the treatment. You will be given water, tea & or snacks before leaving, & remember to hydrate throughout the day!
Additionally, it is completely normal to feel sore for a day or so in the treated area (particularly for severe issues). It is not unusual to feel sleepy during & afterwards (this is also a good thing). Sometimes, people feel energized, particularly when the issue has progressed & improved.
Occasionally people experience bruising, though it's not typical. Please notify us of any coagulation issues, if you are anemic, or if you have a history of seizures.
Like any therapy, hydrating is important after the treatment. You will be given water, tea & or snacks before leaving, & remember to hydrate throughout the day!
Are massages included in your therapies?
We incorporate short, light massages in our therapies. However, if you are interested in booking a traditional long-format massage, we share our space with Dana V Williams Massage Therapy.
Click here learn more about Dana's offerings & book an appointment!
Click here learn more about Dana's offerings & book an appointment!
Is acupuncture proven by western medicine?
The American Medical Association has (finally!) acknowledged acupuncture for remedying back pain, while also grudgingly admitting that their methods (opioids & surgery) have not been very successful. Ongoing scientific research continues to demonstrate the ways acupuncture can remedy the body, opening more doors for acupuncture in mainstream medicine!
Can acupuncture replace my doctor?
Acupuncture is not a cure-all. We are not aiming to replace your family MD, hospital or whoever cares for you. We are just piece of the puzzle.
Like any medicine, some people find certain treatments less effective, or sometimes the same issue keeps coming back. This could be due to infrequent or missed treatments, inconsistent herbal supplementation or occupational hazards: stress, busy work schedule, poor shoes, etc. At such moments it is important for us to reassess the situation together.
Occasionally, some individuals are not quite as receptive to pain reduction, but most people see improvements.
Like any medicine, some people find certain treatments less effective, or sometimes the same issue keeps coming back. This could be due to infrequent or missed treatments, inconsistent herbal supplementation or occupational hazards: stress, busy work schedule, poor shoes, etc. At such moments it is important for us to reassess the situation together.
Occasionally, some individuals are not quite as receptive to pain reduction, but most people see improvements.
What do your therapies cost?
Please see our full pricing options here. Most patients opt for the Wellness Membership, which includes 2 sessions per month with all therapies included. But we also offer options for drops-ins & one time appointments. Feel free to contact us with any questions!
Disclaimer of Liability
Any details contained herein do not constitute medical advice nor substitute for assessments by professionals in person. Guidance & information within is expressed for educational wellness purposes. If this is an emergency consult a physician or dial 911.
Notice Concerning Complaints
Complaints about physicians, as well as other licensees & registrants of the Texas Medical Board, including physician assistants, acupuncturists, & surgical assistants may be reported for investigation at the following address: Texas Medical Board Attention: Investigations 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 610 P.O. Box 2018, MC-263 Austin, Texas 78768-2018 Assistance in filing a complaint is available by calling the following telephone number: 1-800-201-9353 For more information please visit our website at www.tmb.state.tx.us
AVISO SOBRE LAS QUEJAS Las quejas sobre médicos, así como sobre otros profesionales acreditados e inscritos en la Junta de Examinadores Médicos del Estado de Texas, incluyendo asistentes de médicos, practicantes de acupuntura y asistentes de cirugía, se pueden presentar en la siguiente dirección para ser investigadas: Texas Medical Board Attention: Investigations 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 610 P.O. Box 2018, MC-263 Austin, Texas 78768-2018 Si necesita ayuda para presentar una queja, llame al: 1-800-201-9353 Para obtener más información, visite nuestro sitio web en www.tmb.state.tx.us
License #: AC01485
AVISO SOBRE LAS QUEJAS Las quejas sobre médicos, así como sobre otros profesionales acreditados e inscritos en la Junta de Examinadores Médicos del Estado de Texas, incluyendo asistentes de médicos, practicantes de acupuntura y asistentes de cirugía, se pueden presentar en la siguiente dirección para ser investigadas: Texas Medical Board Attention: Investigations 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 610 P.O. Box 2018, MC-263 Austin, Texas 78768-2018 Si necesita ayuda para presentar una queja, llame al: 1-800-201-9353 Para obtener más información, visite nuestro sitio web en www.tmb.state.tx.us
License #: AC01485