Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), an ancient healing art arising from Asian sources which includes the arts of acupuncture and herbal medicine. These natural healing traditions view health and wellness as dependent upon a balance of ch'i or life force energies.

Acupuncture involves the stimulation of specific points on the body by inserting thin needles, or in some cases by manual pressure, small pulses of electric current through needles or external heat generated by an herb. Although acupuncture has been used in Asia for thousands of years and in Europe as an authentic therapeutic modality, acceptance by the U.S. medical community has been developing more recently. While it is still considered complementary or alternative by many, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has recognized acupuncture as a reasonable clinical option for postoperative pain as well as myofascial pain and lower back pain. NIH has also recognized positive clinical reports for treatment of addiction, stroke rehabilitation, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, and headache. Acupuncture is used to treat a much wider variety of conditions, though the scientific evidence for its efficacy for your condition may not yet have been established.

Acupuncture is a generally safe method of treatment, but it may have some side effects, including but not limited to: bruising, numbness or tingling near the needling sites that may last a few days, and dizziness or fainting. Unusual risks of acupuncture include spontaneous miscarriage, nerve damage and organ puncture, including lung puncture (pneumothorax). While the clinic uses sterile disposable needles and maintains a clean and safe environment, infection is another possible risk . I understand that while this document describes the major risks of treatment, other side effects and risks may occur. As with all healthcare approaches, I understand that results are not guaranteed.

Trigger Point/Dry Needle Therapy: Patients with musculoskeletal pain may benefit from the insertion of an acupuncture needle into “knots” in the muscle that can release acute or chronic muscle tension in these trigger points. This therapy can cause temporary discomfort and bruising at the site, and while side effects are possible, they are rare.

Frequency Specific Microcurrent: Another means of stimulating acupuncture points, without inserting a needle, is to apply frequency specific microcurrent. Some patients may experience a slight, temporary aggravation of symptoms or detoxification reactions, but side effects, while possible, are also rare.

Contraindications for acupuncture may include history of bleeding disorder or current anticoagulant therapy, implanted pacemaker, prosthetic valve or pregnancy. It is important to ensure that your provider at NES understands if these or other significant conditions exist. Certain medications or social habits are known to lessen the potential results of acupuncture and these include but are not limited to: alcohol, tobacco, steroids, narcotics, and recreational drugs. You agree that you will inform, and continue to inform NES of any medical history, medications, and/or supplements being taken currently (prescription and over-the-counter) and to notify NES if you are pregnant or could get pregnant during the course of treatment.