How do I know whether acupuncture is for me?
Many people feel that something happens “that feels just right”, that addresses the issues they came in with and resonates well inside. You should know within 1-3 sessions whether this will work for you. I have seen a number of patients experience quite significant improvements in a few weeks to a few months, changes that have touched them in their very core.
Please see the “Testimonial” section of this web site for further information.
What conditions can acupuncture address?
In essence, acupuncture can address a wide variety of conditions, always with the intent to enhance the health of the system involved. Some of these are listed below:
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Emotions and stress: anxiety, depression, trauma, fatigue and a wide variety of other stress patterns.
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Musculo-skeletal: pain in joints, neck and back, muscles etc…, whether due to trauma, inflammation or degenerative disease.
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Nervous system: migraine headaches, insomnia, numbness, tingling, dizziness, fatigue and chronic exhaustion…
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Digestion: food allergies, gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome…
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Respiration: respiratory disorders such as emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies and bronchitis.
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Circulation: high blood pressure, angina pectoris, heart palpitations, and anemia.
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Immune system: frequent infections and auto-immune disorders.
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Hormones: for smooth transitions through the menstrual cycle and menopause
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Fertility for both women and men.
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Cravings: sugar, carbohydrates, caffeine, processed food, nicotine, alcohol, drugs and any other addictive behaviors that prevent people from living up to their full potential.
What can I expect from my first treatment?
The first session will be focused primarily on getting to know you. You will be sharing your concerns and your history. We will then proceed to a thorough exam and assessment, I will share my perspective and treatment plan with you. You will be able to ask any questions you wish. We will discuss your health needs from an allopathic point of view, review your medications and perhaps order some diagnostic tests. We may then proceed to the first treatment, using acupuncture and moxibustion.
Oftentimes, patients feel a sense that “something right is happening.” This may take the form of feeling relaxed, relieved, joyful or simply “right”. Some patients do not feel the effect right away, the benefits start manifesting in the course of the next few days.
Some patients actually experience old memories or pains resurfacing, this generally does not last very long. I always invite my patients to call me with any concerns.
It is good to take some time for oneself after one’s treatment, a time where one is not strained so that body, mind an spirit can follow through with the adjustments they have been invited to initiate.
How many treatments will I need?
This is highly variable. It depends on what you wish to have addressed, how deeply that is rooted and how strong your underlying foundation is. Many people come to address a particular issue, only to discover that acupuncture can offer them much more than they had thought and find that treatments enhance their life in more ways than one.
Once a patient comes to initiate care, I usually see them again on a weekly basis for at least 2-3 times, then gradually spread the treatments out according to their need. Some people notice an immediate improvement, while others experience it more as a cumulative gain over a series of visits.
Do you use Chinese herbs?
No, the 5-element Classical Acupuncture tradition stands on its own, without the support of herbs.
How is 5-Element Classical Acupuncture different from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
They are essentially two different schools of thought that have emerged from the same root in ancient Chinese tradition. 5-Element Classical Acupuncture seeks to address the constitutional foundation of a person. For a further discussion, please read my free e-book, "Thriving in the Modern World, With Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine"
Does acupuncture hurt?
Generally, acupuncture is not painful. The very fine needles are introduced gently and slowly. Most often, they are inserted for only a brief moment. There are points on the body that have a lot of nerve endings, which can give rise to some discomfort – then it’s good to remember the adage “The honey is worth the sting...”
Does insurance cover acupuncture?
Some insurance plans do, and we are happy to help you with the billing process. Be sure to call your insurance provider to ask for your benefits.
What areas does Helios Integrative Medicine serve?
Lake of the Pines, California
Alta Sierra, California
Grass Valley, California
Nevada City, California
Auburn, California
Colfax, California
Penn Valley, California
North San Juan, California
Regarding questions about the Western medicine aspect of Dr. Ingendaay’s practice,
please call the office at (530) 272 0537.
