FRequently Asked Questions
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Unlike hypodermic needles used to give shots or draw blood, acupuncture needles are solid and hair-thin. Because of this, you should feel little to no sensation with insertion of the needle into the skin. Once in place, however, you may feel a slight distention, ache, tingling, or heaviness at the acupuncture point or along the corresponding meridian. These sensations should be mild enough that you can rest comfortably during your treatment and are a good indication that your “qi” is being balanced.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments you will need is dependent on the duration, severity, and nature of your problem. Typically, the more acute a problem is, the quicker it can be resolved. However, this is not always the case. Healing also depends on your body’s ability to shift into a state of balance. While chronic conditions may require a series of regular treatments over time, sometimes they can actually clear up quite quickly. Therefore, we will assess your progress after the first treatment or two and create a plan based on your results. At Ganesha Healing, I strive to achieve optimum results for you in a time frame that is realistic for your condition, while also minimizing your time and financial investment.
What type and length of treatment should I book?
If you are coming for the first time (and even for many of my return visitors) I highly recommend a 2 hour treatment for several reasons. Once you feel my work, you will have a better understanding, but I believe so much more can be achieved in this window of time. For one, we are not rushed to combine treatment modalities. There will be plenty of time to incorporate massage, fascial release, cupping, acupuncture, and whatever else your body needs the day of treatment. It also takes some time for your central nervous system to fully relax, and once it lets go, we can achieve much deeper and longer lasting results. True transformation. When booking, the “Massage/Acupuncture/Cupping” appointments include all additional modalities as well, such as electric stimulation, moxibustion, gua sha, etc. My bag of tricks is vast, and I will use whatever we both decide feels best for your body at that time.
How should I prepare for my visit?
It is best to be well hydrated and have food in your stomach. You should not be overly exhausted or intoxicated. Wear comfortable, loose clothing when possible, and avoid brushing your tongue (if you do so) for a day or two prior to your appointment, as I will look at your tongue coat for diagnostic purposes.
How should I proceed after my treatment?
I recommend that you should drink plenty of water and take it easy for at least a few hours after your treatment. Strenuous physical exercise should be avoided. Please reach out with any feedback about your treatment and the results thereafter. This will help us moving forward.
Why do you feel my pulse?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pulse diagnosis is far more complicated than just feeling for the rate like a doctor or nurse might do. In a nutshell, I can learn a great deal about the strength of your energy, the status of specific organs, and the location and nature of your imbalance and symptoms. The pulse is known to show the interaction of all forces coalescing in the human body at any given time. I feel 3 different positions on each side, by using three fingers at the medial, radial part of your wrist. I will also feel three depths at these positions. I may feel your pulse several times throughout the treatment, to track your improvement and see what I can do differently to create more balance in the body.
Why do you look at my tongue?
This is generally strange for people initially but believe it or not you can understand a lot about what is going on inside the body, the things you may feel but cannot see, just by looking at the tongue. It may take a few moments and I may have you stick it out more than once, because I am looking for many things including: size, color, shape, coating, texture, cracks, and veins. The location of these distinctions is also informative because different parts of the tongue represent different areas of the body (like a microsystem of the human body).
Do you accept insurance?
At this time Ganesha Healing does not accept insurance. However, I am happy to provide you with a Super Bill to submit to your insurance provider. Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flex Spending Account (FSA) credit cards are also accepted.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling (also known as Collagen Induction Therapy or CIT) allows for a controlled process of the skin’s self-repair mechanism by creating micro “injuries” in the skin which triggers new collagen and elastin production. Microneedling is utilized to treat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, trauma scars, hypo/hyperpigmentation, sagging skin, large pores, and improving the skin’s overall appearance. To enhance results, microneedling is combined with the use of topical serums to further aid in the overall appearance of the skin. It amplifies product absorption for weeks to follow.
How is Microneedling administered?
Microneedling procedures are performed in a safe and precise manner with the use of a sterile micropen needle head and handheld micropen skin needling system. The micropen is gently pressed into the skin, and glides across the it’s surface with the use of hyaluronic acid.
Does Microneedling hurt?
While micro-needling can sound rather daunting, the needles that we use during the procedure are microscopic. The treatment can cause discomfort and has been said to feel like a vibrating cats tongue. Areas with deeper imperfections may cause more discomfort than areas with superficial imperfections. I do everything to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the entire procedure, including using a topical numbing agent applied 30 minutes prior to microneedling, and adjusting depth as needed to aid any discomfort during the procedure.
When will I begin to see results from my Microneedling treatment?
Generally, patients notice tightening, and a more even tone to their skin, a week or so after their first session. For areas with deeper imperfections, results can be subtler, and additional treatments are usually required. Since microneedling stimulates new collagen and elastin production, these results will continue to build for up to 6 months.
How long do results from Microneedling results last?
It is important to realize that we cannot stop the aging process, we can only slow it down. With this in mind, results are not considered permanent, as natural degradation will occur over time. Improvements from microneedling can be seen for several years after treatment, and results can be prolonged with the correct at home skincare maintenance. Ideally you start with a series of 4-6 treatments, once per month, and come back for maintenance treatments as needed or desired.
What areas can I treat with Microneedling?
Microneedling can essentially be used on any part of the body. The most popular areas to treat are the face, neck, and chest. Microneedling can also be effective on most types of scarring, stretch marks, and sagging skin.
Is there any downtime a Microneedling session?
There is technically no downtime required after microneedling. After your treatment, your skin may be red. This is normal and to be expected. It is a good sign of fresh blood flow and a healing response. Redness usually lasts from one to 24 hours. You may also have slight swelling in some areas. A few days after your treatment your skin may become dry or even have the slightest bit of “peeling”. It is important not to use exfoliants, but gentle massaging of skin in the shower may loosen dead skin cells created from faster cell turnover. Some patients go straight back to work, while others prefer to schedule their treatment over the weekend. I usually recommend these treatments in the evenings or when you don’t have to go anywhere for the rest of the day, as you definitely don’t want to use makeup for at least 24 hours.
Are there any side effects or possible risks to Microneedling?
Microneedling is considered a safe treatment for all skin types. The side effects associated with microneedling are temporary swelling and redness.
Who is NOT a candidate for Microneedling?
During your consultation an assessment will be made to ensure that you are a candidate for microneedling. Microneedling may not be safe for those with certain health problems. Visit this article on microneedling to learn more about contraindications, things that require waiting periods, and aftercare.
