Once the needles have been placed, your ears may tingle or feel warm. Some people even fall asleep. These are normal responses. Some people say they feel very relaxed when they are having a treatment, other's don't feel much at all. Even if you don't feel much you are getting benefit from treatment. Acupuncture is most effective after a series of treatments over a period of time.

Q. What are the unique benefits of acupuncture for nicotine or drug addiction?

• Can be used safely with any other health condition
• Does not utilize other abusable, addictive drugs for treatment
• Can be effectively done on an outpatient basis
• Is successfully used as a drug detoxification method at over 100 different addiciton treatment clinics in the United States for example
• and is also successfully used for this purpose in at least 25 other countries.
• It is paradoxically even more effective with the clients who are ‘hardest to treat'
• It is balancing and not-symptom, syndrome dependent.

Q.  How does ear acupuncture diminish the power of the psychological obsession with the addictive substance?

From a Chinese Medicine standpoint, the ear points are calming, and regulate the Liver, Lung, and Kidney. It is thought that stimulation to these nerve terminals in the ear, generate a neural chain of events responsible for the feeling of relaxation experienced by the patient. Indeed, research has demonstrated that acupuncture can influence the neurochemical pathways of the brain. In particular, those of the mesolimbic system. This area is involved in the mechanism responsible for reward and pleasure.

Q.  What do the needles do, exactly?

Despite skepticism that there is something in those needles, acupuncture does not add anything to the body; it simply helps to guide a person's physiology toward a more optimal state. "We have a lot of potential in our bodies, but at times, it can be misguided," Acupuncture helps us achieve balance and control, patients feel comfort and focus, and are better able to participate in the other phases of their treatment.

Q. What about the needles - do they hurt and is it safe

First of all, the needles used to stimulate acupuncture points have no resemblance to hypodermic syringes. Acupuncture needles are very slender, about the thickness of two human hairs, is carried out with sterile and disposable needles i.e. used once and then discarded . Most insertions are just beneath the skin`s surface, which enables the skilled acupuncture practitioner to place a needle with little or no sensation.

Q. I'm pregnant - can I still have the treatment?

The treatment is available to pregnant women, but we use only 2 points , rather than the full five. This is still effective, and achieves the desired result.

Q. What if I'm scared of needles?

f you have a real fear of needles, discuss it with your acupuncturist. An appropriate treatment strategy can always be agreed upon. It is surprising how many people with needle phobias successfully receive acupuncture - it is so relaxing, it helps to calm them, and so each session becomes that bit easier.

Q. What are the 'studs' or 'seeds' ?

These are tiny stainless steel, gold or silver studs that sit directly over the acupuncture point that has been stimulated. They are attached to the ear with a tiny, almost invisible clear sticky label, and usually stay attached for at least a few days.

Q. How many sessions do I need for treatment?

Since each person is unique, the number of treatments needed will vary. Among the determining factors are the type of condition, whether the condition is chronic or acute, and the vitality of the individual. Again, you should discuss your treatment program with your acupuncturist.