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We have the answers to the most asked questions by our patients. If you have more questions, please contact us.
Our practitioners are dedicated to making acupuncture a comfortable and beneficial experience for all patients. Most of our patients find acupuncture to be very relaxing. Acupuncture needles are about as thin as a human hair, and feel completely different from the thicker, hollow needles on syringes doctors use to give shots or draw blood. Some patients notice a small pinch when an acupuncture needle is inserted, or a dull, heavy, or warm sensation for a while after insertion. These are quite common and disappear soon after the needles are inserted. If you do experience any discomfort let us know and we will adjust the treatment to a more comfortable.
Acupuncture is not only the oldest continuously practiced medicine in the world, but is also evidence based, time-tested, and supported by both ancient and modern sciences. The World Health Organization has endorsed acupuncture for the treatment of over 40 different health complications including: chronic pain, migraines, digestive disorders, arthritis, allergies, depression, the common cold, and stress.
Put simply, acupuncturists insert very thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate and strengthen muscles and bolster the body’s innate healing capacities. Your body may respond by increasing blood circulation, releasing endorphins, and/or regulating your nervous system. All of these reactions help to create and maintain a state in which the body can function optimally and activate healing processes.
Herbal medicine means using specific plants (or parts or extracts of plants) to treat or alleviate health issues. It is one of the most commonly used forms of natural medicine in the U.S., and modern clinical studies have confirmed the effectiveness of many herbal remedies.
Depending on the individual patient, our practitioners at Waterfield Wellness may include herbal medicine as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Hugh Turcotte often complements acupuncture treatments with a traditional Chinese herbal formula for faster results.
All these types of herbal medicines are simple, natural, and affordable ways for you as a patient to continue your care in between appointments.
Most importantly you can expect to be heard and welcomed as a human being, not just as a set of symptoms. Our practitioners will ask you detailed questions about your health history and your desired treatment outcomes, and then perform a thorough physical exam. He or she might feel your pulse at the wrist, look at the color of your tongue, or press gently on your abdomen.
With all this information in mind, they will propose a treatment plan to you, and begin your first treatment. You may receive acupuncture, bodywork, and/or an herbal formula to take home.
Throughout the visit, you will have the opportunity to ask your practitioner any questions you may have. Most of our patients leave after their first visit feeling very relaxed and positive about their treatment. If you are receiving an acupuncture treatment at your first visit, we recommend you have a small snack beforehand. Wear comfortable clothes that can be rolled up past your knees and elbows, or bring some with you to change into in the changing room available at the clinic.
If your treatment requires your back or stomach to be exposed, your practitioner will drape you with a sheet for your comfort and privacy. If you have any further questions you’d like answered before you book your appointment, please feel free to contact us anytime.
Because our services are recognized as effective and evidence-based, they are often covered by insurance. Coverage varies from policy to policy. If you’d like our help in confirming your benefits, please fill out this verification form and within 24 hours we’ll have the details of what is covered.
Tui Na refers to a wide range of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapeutic massage and body work. These forms of bodywork typically loosen tight muscles or knots with carefully placed needles or cups, and increase blood flow to the body while reducing inflammation.
Medical qigong therapy consists of treatment by a practitioner to regulate the client’s qi. After the treatment the client will be given qigong prescriptions to assist in their ongoing healing. Tailored specifically to the client, medical qigong exercises use physical movement, breathing methods and mental intention to correct and restore the function in the body.
Waterfield Wellness in Woburn, MA provides Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Chinese Medical Massage (Tui Na), Medical QiGong, and Custom Lifestyle Recommendations for the treatment and prevention of chronic and acute health issues.