Meridian Healing - Bridging the physical with the mental, emotional and spiritual including traditional Chinese Medical diagnosis and acupuncture treatment, herbal remedies, acupressure, therapeutic massage, treatment of stress and chronic pain, smoking cessation, treatment of addiction, weight loss, Qigong meditation and movement exercises, Doula services and prenatal massage with Judith Brooks,M.Ed., LAc., LMBT, in the Durham, NC area

Frequently Asked Questions

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes, acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a well trained, licensed professional. All licensed acupuncturists are required to follow FDA regulations, including the use of individually packaged, sterile, single-use needles.

Do the needles hurt?

No, the insertion of acupuncture needles is practically painless. In some cases, you may not feel them at all. The needles are very thin, and nothing like a needle used for an ordinary injection. Often people feel some tingling, warmth, or a feeling of the Qi moving along the energy channels of the body called meridians. Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of recommended treatments depends on the severity and nature of your complaint. You may only need a single treatment for some conditions. A series of 5 to 10 treatments can help resolve many chronic problems. To help increase the efficacy of your treatment, we may suggest additional supportive modalities and lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, relaxation, self-massage, and/or Chinese herbal medicines.

What do I need to do before receiving an acupuncture treatment?

To get the maximum benefit from your treatment, follow these guidelines:

1. Wear loose clothing that you can easily change in and out of.
2. Avoid treatment when you are tired, hungry, upset, or shortly after a meal or sex.

What do I need to do while receiving acupuncture?

1. Just relax. If you have questions, ask them! We want to make sure that you get the most benefit possible from your treatment.
2. Once the needles are inserted, do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are uncomfortable in any way, don’t hesitate to tell Judith.

What can I expect after treatment?
You may experience an immediate total or partial relief from your symptoms. In a few cases, there may be only slight relief and the pain or symptoms will continue to diminish over the next couple of days. Sometimes the relief will last, or it may partially return, indicating more treatment is needed. Generally, though, because the acupuncture needles have an immediate effect on the parasympathetic nervous system, you can expect to feel much better after each treatment.