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Maverick Square Acupuncture
154 Maverick St
Boston, MA 02128
Uber
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Services
Services
Acupuncture & Moxabustion
Orthopedic Acupuncture / Dry Needling
Auriculotherapy
Ear Acupuncture with or without Electrical Stimulation
Frequency Specific Microcurrent
Herbal Medicine
Cupping / Gua Sha
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)
Standard Process 21 Day Purification Program
Health Coaching and Nutritional Consultation
In person or online
Acupuncture FAQs
What is Acupuncture? What does it do?
Acupuncture is a safe, effective method of treatment for a wide variety of conditions. Very fine, sterile, stainless steel needles are inserted at precise points in the body. The ancient, Eastern explanation of the purpose of Acupuncture is to remove blockages in the "Qi" or energy flow of the body to treat pain and disease. In modern terms, we explain that Acupuncture balances the nervous system and relieves pain by triggering the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that help the body to heal itself. Acupuncture also helps improve circulation of blood and lymph, reduce inflammation, and release any muscles that may be in spasm and causing pain. Other techniques may also be used such as Cupping, Gua Sha, or Moxabustion. Herbs and dietary supplements may also be prescribed by your practitioner. At Maverick Square Acupuncture, we practice Chinese style Acupuncture, Orthopedic / Sports Medicine Acupuncture (also known as "Dry Needling") and Auricular (ear acupuncture) Medicine
What happens during an Acupuncture treatment?
Your Acupuncturist will take a thorough health history, answer any questions you may have, and determine your course of treatment. You will be made comfortable, either on the treatment table or a reclining chair, the points will be cleaned with alcohol, and the needles will be inserted. Once the needles are in, you will be left to relax for about 25-30 minutes. Many people fall into a state of deep relaxation or even fall asleep! When your Acupuncturist returns, they will take the needles out, and talk to you about when to return
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture is virtually painless! Many people don't feel it at all when the needle is inserted. Sensations can range from a momentary stinging sensation to a deep distending feeling. Most patients report feeling very comfortable and relaxed during treatment. If any part of your treatment is painful, you should inform your practitioner immediately. Acupuncture does not need to hurt to be effective
Will Acupuncture work if I don't believe in it?
While a positive attitude and an open mind are certainly beneficial to the outcome of your treatment, it is important to know that Acupuncture is a system of medicine, not a religion. I like to point out that veterinary acupuncture is very successful on dogs, cats, horses….even turtles! Animals certainly don't have any belief systems with regard to their acupuncture treatments, and they get great results!
Where do you put the needles? How many do you use? Is there anything inside of them?
There are hundreds of acupuncture points, and they each have a specific function. Believe it or not, it is possible to treat a headache with a point in the hand, low back pain with a point in the ear, and stomach problems with a point in the foot. Your acupuncturist will determine which points will be used for treatment during the intake, and the points used may vary from week to week. The number of needles used can vary. I have used as little as 4 needles, to as many as 40. There is no medication or substance of any kind being delivered through an acupuncture needle. They are solid and do not contain anything. The needles are sterile, disposable stainless steel, and are not reused
So, did you go to school for this?? What training and licensure does an acupuncturist have?
I hold a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, CA. (www.pacificcollege.edu) This four year, graduate level program encompasses over 3,500 hours of study including herbology, nutrition, tui na and massage techniques, Western biomedicine and clinical practice. I am nationally board certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (www.NCCAOM.org)and I am licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, and a credentialed Acupuncturist on staff at Massachusetts General Hospital
What health problems can be treated with Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is very commonly used to treat chronic and acute pain conditions, fibromyalgia, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, allergies and sinus problems, anxiety, depression and a host of other health conditions. The following is a list of conditions effectively treated with acupuncture from a publication by the World Health Organization called "Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials" http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/pdf/s4926e/s4926e.pdf
How will I feel after an Acupuncture treatment?
Many people aren't quite sure how they feel right after a treatment. You may feel drowsy and a little lightheaded, so don't just jump off the table and run right out the door! Most patients will report "Well, I felt better later that night." or "I had a good day the next day." Acupuncture is a treatment that has a cumulative effect over time, so as time goes by, you will notice that the relief that you get from treatment lasts longer and longer
How should I prepare for my appointment?
You should wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing. Eat a LIGHT meal a few hours before treatment. Please refrain from the use of alcohol or recreational drugs before your appointment. Please remember to turn off your cell phone, so that you get a chance to relax
How many treatments will I need?
Acupuncture is a cumulative process, meaning that each subsequent treatment builds upon the work done previously. The amount of treatments needed varies by the individual and condition being treated. For example, low back pain in a 22 year old athlete who has an acute sports injury will respond much differently than chronic low back pain in a 72 year old with arthritis and degenerative disc disease. We generally ask that people come for at least 3 treatments to see a very noticeable effect. For some patients, their condition may completely resolve in 1-3, or 3-6 treatments. For others, they may have a course of 12 weekly treatments, and then begin to taper off their visits to maybe every two weeks, once a month, and then they may discontinue treatment, or only come in when they have a flare up of symptoms. Finally, there are patients with chronic, degenerative conditions that may never completely resolve, but regular acupuncture treatment helps them manage their chronic pain and other symptoms, so that perhaps they are able to use less medication, stay more active and experience a better quality of life. Some people will come in once a month for a general "Wellness Tune-up" just to keep them healthy! So, to try to really answer the question of "How many treatments will I need?", we always tell patients, to give it at least 3-6 treatments to see results, but YOU are the best judge of what is working for YOU, because you live in your body. We are here to work with you as a team to collaborate with you and help you achieve optimum health!
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a procedure that should only be performed by licensed acupuncturists who have the proper training and education. There is a major difference in acupuncture training between a licensed acupuncturist and other healthcare providers seeking to add acupuncture to their scope of practice. If you are seeking Acupuncture or Dry Needling from a practitioner, please be aware of the standards of training for practitioners. There is no minimum standard of training for Physical Therapists performing Dry Needling
Chiropractor
Generally 200 hours required of acupuncture-specific training. Acupuncture is not within the scope of practice for Chiropractors in the state of Massachusetts
Medical doctor
300 hours required by the American Board of Medical Acupuncturists of acupuncture-specific training
Minimum national requirement for acupuncture graduate course of study
1,905 hours of acupuncture and Oriental medicine-specific training
Allison Blaisdell's graduate course of study
3,510 hours of acupuncture and Oriental medicine-specific training
Physical therapists (PTs) performing "dry needling"
is the unlicensed and undertrained practice of acupuncture. Often PTs will perform this with as little as 30 hours of acupuncture-specific training