Common Questions About Our Lake Mary Acupuncture
HOW LONG DOES ACUPUNCTURE TAKE?
In our office, acupuncture treatments usually lasts approximately 45 min to 1 hour. We understand our patients have other commitments and we are conscious to be on time and efficient. A consultation or office visit takes up to 30 minutes.
DO ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES HURT?
While most people feel nothing at all, others occasionally experience a brief pinch. Obtaining uncomfortable “Qi sensations” or “De qi” is not required for effective application of acupuncture.
CONTRINDICATIONS TO ACUPUNCTURE
There are no dangerous side effects to acupuncture given by a trained professional. There are no contraindications for acupuncture and you can still have treatment whilst taking pain medications, blood pressure medication, cholesterol medication, anti-coagulates (blood thinners), other heart medications, anti-depressants, anti-histamines, allergy medications, corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
You can also receive acupuncture while having osteopathy, chiropractic, physical therapy, massage therapy, steroid injections, stem cell therapy, regenerative medicine, In-vitro fertilization (IVF), fertility treatment, plastic surgery, hormone replacement, pre surgical, post-surgical. It is effective in the support of cancer treatments including radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.
CAN I RECEIVE ACUPUNCTURE IF I’M PREGNANT?
Yes. It is safe as well as beneficial during pregnancy. It is important to inform your practitioner if you are pregnant or suspect you could be pregnant; Dr. Lara Aitken has treated successfully with acupuncture and herbal medicine infertility, frequent miscarriage, lower back pain during pregnancy , Braxton Hicks contractions, breach position, induced labor, post-partum depression, low milk supply and painful or overactive let down.
DO I HAVE TO “BELIEVE” IN ORDER TO OBTAIN RESULTS?
No. Acupuncture works very well for horses, dogs and cats, who don’t “believe” in acupuncture. It is always beneficial for a patient to believe in a practitioner, but the foundation for Dr. Lara Aitken’s skills and knowledge in acupuncture are based on scientific and clinical research and not based in faith healing, esoteric ideas or placebo effect.
Dr. Aitken practices physical medicine in the forms of acupuncture and a variety of other procedures and chemical medicine using herbal formulas and supplements. He has the upmost respect and understands the application and benefits of mental and emotional therapies but he is not a minister, counselor or psychologist and will refer you to these important professionals if this is required to help you in particular conditions.
DO I HAVE TO RECEIVE ACUPUNCTURE TO BE TREATED?
No, there are many options of treatment. Many patients see Dr. Lara Aitken just for general primary care which is considered an office visit in which you may be given non-needle acupuncture options, nutrition or dietary education, herbal medicine, vitamin or mineral recommendations or referred to another medical professional.
SHOULD I TELL MY OTHER DOCTORS?
It is important to inform all of your doctors of all the treatments, supplements, herbs, medications you are using but you do not need a referral to have acupuncture or receive an integrative medical consultation.
There are no contraindications for acupuncture and you can still have treatment whilst taking pain medications, blood pressure medication, cholesterol medication, anti-coagulates (blood thinners), other heart medications, anti-depressants, anti-histamines, allergy medications, corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
You can also receive acupuncture while having osteopathy, chiropractic, physical therapy, massage therapy, steroid injections, stem cell therapy, regenerative medicine, In-vitro fertilization (IVF), fertility treatment, plastic surgery, hormone replacement, pre surgical, post-surgical. It is effective in the support of cancer treatments including radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.
SHOULD I CONTINUE WITH MY PRESCRIBED MEDICATION WHILE RECEIVING ACUPUNCTURE?
Yes, you will not be recommended or told to stop any medications. If you seek treatment to stop medication, options and risks of ceasing medication need to be discussed with your doctor or the practitioner who prescribed the medication.
There are no contraindications for acupuncture and whilst taking pain medications, blood pressure medication, cholesterol medication, anti-coagulates (blood thinners), other heart medications, anti-depressants, anti-histamines, allergy medications, corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
