Katherine Kim Acupuncture Arts 24 Years as a Trusted Health Partner | Acupuncture, Nutrition & Mind-Body Counseling for All Ages | Connecticut

FAQ

Q: Is Acupuncture Safe?

Yes. Millions of people around the world receive acupuncture safely each year. 

Q? Are you needles disposable?

Yes. As required by law, all licensed acupuncturists use pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles to ensure your complete safety.  We use the thinnest smallest needles possible. Some are thinner than a human eyelash, so thin that they are flexible. 

Q: Are acupuncturists fully licensed, credentialed?

Yes. Licensed Acupuncturists are required to complete thousands of hours of acupuncture-related education, pass national board examinations administered by the NCCAOM, be licensed by the state, and registered with the dept of health.

Q: Are Acupuncturists real doctors? 

Licensed acupuncturists earn a minimum of a graduate degree to enter the profession and often a doctorate degree in acupuncture. Acupuncture post-graduate education includes multiple years of both Eastern and bioscience coursework:

• The advanced study of multiple types of acupuncture (Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, French, Five Elements, hand, auricular, orthopedic, neuromuscular, AcuDetox, etc)
• Historical, cultural aspects of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine or East Asian Medicine.
• Biosciences: Biochem, Org Chem, Biophysics, Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Herbology, Nutrition, Massage, etc. 
• Evidence-based research, best practices, etc. 

Q: Can you explain acupuncture vs. dry needling? 

Practitioners who are not "licensed acupuncturists" ie physical therapists, personal trainers, chiropractors, podiatrists, MD/DOs, often complete an abbreviated or streamlined 100, 200, or 300 hours acupuncture or "dry needling" course and earn continuing education credits or a certificate of completion. They may or may not take an acupuncture-specific board certification examination depending on the state laws in which they practice. If their existing licenses include the ability to perform acupuncture, they usually call it acupuncture or medical acupuncture. If their existing license does not include the ability to perform acupuncture, they usually call it "dry needling". 

Q: How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture may block pain receptors in the brain. Instead of taking medications, acupuncture supports the body's natural pharmacy to heal itself, often with lasting results. 

Acupuncture stimulates the production of endorphins or "happy hormones".

Acupuncture calms the nervous system (the familiar instinct to "fight or flight"). This helps people rest and relax. Reducing stress, anxiety or depression is a major key to healing faster, sleeping better, feeling better, and much more.  

Q: What Does Acupuncture Feel Like? Does it hurt?

Acupuncture is not supposed to hurt for it to be effective. We can adjust all parts of the treatment and walk you through each step so that you're comfortable.

Dr. Kim is a seasoned practitioner and performs acupuncture so that it is pain-free, and relaxing. You may feel a light touch or a gentle pressure. After the needles are in, you may enjoy a warm, cozy, flow of energy all throughout your body. Some people relax so much during the treatment that they take a short nap, which often feels like a longer rejuvenative sleep. 

Q: Do you have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?

No. Acupuncture is often performed on children and animals with minimal to no explanation. You can see the relaxation response and improved range of motion after these treatments. 

Q: How many treatments will I need?

Some people feel relief immediately after just one treatment. Some take a several sessions for the effects to cumulatively build momentum. Everyone responds in their own unique way.  Dr. Kim looks for improvements after every single treatment. After a few consecutive sessions, you may begin to notice bigger, more obvious results. We discuss the treatment plan with you and customize each session. We work quickly so that you feel better sooner. 

Q: Does the Acupuncturist provide health counseling?

Yes, it is within the Acupuncturist's legal scope of practice in CT to provide health related counseling, lifestyle coaching, nutritional counseling, therapeutic exercise. Dr. Kim specializes in mind-body counseling, certified clinical hypnotherapy,  holistic patient navigation for families, workshops, and resources. The initial 10-15 minutes of every appointment is the best time to discuss any questions, conditions, etc so that we can make the best use of our full session time together. You're welcome to bring additional questions and thoughts to each follow-up visit. 

Questions are welcome.