A: Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world, originating in China more than 2,000 years ago. It consists of inserting fine needles into the body at precise points to treat specific health issues, and is often combined with other Chinese medical modalities such as acupressure, moxibustion (thermal stimulation), cupping , Gua Sha , and Chinese dietary therapy.

The goal of acupuncture is to restore and maintain optimum health, improve physiological function, and relieve pain. At its heart is the physics principle that "energy precedes matter".

Beginning with Einstein’s theory of relativity, science has repeatedly proven that mass is nothing but a form of energy, an energy that exists before its manifestation into material form. In the body, this energy or qi (pronounced "chee"), is responsible for the structure and function of the entire organism. Qi flows through the body via an intricate network of pathways that we call Acupuncture "channels". They are not discernible by means of dissection, but they have been detected and located by Western scientific methods.

In Chinese medical theory, pain and illness result when the smooth flow of qi is hindered. This can be due to internal factors such as diet, exercise, rest, or emotions, or external considerations such as weather, trauma, microbes, or toxins.

Acupuncture works to restore balance in the body/mind system. When acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points along the energetic pathways, they help to restore the smooth flow of qi by enhancing what is deficient, reducing what is excessive, and removing what is blocked. By making energetic "suggestions", acupuncture stimulates the body’s intrinsic healing abilities, helping the patient regain energetic balance and, ultimately, material health.

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and World Health Organization (WHO) as a safe, natural and drug-free way to address a wide range of health concerns.

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A: Acupuncture is used treat many conditions, both alone or in combination with Western medicine. While it is best known in this country for treating painful conditions such as migraine headaches, arthritis, and back pain, it is also effective for many other acute and chronic conditions including respiratory (e.g., sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma), reproductive (e.g., painful or irregular menstruation, premenstrual syndrome, impotence, infertility), digestive (e.g., constipation, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome), and many others. Acupuncture is also an effective treatment for a wide range of emotional issues including depression, stress, and acute and chronic anxiety.

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A: As with any medicine, acupuncture offers healing through a balance of science and art. The number and frequency of treatments you will need depends on several factors including the complexity of your illness and how long you've had it, your general state of health, and how well your body/mind system responds to each treatment. There are two basic ways to approach acupuncture and energetic medicine: quickly or gradually.

Some people respond very quickly to acupuncture and can benefit from a more intense frequency of treatments that are spaced closely together. This approach is popular across Asia and is typically followed in clinical studies of acupuncture around the world. It is ideal for acute situations or problems of recent onset such as pain, fatigue, or digestive upset of a few months’ duration. Closely spaced treatments can have a MAJOR impact on a health issue. Patients often notice marked improvement after only a few treatments, and full symptom resolution within 2-20 treatments. However, they may need to receive a course of weekly and/or semi-regular follow-up treatments to “lock in” positive change.

Other people respond best to a more gradual approach to healing. For these patients, weekly or bi-monthly treatments are used to gently shift the body/mind system back toward health. This gentle approach is how acupuncture is typically practiced in the United States. The course of treatment may last from a few weeks to several months, depending on how well the patient responds. This approach is often recommended for patients experiencing “knotty” problems (multiple layers of chronic illness) or patients who—due to advanced age or complex health concerns—would simply respond better to a more measured shift toward healing. Over time, the gradual nature of this approach can help patients realize profound results, even for chronic, long-term problems.

Regardless of how you approach acupuncture, it is important to remember that it is a process, not a product. The goal of acupuncture is to remind your body what it is to exist in a state of health. While some patients experience what they consider to be “miraculous” results after only a few treatments, for most, the energetic “message” of acupuncture may need to be repeated a number of times for it to fully sink in. In many ways, starting acupuncture is like starting a new medicine. Just as it often takes a number of pills to begin seeing positive results, it may take a number of acupuncture treatments to fully address your health concerns. The good news is that unlike with conventional medication, while you are waiting for the acupuncture to address your primary health concern, you will quickly begin to notice less stress, better sleep, perhaps better digestion, and an improved quality of life. 

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A: Your acupuncturist's goal is to help you begin to feel better AND begin to heal as quickly as possible. Generally, patients who respond positively to acupuncture tend to fall into three categories: those who feel relief from their symptoms during and immediately after the treatment; those who feel relief later that same day or the next day; and those who feel relief up to a few days later. Examples of this would be someone who feels their headache "leave" while they're on the table; someone with acute hip pain from a recent injury who has no reduction in pain during treatment but feels little or no pain the next morning; or a patient with chronic back pain who begins to feel some relief later that same week.

As you begin to feel better, it is important to understand that "relief" and "healing" are two different things. In the beginning, the benefits you'll notice with acupuncture may be subtle and/or fade after a few hours or days, especially if you are dealing with a chronic condition. Please do not be discouraged; this is a normal part of the healing process and is to be expected as your body begins to let go of imbalance and "get used to" the idea of healing. Because of this, we often suggest more closely spaced treatments for new patients (at least once or twice per week) to more consistently "remind" your body/mind what health feels like. As you begin to heal, the changes you experience should begin to stabilize and remain stable for progressively longer periods of time. See " How many Acupuncture treatments will I need? " for more information.

The ultimate goal of acupuncture is to help you regain your energetic balance and, ultimately, material health. It may take time and patience, but it can be done.

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A: Acupuncture has something to offer almost everyone, but there are times when it might not be the best approach for you.

If you are completely wiped out and suffering from abject physical weakness, acupuncture might not be what you need right now. Since acupuncture works with your body’s own energetic field to effect change, it actually takes energy to move energy. If you are quite weak, we may need to do some other energetic work—such as moxibustion —to build up your strength before moving forward with acupuncture, or gently combine the two in order to build up your core foundation. During these times, a "less is more" approach will yield the greatest result.

Your expectations will also play a big role in your success with acupuncture, but not in any "you must believe for it to work" sort of way. Although some patients have reported amazingly quick recoveries, if you expect 5 years of chronic back pain to resolve after only one acupuncture treatment, we may have a problem. As a process, acupuncture can take time to "remind" the body what health feels like. (See " How many Acupuncture treatments will I need? ") If you expect overnight results and are not willing to allow your body the time it needs to heal, acupuncture might not be your best choice.

Finally, as I tell my patients, energetic medicine isn’t always "pretty". As acupuncture treatments begin to balance and circulate your body's energy, this movement may resurrect older physical symptoms or emotional wounds that you thought were gone but actually went underground in your system…gone but not forgotten. We call this energy "Latent Pathogenic Qi", and it is often at the root of many of today's ills. As we begin to re-establish the body/mind system back to equilibrium, these old latencies may resurface and need to be addressed, and that might not always be pleasant. The good thing is that if latent pathologies are reawakened during the healing process, we can actually begin to address them so that they can clear. (This concept is also known as Hering's "Law of Cure". Click here for an excellent slideshow on this topic by Dr. Larry Bernstein, VMD, CVH, CVA, PCHom, a holistic veterinarian.)

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• For best results, schedule your appointment when you will have time both before and after to let the treatment "land" without distraction.
• Wear or bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Please avoid one-piece garments (e.g., long dresses, unitards). You may need to remove constricting clothing or undergarments, in which case a drape or gown will be provided.
• You should not be hungry, but please do not eat a heavy meal or consume caffeine an hour or so before your appointment.
• Do not consume any alcohol or recreational drugs prior to your treatment.
• Please avoid food or drink that may stain your tongue, and do not brush your tongue on the day of your appointment.

After your treatment is over, you can continue your day. For best results, you may want to schedule your appointment when you will have a bit of time after to let it "land". This is especially true if you are using acupuncture to help you better handle stress, or if you are receiving acupuncture to help you build up your system due to a "deficiency" condition.

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A: The NADA treatment is a simple yet powerful 5-point ear acupuncture protocol developed by the National Acupuncture Detox Association (NADA) for the treatment of stress, addictions, and related disorders. During the treatment, extremely thin needles are placed along the outer ear at five specific points, and left in place for about 30 minutes. The treatments are typically offered in a "community acupuncture" setting in which participants receive the treatment while sitting in chairs in a small group.

The immediate benefits of a NADA treatment include deep relaxation, an enhanced sense of well being, reduced anxiety and depression, and improved sleep. Recipients also report general improvements in health such as fewer headaches, improved digestion, less pain, etc. The effects typically last well beyond the time the treatment is being given, although additional treatments are often needed to create a more cumulative, long-lasting benefit.

NADA treatments are effective for acute and chronic stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are also useful as an adjunctive therapy for a variety of addictive behaviors including smoking, drinking, and caffeine and drug addiction. Those receiving NADA treatments for addiction may require 5-10+ treatments (given 2-3 times per week), depending on the severity of the addiction. NADA treatments may be combined with full body acupuncture to address underlying deficiencies while enhancing the body's detoxification process.
 
You can receive a NADA Treatment through our NADA Happy Hour or NADA for Vets programs, or as part of a regular Acupuncture visit.

Please visit the Acupuncture Services & Fees page for pricing.

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A: Cupping and Gua Sha are ancient healing techniques that help rid the body of Blood or Qi stagnation that has become lodged in subcutaneous tissues. This stagnation can arise from a previous or recent injury, surgery, or stress/tension. Both modalities are used primarily on the yang surfaces of the body such as the neck, shoulders, upper arms, back, hips, hamstrings and calves, but may also be used on the upper chest and abdomen. Light cupping with specially designed micro-cups is also used on the face to lift tissues and support lymphatic drainage. Micro-cupping over the frontal and maxillary sinus areas can promote healthy sinus function as well.

Cupping
You may be familiar with cupping from the round "octopus kisses" that graced Gwyneth Paltrow's back a few years ago. While the media explosion around those pictures introduced many people to this ancient but little known therapy, the strong cupping marks on her back made some squeamish about receiving it. The good news is that the visual results of cupping usually aren't that dramatic--it typically leaves only slight redness that disappears by treatment end (or within a few days for deep work). The better news is that when combined with acupuncture to address sprains, strains and other musculoskeletal issues, cupping can provide an impressive level of physical relief.

Cupping is officially defined as a "therapeutic method that uses negative force to stimulate the flow of blood and qi to an affected area." Like acupuncture, it has been part of Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is used to relieve congestion and inflammation of muscles, and open pathways to eliminate toxins. Cupping is used to relieve pain in the muscles, especially back pain from stiffness or injury, and for clearing congestion in the chest which can occur with colds and flu.

During a cupping treatment, a partial vacuum is created inside a specially designed glass cup, which is then placed on lightly lubricated skin. The negative pressure holds the cup in place as it draws the skin upward. There is no sensation of pain, yet you can definitely feel a pull on the skin.

Cupping is often used with acupuncture to address pain and tension of the neck, shoulders and upper arms, back, hips, abdomen, hamstrings and calves. By creating suction and negative pressure, cupping helps to bring blood flow to stagnant muscles and skin; loosen adhesions, reduce inflammation and stimulate lymphatic flow. It has even been used to loosen the "dimpling" of cellulite. Cupping can be performed on individual points ("static cupping") or over larger areas using a special gliding technique known as "cupping massage". The rhythmic motion of cupping massage can be profoundly relaxing, especially when performed on the shoulders and back. One patient described is at feeling like she was "getting a massage, only from the inside out."

Gua Sha
Like cupping, Gua Sha is also used to address the Blood and Qi stagnation of musculoskeletal pain, or to address the symptoms of the common cold, flu, bronchitis, or asthma. During a Gua Sha treatment, the skin is rubbed with a round-edged instrument in downward strokes. The skin may turn pink or—in cases of strong stagnation—petechia may form at the surface of the skin, resembling a hickey.

The benefits of Gua Sha include an immediate positive shift in pain or sense of constraint. As it works to address the stagnation of Blood and Qi, Gua Sha promotes circulation and normalizes metabolic processes. It is a valuable treatment for both external and internal pain, and helps to facilitate the resolution of both acute and chronic disorders.

A: The best way to determine if your acupuncturist is qualified and licensed is to check with the state acupuncture licensing board. In North Carolina, this is the North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board ( NCALB ). They can tell you which acupuncturists are licensed and in good standing, and can usually give you contact information.

In North Carolina, a licensed acupuncturist (LAc) has met the following requirements:

• Completed a 4-year graduate program (approx. 2,000 hours) from a fully accredited school.
• Passed the nationally certified Clean Needle Technique course administered by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine ( CCAOM ).
• Passed the national board examinations administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine ( NCCAOM ).
• Fulfilled all Continuing Education requirements for license renewal.

You may also know of physicians and chiropractors who practice acupuncture but who do not have "LAc" or "DiplAc" listed in their credentials. Although acupuncture is a licensed and regulated health care profession in North Carolina, MD's and DC's may use it as an adjunctive therapy to their primary practice with as little as 100 hours of classroom instruction and/or home study.

If you are unsure whether your practitioner is fully qualified and licensed to perform acupuncture, please ask before you consent to treatment. See " Know Your Acupuncturist " from the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) for more information.

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A: Denise Slavich, LAc, DiplAc, ADS, is a classically trained, licensed, and board-certified acupuncturist. She received her primary acupuncture training from the Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine , where she completed a nationally-accredited 4-year graduate program as a student of Dr. Sean Marshall, DAc, DiplAc, and Dr. Tran Viet Dzung, and in the tradition of the late Dr. Nguyen Van Nghi. She received her undergraduate education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She is licensed to practice acupuncture in North Carolina. Her practice is a BBB Accredited business. 

In addition to her licensure, Denise was awarded the Diplomate in Acupuncture (DiplAc) designation from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) after successfully passing the national boards for acupuncture, point location, Oriental medical theory, and biomedicine. The "DiplAc" designation indicates an acupuncturist has met national standards for the safe and competent practice of acupuncture as defined by the profession. It has been the mark of excellence in the field of Chinese Medicine since the Commission’s inception in 1982.

Denise is a NADA-certified Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist (ADS) for acupuncture-based treatment of addictions and related disorders. She is also trained in the Mei Zen™ Cosmetic Acupuncture System for facial rejuvenation.

Before pursuing a career in acupuncture, Denise served almost 10 years as a Cryptologist in the U.S. Navy; worked as a technical writer/editor for various industries; and instructed aerobics, yoga and other group fitness activities.

Denise holds professional memberships in the North Carolina Association of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCAAOM), American Association of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (AAAOM), National Acupuncture Detox Association (NADA), and Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB).

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• Free Consultation (30 minutes)
• Acupuncture (New Patient and Follow Up)
• Acusäge ~ "Acupuncture Spa Experience"
• "NADA Happy Hour" (for Stress and Addictions)
• "NADA for Vets" (Free for Veterans and their Families)

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A: The Acusäge "acupuncture spa experience" is a total body treatment that combines four ancient healing therapies to reset the connection between mind and body, making it easier for you to relax, recharge and refocus. Developed by Denise Slavich, LAc, Acusäge is ideal for anyone who feels trapped between an overly busy, stressed out "monkey mind", and an overly taxed, tension-filled body. Through the balanced application of acupuncture, acupressure massage, cupping massage, and Gua Sha, Acusäge provides a unique release of mental stress and physical tension as it restores harmony to body, mind and spirit.

The power of the Acusäge experience lies in the alchemy of its ingredients. Your treatment will take you on a journey to a place where the energetic and the physical become one. After a brief discussion and Chinese medical intake, you will receive a relaxing acupuncture treatment to address your tension at its energetic source. When the acupuncture is complete, your acupuncturist will use cupping massage, acupressure massage, and Gua Sha on your neck, back, hips, thighs, calves, arms, and shoulders to restore energetic movement to those areas most often blocked by tension and stress. (Most people report feeling a profound sense of relaxation during cupping massage...as if the heaviness of their mind and body is being "lifted away".) Finally, she will "close" the treatment through soothing acupressure massage of key points on your hands, feet, face, and scalp.

Your Acusäge experience will last about 90 minutes. Afterward, you may want to avoid tasks that require deep thought or focused effort for 1-2 hours to give the treatment ample time to "land". Acusäge is definitely not the type of treatment to squeeze in between conference calls or before an important dinner! However, when you need to deeply recharge—after an arduous week, in preparation for a major presentation or project, or as part of a monthly wellness regimen—an Acusäge treatment can restore the calmness and clarity you need to regain your center and reconnect with your soul.

Please visit the Acupuncture Services & Fees page for pricing.

(Note: Since Acusäge includes a full body acupuncture treatment, we can offer it to established patients only. If you're new to Denise's practice--or have seen her only for NADA Treatments--you'll need to come in for a separate New Patient Visit before receiving an Acusäge treatment.)

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A: The "NADA Happy Hour" offers an economical way for you to receive the health and wellness benefits of a NADA Treatment. Treatments are offered in a meditative community-style setting with cozy chairs, soft lights, and soothing music. Conversation is limited to encourage personal introspection and relaxation.

Curious? For a limited time, your first NADA Happy Hour session is free. Offer expires 8/31/08.

NADA Happy Hour sessions are scheduled throughout the week at lunchtime and after work. Please visit the Acupuncture Services & Fees page for details and pricing.

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A: To help keep costs low, this office currently does not submit insurance claims for processing. However, we can provide you with an itemized receipt that you can file on your own. If your insurance covers acupuncture, you will need to obtain a diagnosis code (ICD-9) from your physician to be used on the itemized receipt for your acupuncture treatment.
 
We are currently seeking credentialing with a number of insurance providers, and have been recognized by the following agencies. We will update this list as more information becomes available.
   
    • United Healthcare

Acupuncture is an IRS-qualified medical expense. If you contribute to a Flexible Spending Account through your employer, you can use those funds to pay for acupuncture treatments. When you use FSA funds to pay for your visit, you'll save from 10 to 35 percent, depending on your tax bracket.

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