Ashleigh Taylor-Schmidt

Acupuncture is phenomenal for addressing stress! It’s one of the main conditions I see in clinic. Not only can acupuncture help with stress, it also helps to improve quality and length of sleep and boost immunity, both of which can be negatively effected by stress.

You should wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment. Also, make sure you’ve at least had a snack 30 mins before your treatment and be nice and hydrated.

One sided pain is actually more common than people think and it is absolutely beneficial to use acupuncture as a safe way to treat this, regardless of age.

Acupuncture does not have to hurt in order to be affective. Each practitioner's technique is different, so it's important to look for an acupuncturist who has built a reputation for being gentle. This information can usually be found by looking at patient testimonials.

Be sure to let your practitioner know your concern so they know to walk you through the process. After the first couple of needles are in, you'll see that it's a very relaxing and calming experience.

Absolutely! Chinese medicine does not rely on a Western medical diagnosis. While sometimes it's helpful information to have, it is not mandatory. In fact, Chinese medicine thrives when treating patterns and conditions that Western docs don't recognize.

I've seen numerous patients get positive treatment results from older injuries using acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The sooner after the injury occurs you receive treatment, the better, but even after a month, acupuncture can help bring new blood flow to the area and help break up scar tissue to help relieve pain.

That’s a great question. There are certain techniques within the scope of practice of Chinese medicine that might be of concern, however, acupuncture is not one of them. At most, you may experience some easy bruising, but for the most part, acupuncture is very safe while on blood thinners. Make sure your acupuncturist knows about all of the medications you’re taking, just like with any doctor. That way, he or she will know to steer clear of any contraindicated modalities. Now go get some stress relief! =)

I’ve seen depression symptoms significantly improve with the use of acupuncture, however, there are some cases that are more challenging than others. It all depends on how long the symptoms have been present and how severe the symptoms are.

Acupuncture for the treatment of depression, works first by identifying an individual’s pattern. No two cases are the same, which is actually why Chinese medicine is so successful- it’s not a “one-size-fits-all” type of treatment.

Depending on your specific case, your practitioner will decide which points to use. These point prescriptions contribute to the overall goal of bringing balance to your nervous system as well as regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine (both of which are essential to alleviating symptoms of depression).

Hello,

That's a great question. The first thing that needs to be considered is your pattern. While some of the points used in fertilely cases can be used in ANY fertility patient, most of them are tailored to each individuals specific pattern. This means that your acupuncturist, during your consultation, will establish WHY you are having fertility issues, as it pertains to Chinese Medical Theory. He or she will use this information to establish a customized treatment plan and select certain points that address your specific condition or pattern. This means that no two fertility treatments will be identical, so, in short, it's hard for me to predict exactly where the needles will be placed without knowing your specific case.

With that being said, most likely, you can expect some points to be selected in your feet, legs, arms and lower abdomen. If this is your first time getting acupuncture, make sure to let your practitioner know, so that he or she can walk you through the process. It's okay to ask as many questions as you need, because a big part of your treatment is making sure you feel relaxed and safe.

I'm so excited for you to being this process, I've known and personally treated many cases of fertility and I have seen remarkable results. I hope I was able to answer your question.

Best wishes,

Ashleigh Taylor-Schmidt, LA.c

Great question! I would use the word “relaxed” more than “fatigued.” Most of my patients leave the treatment room feeling a sense of relaxation and content, not a feeling a debilitating fatigue by any means. This is completely normal. If you’re worried about being able to go on with your day after an acupuncture treatment, I would recommend scheduling your appointment in the evening or on the weekend. That way you can go home and continue that relaxed feeling post treatment without feeling stressed out about having to get stuff done.

Hello!

That’s a great question. Leg spasms can be contributed to many things, such as an overactive nervous system, mineral deficiencies, lack of sleep, lack of water (to only name a few).

Acupuncture is phenomenal at balancing out your entire system so it can help relax nerves and muscles, as well as address the underlying cause of your condition. This means it not only fixes the issue, but it also prevents it from being a problem again in the future. The muscles themselves can benefit from acupuncture, because the insertion of the needles loosen the muscles fibers, while also activating the circulatory system. This brings fresh blood and nutrients to the area.

In short, acupuncture works at the local area (the affected muscle) and the central nervous system (the brain) to combat your symptoms and keep them at bay.

I hope this information is helpful.