Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of East Asian medicine that originated in China over five thousand years ago and spread through other cultures, resulting in various forms and styles such as that seen with Japanese acupuncture. Each style comes from the same Chinese classics and has various approaches to achieve therapeutic effects. The underlying principles within acupuncture involve using fine, thin needles to stimulate acupuncture points along the various meridians. The exact mechanism of acupuncture is still unknown, and the fundamental theory is very complex and involves achieving balance with the body to help achieve optimal health. While acupuncture is commonly used to treat chronic pain and acute injuries, it is beneficial for treating a wide array of conditions. Acupuncture is effective in treating the emotional pain of anxiety and depression. Cedar fever can be a thing of the past, as acupuncture is helpful in relieving allergies. Research has also shown acupuncture is effective in reducing the severity, duration, and frequency of migraines. East Asian medicine is about treating the patient and not just the sum of his or her signs and symptoms. Acupuncture addresses the root cause of each patient’s health problem to help each person achieve an overall better quality and improved state of health.
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
Acupuncture FAQ
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of small, monofilament needles in acupuncture points, which are primarily located along various channels throughout the entire body. There are other points that exist that are not associated with channels, including extra points, auricular points, scalp points, and motor points. Points are needled in a specific manner to create an effect that helps treat each patient. During an acupuncture treatment, points are selected based on East Asian medical principles that help to treat not just a patient’s specific problems, but their overall state of health, as that can manifest as other symptoms throughout the body. Often patients come to get treated for one or two problems and continue treatment as other aspects of their health improve due to the multiple benefits of an acupuncture treatment.
How old is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of East Asian medicine that dates back thousands of years to its origins in China. While written records are known to exist from over 3,000 years ago, there are acupuncture artifacts that date back over 5,000 years. Around 1680, European physicians drafted medical descriptions of acupuncture after witnessing it in Japan. During the 1950s, Chinese scholars researched Western medicinal knowledge and started integrating it into acupuncture. However, it wasn’t until 1997 that the National Institute of Health (NIH) acknowledged positive evidence of acupuncture’s effectiveness. It has gained popularity in recent years in the West due to its effectiveness in treating pain.
How does acupuncture work?
Nobody knows exactly how acupuncture works. Theories and research suggests that acupuncture affects various systems of the body, including the endocrine, nervous, and musculoskeletal system, to elicit responses that help the body’s own natural ability to heal itself achieve a level of homeostasis.
Who is qualified to administer acupuncture treatments?
A licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.). In Texas, acupuncturists are licensed by the Texas Medical board. In order to be licensed in the state of Texas, each applicant must complete 60 hours of college and acupuncture training, as well as 1,800 hours of training from an accredited acupuncture school. 450 of those required hours must be in herbal training. Each L.Ac. must also graduate from an accredited acupuncture school and pass the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental medicine (CCAOM) Clean Needle Technique Course and Practical Exam and the jurisprudence examination. In addition, each applicant is also required to be certified as a diplomate of oriental medicine (Dipl. O.M.) by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), which involves taking and passing four cumulative board exams in the subjects of Acupuncture with Point Location, Foundations of Oriental Medicine Theory, Chinese Herbology, and Biomedicine. In order to become NCCAOM, an applicant must have a 4-year master’s degree with 2625 hours in training, consisting of 705 hours in oriental medicine and acupuncture theory, 450 hours in didactic oriental herbal studies, 870 hours in biomedicine, and 90 hours in counseling, communications, ethics, and practice management. Acupuncturists Licensed in Texas are also required to submit a DPS computerized criminal history (CCH) verification and finger prints for state and national criminal background checks.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture is virtually painless, with most patients rarely feeling the needles at all during an acupuncture treatment. The needles are thinner than those needles used to give an injection or take blood. In fact, the needles are so thin that they are the thickness of a strand of hair. Often a guide tube is used to stabilize the needle, allowing for gentle insertion. With Japanese style acupuncture, a smaller gauge of needle is used, and the needles are inserted more gently than other traditional methods. On occasion, a needle may be inserted in a more sensitive area that may feel like a sharp pinch for a second. If a needle feels uncomfortable at all, the needle can be adjusted so it’s more comfortable for the patient. Needles may be stimulated to elicit an affect, which can feel warm, tingling, or dull in nature. The concept of, “no pain no gain,” couldn’t be further from the truth, since acupuncture does not need to be painful to be effective.
What are the side effects of acupuncture?
The side effects of acupuncture are often reduced stress and relaxation, as people receiving acupuncture treatments often fall asleep during their session. Many patients feel so comfortable and tranquil that they wish their treatment was longer. While there may be the rare bruise, infrequent and slight pinch of a needle, or a minuscule drop of blood, acupuncture has more benefits than adverse side effects. In addition to acupuncture being relaxing, people often experience more optimal immune system performance, better sleep, improved mood, increased energy, and relief from allergies.
Who can get acupuncture?
Anyone can get acupuncture, as it is for people of all ages. Babies and young children don’t have to be needled and can receive acupressure, along with additional therapies, such as gua sha and ear seeds during treatment. Often younger individuals’ problems respond quickly. It’s never too late to start getting acupuncture treatments. While acute conditions may respond quicker to treatments than more chronic conditions, patients who follow a treatment plan often will feel better after receiving acupuncture treatments.
What does acupuncture treat?
An easier question to answer would be what does acupuncture not treat as it is effective in treating a wide array of conditions. Acupuncture treats pain of various types, including, but not limited to, low back pain, shoulder pain, Sciatica, knee pain, carpal tunnel, neck pain, headaches, and migraines. It also helps with digestive issues, perimenopausal symptoms, PMS, endometriosis, neuropathy, anxiety, depression, allergies, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia.
How often should I get acupuncture treatments?
Treatments vary based on the individual and the presenting problem. Sometimes more frequent treatments are necessary in the beginning, while other times the treatments can be spaced out in regular intervals. Often after patients’ presenting problems resolve, they continue treatments for other issues or routine maintenance to support their state of wellbeing. By talking with the acupuncturist, the best treatment plan can be figured out for you based on your individual needs.
Does acupuncture work?
Yes, acupuncture does work, and it’s not just a trend. Acupuncture is not just a placebo effect, as it is effective for roughly 90% of those treated. In comparison, a placebo effective around 70% of the time. In addition, acupuncture is effective in treating animals, for which there is no placebo effect.
What is acupressure?
Acupressure is the stimulation of acupuncture points and channels to elicit a therapeutic effect. It can be done by stimulating specific points through the use of massaging or pressing with one’s hands, applying ear seeds, or using specific acupuncture tools, such as gua sha, shoni shin, or teishin.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is the term for acupuncture done by other medical professionals, who receive a few hundred hours of training versus the thousands of hours an acupuncturist completes. The points used in dry needling are: motor points, which stimulate the muscle belly near the nerve insertion; ashi points, which are areas that are sensitive upon palpation; and, standard acupuncture points. Because of acupuncturists’ more extensive training, they have a fuller in-depth knowledge of how to effectively and safely treat patients when needling and stimulating points.
Is acupuncture safe?
As long as acupuncture is performed by a trained professional who follows proper protocol, acupuncture is extremely safe. In fact, malpractice insurance rates are significantly lower than that of biomedical doctors, since the likelihood of hurting a patient is extremely miniscule.
How can I learn more about how acupuncture can help me?
You can contact us at info@karmazenacupuncture.com or 512-766-3049. You can also go to our online scheduler to book a FREE consultation and learn how acupuncture can benefit you and help with your current problem. Dr. Katrina Giangarra, D.A.C.M., L.Ac., Dipl. O.M., can assess your condition and formulate a treatment plan specific to your needs. She can answer any questions and go over any concerns that you may have.
Your initial consultation is free. Come meet us in person and learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
How can we help YOU today?
Chronic Pain
Gain relief from the pain impacting your life.
Joint Pain
Don't let joint pain keep you from enjoying the activities that you love.
Hormone Imbalances
Free yourself of the hormone imbalances affecting you.
Digestive Disorders
Take control of your digestive health.
Back Pain
Resolve your pain and improve your mobility naturally.
Sciatica
Don't let sciatic pain control your life with all natural treatments.
Anxiety & Depression
Don't allow your emotional pain hold you back any longer.
Migraine Headaches
Reduce the severity & frequency of migraines naturally.
Carpal Tunnel
Be able to use your wrists without constant pain.
Frozen Shoulder
Regain full range of motion without pain, naturally.
Tennis Elbow/
Golfer's Elbow
Lose the pain while regaining your swing with natural treatments.
Knee Pain
Improve your mobility while alleviating your pain.
Shingles Nerve Pain
Don't continue to suffer in constant pain and sensitivity due to shingles.
Plantar Fasciitis
Be able to stand up without the fear of shooting pain in your foot.
Lupus
The pain of lupus doesn't have to keep you from enjoying the activities that you love.
Gout
Don't be stuck living with the pain and swelling due to gout.
Arthritis
Be active and go about your day without constant joint pain.
Bursitis
Regain joint mobility and move without pain.
Fibromyalgia
Live without constant pain and enjoy your day
Tendinitis
Alleviate your pain, while improving your mobility.
Hip Pain
Achieve all natural relief from hip pain.
IT Band Syndrome
Be more active without IT band pain stopping you.
Pinched Nerve
Don't allow the pain of nerve impingement keep you from enjoying the activities that you love.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Take control of the pain, numbeness, & tingling caused by cervical radiculopathy.
Neuropathy
Enjoy your day without burning pain, numbness, and tingling.
Lymphedema
Regain mobility and and don't get weighed down by fluid retention.
Bell's Palsy
Find your smile again.
Stroke Recovery
Regain your life back from the effects of your stroke.
Muscle Spasms
Be able to go about your day withou the pain of muscle spasms getting in your way.
TMJ
Alleviate the pain and discomfort of your TMJ disorder naturally.
Neck Pain
Don't allow neck pain to prevent you from enjoying the things that you love.
Urinary Incontinence
Regain control your bladder, so you can take back your life.
PCOS
Don't let the problems of PCOS impact your life.
Perimenopausal Symptoms
Prevent hot flashes and night sweats from keeping you up at night.
Endometriosis
Don't allow the pain of endometriosis keep you from time with your family and friends.
PMS
Your pain, mood swings, and fatigue can be controlled naturally each month.
Addison's Disease
Don't let the constant fatigue, nausea, & dizziness of Addison's disease prevent you from enjoying your life.
Adrenal Fatigue
Prevent the fatigue, pain, and aches of adrenal fatigue from controlling your life.
Cushing's Syndrome
Don't allow the fatigue, hunger, & excess sweating of Cuching's syndrome control your life.
Fibroids
The pain and heavy menstruation due to your uterine fibroids don't have to interfere with enjoying time with family and friends.
Fertility
Get the family you always dreamed about having one day.
Thyroid Disorders
Balance your hormones with natural medicine.
Insomnia
Be able to fall asleep and stay asleep with all natural remedies.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Don't let restless legs prevent you from being able to sleep.
Ulcerative Colitis
Take control over your ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Alleviate your digestive problems naturally.
Gallbladder Symptoms
Don't allow gallbladder symptoms to impact your daily life.
Crohn's Disease
Take control of the pain and digestive upset of crohn's disease.
Vertigo
Don't let the world continue to feel like it's spinning around you.
Salivary Stones
Don't let the pain and discomfor of salivary stones disrupt your day.
Weight Loss
Increase your energy and boost your metabolism.
Smoking Addiction
Take charge of your life and don't allow withdrawal symptoms to control you.
Cedar Fever
Don't let your allergies prevent you from enjoying the great outdoors.
Immune Support
Boost your immune system naturally and effectively, so you don't get sick or recover quicker if you already are sick.
Rosacae
Allow your true complexion to shine through.
Facial Rejuvination
Allow your inner beauty to shine outward even more.
Your initial consultation is free. Come meet us in person and learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
Your initial consultation is free. Talk with our Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medcine and learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
THIS STUFF WORKS.
Our unique blend of holistic medical therapies gets ALL your body's healing resources going in the same direction...
Acupuncture
Calms stress, clears neuroendocrine pathways, affects neurotransmitters, and promotes circulation.
Cupping
Promotes microcirculation, relieves tension, and helps release toxins.
Herbal Therapy
Transmits nature’s intelligence to heal damaged cells and tissues.
Gua Sha
Breaks up scar tissue and connective tissue, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation.
Moxibustion
Promotes circulation, alleviates tension, and helps reduce inflammation and swelling.
Relaxation & Stress Reduction 
Focus on calming the mind and emotions to maximize your body’s healing resources.
Your initial consultation is free. Come meet us in person and learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF IS PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT WE DO
You'll always feel welcome and cared for here.
Dr. Katrina Giangarra, DACM, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
Licensed Acupuncturist, Founder, & Clinic Director
Isabella (aka Izzy, aka Fluff Nugget) Giangarra
3rd Unofficial Mascot
Calliope (aka Callie) Giangarra
Unofficial Mascot
Esme (aka Ezzy or Ezzers) Giangarra
2nd Unofficial Mascot
Your initial consultation is free. Come meet us in person and learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
Located in Spicewood
Karma Zen Acupuncture is located in a serene spot off of Highway-71 in the Bee Creek Business Park as part of the Bee Creek Clinic. Whether you live locally in Spicewood or in the surrounding areas of Briarcliff, Marble Falls, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Austin, or Dripping Springs, we are happy to provide a peaceful and relaxing environment as we help you on your path to better health. The location is a hidden gem as it’s great for those locally, not wanting to travel far, and for those wanting to escape from the more chaotic and busier areas.
Your initial consultation is free. Come meet us in person and learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
