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Here are some comments from patients I worked with recently ''[Acupuncture] improved my quality of life enabling me to have less pain and painful spasms and sleep much better'' (Eileen, suffering from fibromyalgia) Had acupuncture from Monika for arthritis which was very helpful to get me mobile again, She is very warm caring and skilled therapist who used several techniques over the course of my visits to get me better, would definitely see her again (William, arthritis) I've had a hip problem for the past two years. Used to be a competitive runner and invested lots of time in fitness. Since a hip injury during an intensive workout 2 years ago, I have basically been in pain evey day. Had to decrease a lot of my physical activity and would always be in more pain if I decided to go running. Went through physio and exercise regimes that helped only temporarily, but the pain would always come back. After the first treatment with Monika, my pain decreased by 80% - i was a bit like one of these miracle treatments! Went for another session to resolve the leftover twinges - so far so good! (Sarah, chronic hip pain) "I have had 2 treatments with Monika now, and so far I have been impressed with her attention to detail and knowledge. She is really friendly and welcoming, which made it easy to open up and relax. I have many subtle but connected concerns, so it is wonderful to receive treatment that considers all of me, body and mind, something missing in western medical treatment. I have felt really positive and uplifted after each session, and I am confident that the treatments are helping me to heal." (Jeanice, insomnia and anxiety) The short acupuncture video below explains briefly the concept of energy flow in the body as well as offers some advice as to how to find a fully licensed practitioner in your area.
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ACUPUNCTURE is an ancient Chinese medical therapy that is practiced widely around the world. It has been developed, tested, researched and refined over centuries to give us a complex and detailed understanding of the body's energetic balance. In China, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine are practiced side and acupuncture is available to patients as a stand alone therapy or in combination with conventional treatment. HOW IT WORKS Acupuncture is the insertion of ultra-thin needles in specific areas of the body (called acupoints) to activate your body's innate healing ability. An acupuncture needle is not much thicker than a strand of hair. Pain upon needle insertion, if any, lasts only a split second and is minimal and does not harm the body. Most of the time, you will barely feel the needle going into your body at all. Often you might feel other sensations associated with energy activation and transmission, such as tingling, warmth, heaviness, numbness, or a mild electrical sensation, on or around the spot being treated or moving up or down the channel. Treatment is aimed at the root cause of your symptoms. This enhances your overall wellbeing in addition to helping your main problem. You may find that other niggling problems improve as well as your main symptoms. You are likely to sleep better and feel less stressed.Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins to help your body relax. Many patients feel so relaxed during acupuncture that they fall asleep on the treatment table. 
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Acupuncture, when performed by a competently trained, licensed professional is extremely safe. The side effects that might occur after the treatment could be drowsiness, minor bleeding or bruising. Occasionally, some people notice that their pain or symptom actually seems to be worse before it gets better. This is normally a good sign and lets you know that a therapeutic process in your body has started. Let us know how you responded to the previous treatment at the time of your return visits, so that your treatment plan can be adjusted accordingly.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
A typical course of acupuncture treatment is 6 - 8 sessions, and the number of courses required for complete recovery depends on the nature, severity, and duration of the health condition for which you seek treatment. Simple, acute problems may take just 3 to 6 sessions, while chronic or more complex problems may take several courses over many months, followed by once-monthly sessions for maintenance.
Everyone responds to treatment differently because there are unique factors that can sometimes impact the effect of acupuncture. Therefore, it is difficult to say how quickly your condition will improve or the final outcome of treatment. Some individuals experience total or partial relief of their pain or symptoms after the first few treatments. Others notice steady, gradual improvement. In some cases, no relief is felt at all until several days after a session, or after several sessions or an entire course of acupuncture.
Sometimes, after feeling better for a few days or a week, your condition will relapse. This is because your body needs time to adjust to the cumulative effect of acupuncture, but once the root of the problem is successfully addressed, the condition will no longer relapse. Or, in the case of severe health problems, the intensity of symptoms will decrease with each course of acupuncture while the time interval between relapses will gradually increase, until you only need tune-up sessions once every few months or so to maintain the effects. If your condition routinely gets better with several sessions of acupuncture only to relapse again and again, this may be caused by a physical/emotional/dietary aggravating factor in your life that needs to be addressed.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT AN APPOINTMENT
It's good to bring a list of medications you're on as well as any important medical records.
During your first visit, you will be given a detailed consultation and examination before treatment. Your practitioner will also take your pulse and look at your tongue.
Your treatment may consist of any of the following as your practitioner sees appropriate for your health condition: acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, or lifestyle and exercise suggestions among other modalities. All procedures will be explained to you as needed.
It's good to bring a list of medications you're on as well as any important medical records.
During your first visit, you will be given a detailed consultation and examination before treatment. Your practitioner will also take your pulse and look at your tongue.
Your treatment may consist of any of the following as your practitioner sees appropriate for your health condition: acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, or lifestyle and exercise suggestions among other modalities. All procedures will be explained to you as needed.
PREPARATION FOR AN APPOINTMENT
It's good to have a light meal before you come for your treatment and try to avoid coffee for about 2 hours before your treatment. Loose clothing is advised, as it can be easily rolled up or down. Your practitioner will use mostly acupuncture points on lower legs and forearms, but, depending on your condition, other points on the back, belly, head may be used. If you are uncomfortable to have needles in a certain location on your body, please let your practitioner know during the interview.
It's good to have a light meal before you come for your treatment and try to avoid coffee for about 2 hours before your treatment. Loose clothing is advised, as it can be easily rolled up or down. Your practitioner will use mostly acupuncture points on lower legs and forearms, but, depending on your condition, other points on the back, belly, head may be used. If you are uncomfortable to have needles in a certain location on your body, please let your practitioner know during the interview.