Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture

What conditions or problems can be treated by acupuncture?

GASTROINTESTINAL

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

GYNECOLOGICAL

• PMS
• Infertility (female/male) • Menstrual pain
• Menopause symptoms

MUSCULOSKELETAL

• Carpal tunnel
• Acute/chronic back pain • Knee pain
• Sciatica
• Foot pain
• Stress and sports injuries

NEUROLOGICAL / NERVOUS SYSTEM

• High blood pressure
• Stress disorders
• Hyperthyroidism
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Migraines

Do the needles go in very far?

Because acupuncture is close to the skin’s surface, the needles aren’t inserted very deep. Depending on the patient’s symptoms, composition and location of the points, they may be inserted anywhere from 1/8th of an inch to 2 or 3 inches.

Do the needles hurt?

Acupuncture needles are MUCH smaller than any other needle you have likely come in contact with, or would get at the doctor. Because they’re solid filaments and are inserted quickly, most people don’t notice them. Sometimes a sensation can be felt at the point the needle is stimulating. These sensations are different for everyone and are good! That means the point needed stimulating and the treatment is working!

Are the needles sterile?

Yes, all needles come in sterile packaging and are for one-time use. Once the needle is removed it is placed in a sharps container.

Do the needles transmit disease?

No. As stated above, all needles are sterile and for one-time use. Acupuncturists are highly trained in disease prevention, and all licensed acupuncturists in the US have had bloodborne pathogens training as well as Clean Needle Technique training. Current standards in sterilization and cleanliness also ensure an extra line of defense against disease transmission.

How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your condition. It can vary from a single treatment for an acute condition to weekly treatments for long-term/chronic conditions.
What results will I experience?

Everybody is unique, so healing can appear in a variety of ways. Because this medicine works with your body’s composition, results vary from person to person. While the initial symptoms a patient comes into our offices with are usually resolved, many of our patients also report feeling happier. This can result from a lessening of pain, better concentration and mental organization, increased energy, or even a reduction in emotional symptoms such as anxiety or depression.

Facial Acupuncture

Does it hurt?

Very rarely. The needles are hair-thin and silicone-coated, so they go in extra smoothly. Once they’re in, most people find the treatment extremely relaxing (some even take a nap!)

Are there any side effects?

Very occasionally, patients may experience light bleeding or bruising. Arnica gel is used to prepare the face before treatment, to mitigate the likelihood of this.

Unlike treatments such as Botox (which can leave parts of your face looking “frozen”) the majority of the side effects of cosmetic acupuncture are beneficial: better sleep, feeling less stressed, improved digestion, pain relief, and an overall sense of well-being.

How exactly can putting needles in my face make me look younger?

When acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin of your face, this creates what is known as a beneficial “microtrauma”.

It’s like what happens to your muscles when they get tiny tears in them during exercise: oxygen flow and collagen production in the area get naturally stimulated, which leads to better skin tone, diminished fine lines and wrinkles, and a youthful glow.

Plus, because acupuncture treatment helps you sleep better and addresses other health issues such inflammation, diet or stress. It can also help resolve underlying problems that may be having a negative effect on your skin and complexion.

Is there anyone this isn’t right for?

Cosmetic acupuncture isn’t recommended for people with pituitary disorders, uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disorders, pacemakers, bleeding or bruising disorders, epilepsy, or those who currently suffer from chronic migraine headaches. Cosmetic acupuncture shouldn’t be performed during an allergic reaction.

Acupuncture facial rejuvenation also shouldn’t be done within one year of a face lift. People with fillers or Botox can be seen, but acupuncture will cause the effects of those treatments to go away, so it’s recommended to wait 4-6 months after a treatment like that before trying cosmetic acupuncture. Additionally, if you’ve had any kind of chemical peel, a one week wait is recommended before booking a session with me.

We can discuss any relevant medical concerns during your initial phone call!

How long has this treatment been around for?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest types of medicine and has been practiced for over 2,500 years, after originating in China. It has grown in popularity in the US since the 1970s, is now practiced in all 50 states, and has been tried by 14+ million Americans.

In the Sung Dynasty (960 AD-1270AD) in China, cosmetic acupuncture was used on the Empress and on the Emperor’s concubines and clearly people have found it beneficial, because we’re still using it as a natural, non invasive beauty treatment today!

How does this compare to treatments like Botox or microneedles?
Botox treatments, which can cost between $300-$500 per area injected, carry a risk of toxicity and unwanted side effects (such as suspiciously frozen-looking face areas!) Rather than injecting a toxin into your skin to “freeze” it, acupuncture is non-invasive, 100% natural, and functions by getting your skin working, healthy and re-energized, as opposed to immobilizing it.

Microneedling penetrates less deeply into the skin than acupuncture, barely reaching the dermis (where the collagen and elastin are found). Acupuncture needles, on the other hand, treat down into the base layer of the dermis, where your skin regenerates first, giving you more noticeable, longer-lasting effects from the treatment. Unlike microneedling, acupuncture also doesn’t dry out your skin or increase your sensitivity to the sun.

Laser skin resurfacing uses lasers to remove the outer layers of skin, which promotes the growth of newer, healthier skin. However, it may take months to see results, and there can be up to 3 weeks healing time. There’s also a risk of changes in skin pigmentation or blistering.

Further, none of these treatments takes a holistic approach to improving the individual’s overall health, and the treatments are not necessarily relaxing, rejuvenating experiences.

How many sessions are recommended?
For best results, patients should plan on doing 9-12 sessions one week apart, and then taper off to appointments once every 1-2 months.

After your initial 9-12 treatment sessions and with regular upkeep, the youthful effects on your skin should last up to 5 years!

Hypnosis

Is hypnosis dangerous?

Nope! At Wind Gate Wellness hypnosis is simply a tool used to help people see why they’re choosing a certain mood or reaction, and then offering tools to change it. It’s a very relaxing process, and most people feel great afterward!

Can hypnosis make me do things I don’t want to do?
No. Unlike the movies, hypnosis isn’t a state where one doesn’t have control. It’s done through one’s own mind. You wouldn’t do or say anything in hypnosis that you wouldn’t normally do or say in real life. You can even move around or completely ignore any suggestions! The session is about you, and you are in control!
Can I get ‘stuck’ in hypnosis?
Nope! Hypnosis is like a sort of meditation, and it’s done through one’s own mind. Once the session comes to an end you will automatically come out of the deep relaxation state.
What conditions can hypnosis treat?
Hypnosis can be used as a complementary tool to treat many different things. Here’s a blog post describing how it’s used in our practice: https://www.windgatewellness.com/hypnosis-enhances- wellness-outcomes/

Other Techniques

What is Cupping?
Cupping is when we take a plastic suction cup and place it on specific areas or points in order to encourage blood flow, movement of energy, or reduce pain and inflammation. We may move the cup by sliding it around the area, or leaving the cup still over the area for up to 10 minutes. Often times cupping causes painless bruising in the area if the cup is stationary. The bruising often subsides within 5 to 7 days and is completely normal!
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a technique where a dull edged tool is used to scrape a specific area. This aids in many different ways and can often help reduces symptoms of pain. It’s a relatively painless procedure; however, like cupping it can leave marks in the area it was applied. The marks are painless and normal, and usually go away in 5 to 7 days.
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a technique in which a plant called mugwort is used to heat an acupuncture point or channel. It’s really useful for arthritis, chronic pain, and certain conditions diagnosed with Chinese Medicine. It comes in a few forms such a stick that is held over a point to warm it, small cones that are lit directly on the skin (they don’t burn you!), or in little capsules that warm the needle.
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Address and Hours

309 Cathedral St, Floor 2, Baltimore MD, 21201

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Appointments:

Monday and Tuesday: 2pm to 7pm (With Robert Prokop)

Wednesday: 9 am to 11:30 am (With Robert Prokop)

Thursday: 1pm to 5pm (With Rhea Nodel)

Sunday: 10am to 2pm (With Robert Prokop); and
2:30pm to 5pm (With Rhea Nodel)

Shiatsu Appointments:

Thursday: 1pm to 5pm (With Rhea Nodel)

Sunday: 2:30pm to 5pm (With Rhea Nodel)

-Please call for more availability-

Email Us

robert@windgatewellness.com

Call Us

(724) 494-5051

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