Generally, the effects of Acupuncture are gentle with limited side effects. When a stimulated needle “grasps Qi”, the patient may feel a sensation, ranging from tingling to heaviness, or tugging, distention to mild cramping, or perhaps the electric sensation of the Qi traveling up or down the effected meridian. Staying relaxed will help diminish any discomfort. During a treatment alpha waves are transmitted through the brain, which often induce a dream-like state. Adjunctive therapies that may be utilized during a treatment include moxibustion, the burning of the herb Artemesia Vulgaris  (known as Moxa); Auricular Acupuncture (insertion of very fine needles in the ear); Gua Sha (scraping); Cupping (suction); Polar Therapy (includes ion pumping cords); Electrical Stimulation; Tui Na (Chinese Body Therapy). Your treatment may also include the prescribing of traditional Chinese herbs, either in pill form or a combination of raw herbs, which are prepared at home in the form of a healing tea. Chinese herbology represents the most organized, consistent and accessible herbal system available in the world. The content of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica has steadily increased in number over the last 2000 years. Today it contains about 6000 entries.