Frequently Asked Questions

office visits available starting tuesday, april 27th 2020

Do I need to wear a mask to be seen at the clinic?

No you do not. As of April 3rd, 2023, Oregon lifted the Mask Mandate in Healthcare settings. If you are sick, we recommend that you wear a mask or you can also reschedule your appointment for a day when you are feeling better.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an Ancient Chinese holistic therapy based on the theory that the body depends on life energy or vital energy, known as Qi (pronounced “chee”) being in balance.

Acupuncturists correct imbalances in the body by inserting fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points. This activates the body’s Qi thus promoting natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity, physical and emotional health.

Acupuncture is natural, safe, painless, and an effective way to treat over 50 western medical conditions with no side effects.

What is Qi (pronounced “chee”)?

Ancient medicine philosophy believes that Qi, or vital energy, flows throughout the body. Qi helps to animate the body and protect it from illness, pain and disease. A person’s health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.

What can affect Qi?

Many things influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, diet, accidents or excessive activity can lead to a blockage or imbalance of Qi. Normally, when this imbalance occurs, the body naturally bounces back, returning to a balanced state of health and well-being. When the disruption to Qi is prolonged or is excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, then illness, pain or disease can set in.

What should I expect at my Acupuncture visits?

During the initial exam your full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist will also check your pulse and tongue and may conduct a physical exam. This information is then organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi is blocked and imbalanced. After your Health History review, you will receive a treatment tailored just for you. Visits will vary from 30 minutes to 1 hour at The Qi Spot.

Why the tongue and pulse check?

There are 12 pulse positions on each wrist that correspond to specific meridians (the path that Qi flows in the body) and organs. If there is any blockage or imbalance, it will appear in the pulse reading. The tongue is a map of the body. The color, shape, cracks, and coating on the tongue reflect the general health of the organs and meridians too.

How many Treatments will I need?

Treatment frequency and number of treatments needed depend on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. Some people experience immediate relief, others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes. An Acupuncturist may suggest one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance and seasonal “tune-ups”.

How safe is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is extremely safe and natural. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no negative side effects, just feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once and then discarded.

How are acupuncturists educated?

Today, acupuncturists undertake three to four years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.

Why does my Acupuncturist recommend herbs?

Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute pain. They are especially useful in between appointments to continue and increase the body's healing abilities before the next appointment.

I am a new patient, which provider should I see?

As a new patient you can go with any provider. If you do not have a limited schedule (you are available to come in any time), then we suggest that you go by what you need to see the Acupuncturist for. If you are in pain, then finding the next available appointment with whichever provider, is your priority.

I am an established patient seeing one of your Acupuncturists but his/her schedule no longer matches mine. Can I see another Acupuncturist in your office?

Yes. Even though it is encouraged to schedule follow-up appointments with your Primary Acupuncturist, you may change acupuncturists according to your schedule. Some patients' schedules change each week and we understand. Keeping on top of your treatment plan is so important to get you healed faster. So choose what works with your schedule.

Our Acupuncturists work together to provide the best treatment for you. Wade McCulloch, the owner and primary Acupuncturist has been practicing Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for over 7 years, while doing his Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. He supervises the other Acupuncturists and works with them to provide treatment plans that work for you. If you need to contact him directly about your treatment or treatment plan, please email him at wade@theqispot.com.

What is the best way to contact The Qi Spot?

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us at info@theqispot.com. You may call, but sometimes it is hard to get back to you when we are seeing patients all day. If we do not call you back immediately, please send us a follow-up email. Otherwise we look forward to seeing you soon.