An AOM practitioner seeks to find the root of the disease which manifests as many related signs and symptoms. Once the root is treated, all signs and symptoms will be resolved. For example, blockage of Qi flow can cause headaches and insomnia. After an acupuncture treatment to facilitate the flow of Qi, both the headaches and the insomnia will resolve. On the other hand, in the conventional Western medicine paradigm, the same person might see two different doctors, and get two different drugs, in two different, unrelated treatments.
Because the AOM approach is both individualized & holistic medicine, just as every person is different, therefore two people with the same complaint will receive different treatments, and one complaint (headache) is seen to relate to another (insomnia).
Nope. It is based on science in its true nature, which is empiricism, or the close study of processes as they occur. The theories of how acupuncture & other Oriental medicine tools work -- although they may sound like poetic meteorological reports -- are also based on this empirical study.
It's not magic, although it may seem like magic when a health problem of long-term duration seems to disappear or fade away.
Who doesn't?
We've seen all kinds of patients -- the majority of whom regularly see doctors, take pharmaceutical medicines & go through diagnostic or surgical procedures. But many times they reach a point where they find that they are either disappointed by the lack of progress in their conditions, or by the slow rate of progress – or they find that the side effects of the standard care too unpleasant, and they they come to see us (the collective sense of "AOM practitioners."). Although the number of acupuncture practitioners in the U.S. is relatively small (~30,000), their impact is increasingly seen – many insurance companies cover acupuncture (the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act currently in congressional committee seeks to expand Medicare coverage); an estimated 3.1 million US adults & 150,000 children received acupuncture care in 2006; acupuncture research is being conducted by government agencies, universities and hospitals; and the N.I.H. has a branch called the National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine which researches & tracks acupuncture (& other CAM modality) use in the U.S.
Pain
Acute
Chronic
Additionally, acupuncture & Oriental medicine techniques are used for immune support for cancer treatment, PTSD, post-surgical care, "acupuncture facelifts", stroke recovery, HIV-related issues, fertility/conception assistance, etc.....
No.
We use fine gauge needles, much much thinner than the needles (hypodermic syringes) used in vaccinations and injections.
There is usually a sensation – sometimes there is a very mild, sharp sensation that goes away immediately and this is sometimes followed by a dull, heavy feeling around the needle. Or sometimes there is a sense of subtle movement from the needle insertion area to somewhere else in the body.
In a word -- yep.
Acupuncture needles are disposable, single-use, and sterilely packaged. We wash our hands & work in a clean environment. We follow asceptic procedures, which means that we clean the surface of the skin with alcohol.
For the first treatment, perhaps 75-90 minutes; and following visits 45-60 minutes. Many patients find the treatments so relaxing that they don't notice the passage of time.
Feelings of euphoria, relaxation and general wellbeing are common side effects.
Rarely, patients feel faint or nauseous during the treatment – this is usually transient and relieved by the removal of the needles and lying down for a few minutes. Slight bruising is another rare side effect -- which usually clears in a few days.
Quite honestly, this is one of those "your mileage will vary" answers -- depending on the issue being addressed and your general presentation. In general, an acupuncture treatment may involve the insertion of 5-12 needles.
Please note that facial rejuvenation cosmetic treatments do use many needles.
No, but it doesn't hurt to ask!
In China, acupuncture is often given to patients every day.
Acupuncture treatments 1-2x/week is ideal during the initial “crisis” stage of an injury or condition.
Maintenance treatments may be 1-2x/month or once every three months.
Many patients find that regular, ongoing treatments helpful for maintaining good health.
YES OF COURSE!
But it is important to inform your other practitioners, if you are having acupuncture or taking Chinese herbal medicines. It is equally important to inform us of your other treatments or medications.
Loose fitting, comfortable clothing is advised. (Unitards aren't.) We will ask you to remove your shoes & socks.
It varies according to your condition, but a minimum of three sessions of acupuncture is often advised. This can be three times a week, once a week for three weeks or even every second week for six weeks.
Please be aware that it may take about six weeks of weekly treatment for a condition to be noticeably relieved, and if the condition is severe, up to 10 sessions may be required. Most people find that regular treatments (for example one a month) are helpful to maintain good health and prevent the health problem from reoccurring.
Most major acupuncture points are on the arms (from the elbow to the fingers) and on the legs (from the knee down to the toes). also on the back and on the abdomen
Depending on your condition, it may take a few treatments before you see the effects of acupuncture.
Immediately, you may notice a feeling of relaxation lasting several hours and sometimes several days. The effects are accumulative- the more you have it, the more you notice the results.
The licensure requirements in Florida are similar to most other states -- which is a specialized training program of more than 2500 didactic and clinical hours (in the US, this is usually a graduate degree), and successful completion of the board exams created by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Many states (including Florida) require continuing education credits to maintain active licensure. Here in Florida, you can verify the license status of health progressionals through the state Board of Health.
Other agencies that have records of qualified, licensed acupuncture practitioners include the NCCAOM and professional organizations, such as the Florida State Oriental Medicine Association (FSOMA) and the American Association of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (AAAOM).
In some places you can -- often the same insurance companies that deny coverage in one state (such as Florida) will cover it in another (such as Washington). Some companies will reimburse you if you provide them with a superbill receipt (ask us for this & we'll create one for you).
The Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act, currently in Congressional committee, seeks to expand Medicare & Federal Employee Health Insurance programs to cover acupuncture.