What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a complete medical system focused on correcting imbalances of energy in the body. From its inception in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture has been used traditionally to prevent, diagnose and treat disease, as well as to improve general health. Due to its proven effectiveness, it has been becoming more and more popular throughout the world.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), there exists meridian system through the human body and more than 360 acupoints are located at these meridians. Qi, or a stream of energy, flows through these meridians and acupoints to support tissue, muscles and organs. According to TCM theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked. Acupuncture works with natural vital energy to promote the body’s natural healing ability by inserting acupuncture needles at critical points on the skin. Each acupoint has a predictable effect upon the vital energy passing through it. When the acupuncture needles are inserted into these acupoints, they help correct and re-balance the flow of energy and consequently restore health. Many studies in animals and humans have demonstrated that acupuncture can cause multiple biological responses. These responses can occur locally, i.e., at or close to the site of application, or at a distance, mediated mainly by sensory neurons to various structures within the central nervous system. This can lead to activation of pathways affecting various physiological systems in the brain as well as in the periphery.

What is acupuncture used for?

Because the goal of acupuncture is to promote and restore the balance of energy, which flows throughout the body, it can be used for a wide variety of conditions, from emotional disorders to digestive complaints. It can be beneficial for pain syndromes due to an injury or associated with chronic degenerative diseases. It can also be helpful in treating neurological problems, or as a rehabilitation strategy for individuals who suffered a stroke. Respiratory conditions, including sinusitis and asthma have been relieved with acupuncture, as have many gynecologic disorders and infertility. Acupuncture has also proved advantageous for reducing fatigue and addictions, and for promoting overall well-being. Acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health:

• promotion of health and well-being

• prevention of illness

• treatment of various medical conditions

Is Acupuncture Painful?

Acupuncture needles are NOTHING like the hypodermic needles used for injections or blood sampling. They are fine, smooth and solid—almost like a strand of hair. You may experience heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling down or up the affected meridian, or the energy pathway. After the needles are inserted, the patient rests while listening to soothing music for 30-40 minutes, then the needles are removed. Most patients find the treatments very relaxing and many fall asleep during treatment. People often comment the feeling is quite unfamiliar but pleasant and relaxing.

Does acupuncture have any side effects?

Acupuncture is totally natural and does not involve any drugs or chemicals, so it has relatively few, if any, side effects. The most common side effect from acupuncture is a feeling of deep relaxation and an increased sense of well-being. As with any puncture, a slight discoloration at the acupuncture site may occasionally occur. This is temporary and not dangerous. One published report documents the safety of acupuncture even when performed on people receiving the anticoagulant Warfarin (Coumadin). Although adverse effects can occur if acupuncture is improperly performed, only 10 cases of internal injuries from acupuncture have been reported in the United States from 1965-1997.

How long will it take to treat my illness?

This depends on the type of condition being treated, as well as the individual’sresponse to treatments. Many acute conditions (such as migraine or acute pain) are alleviated in as little as 10-20 minutes. Chronic conditions often require more treatment to balance the body, and treatment time can vary from a few treatments to 2-3 months. For example, if a relatively healthy person receives treatment for a cold, it is likely that they would feel immediate results. On the other hand, if a person gets treated for back pain they’ve been suffering with for 10 years, it may take 3-5 treatments before they really start to feel the improvement.

How often should I have an acupuncture treatment?

I usually render it two to three sessions a week for the first two weeks. After reviewing the progress of treatment, I render it one to two sessions a week for the following weeks. However, it entirely depends on the physical condition of each individual.

Are the needles clean?

Yes. I use sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. I will not save and reuse for your subsequent treatments. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle. The herbs I employ have undergone the most thorough quality checks. Your safety is assured.

Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture treatment?

Yes, the following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment:

1. Maintain good personal hygiene to decrease the possibility of bacterial infection.

2. To prevent loss, do not wear jewelry.

Wear loose clothing. Women should not wear one piece dresses. Avoid wearing tight stockings

3. Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full, upset or shortly after sex.

4. Women pregnant less than three months should tell me. Because there are some points are contraindicated during this period.

5. Patients with pacemakers or other electronic implants should tell me. The electronic stimulation should be avoided in this case.

Will my insurance cover acupuncture?

Acupuncture is very widely accepted and most extended medical plans do cover acupuncture. However, because every policy is different, we recommend you check with your insurer to find out the exact coverage. Most insurance plans do not require a doctor’s referral for acupuncture, however some do so again, check with your plan.