FAQ's
Acupuncture: what is it?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to
promote natural healing and to improve functioning.
This is done by inserting needles at very precise acupuncture
points.
How does acupuncture work?
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels
of energy run in regular patterns through the body
and over its surface. These energy channels, called
meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body
to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction
in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam
that backs up in others. The meridians can be influenced
by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture
needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish
the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture
treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs
to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption,
and energy production activities, and in the circulation
of their energy through the meridians.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling
the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system
to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and
brain. These chemicals change the experience of pain,
or trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones
which influence the body's own internal regulating
system. The improved energy and biochemical balance
produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the
body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting
physical and emotional well-being.
What is medical acupuncture and how is it different
from ordinary acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a very old medical art, and there are
many approaches to learning and practicing it. Medical
acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture
performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western
medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture
as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one
or the other approach, or a combination of both as
the need arises, to treat an illness.
What is the scope of medical acupuncture?
Medical acupuncture is a system which can influence
three areas of health care:
- promotion of health and well-being,
- prevention of illness,
- treatment of various medical conditions.
The World Health Organization recognizes the ability
of acupuncture to treat over 43 common disorders including:
- Gastrointestinal Disorders, such as food allergies,
chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, anorexia
and gastritis
- Gynecological Disorders, such as irregular, heavy,
or painful menstruation, infertility in women and
men, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Respiratory Disorders, such as emphysema, sinusitis,
asthma, allergies and bronchitis
- Disorders of the Bones, Muscles, Joints and Nervous
System, such as arthritis, migraine headaches, neuralgia,
insomnia, dizziness and low back, neck and shoulder
pain
- Circulatory Disorders, including hypertension
- Emotional and Psychological Disorders, including
depression, and anxiety
- Addictions, such as alcohol, nicotine and drugs
- Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders
In addition, acupuncture is often effective therapy
for other chronic and painful debilitating disorders
which have no clear explanation or origin. Acupuncture
is also useful in resolving physical problems related
to tension, stress and emotional conditions. If you
have questions about a specific illness or disorder
not listed above, please contact us for additional
information.
How many treatments will i need?
Following the initial consultation, ideally you will
be seen in weekly one-hour sessions for 6-8 visits.
As you experience improvement in your condition and
enjoy a greater sense of wellbeing, treatments may
be extended to every other week, every three weeks,
monthly and eventually seasonally. The frequency of
treatments varies with each individual, with chronic
conditions requiring more sessions and acute problems
requiring as few as two to four visits.
Are there any side effects to the treatment?
Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body,
internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and
healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original
symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes
in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or
emotional state may be triggered. These should not
cause concern, as they are simply indications that
the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common
with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation
of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately
following the treatment. These pass within a short
time, and do not require anything more than a bit of
rest to overcome.
What are the needles like? Do they hurt?
People experience acupuncture needling differently.
Most patients feel only minimal pain or no pain at
all. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and
are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth
(not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle)
and insertion through the skin is not as painful as
injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising
and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow
needle. Because we use disposable needles, there is
no risk of infection from the treatments.
Does acupuncture really work?
Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been
successfully treated with acupuncture than with all
other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture
is practiced extensively worldwide and is being used
more frequently in America by patients and physicians.
Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time
other techniques are being used, such as conventional
Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments,
and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is
important that your physician-acupuncturist know everything
that you are doing, so she can help you get the most
benefit from all your treatments.
Do i have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs,
horses and other animals. These animal patients do
not understand or believe in the process that helps
them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness
may reinforce the effects of the treatment received,
just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects
of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude
("I don't know if I really believe in this.")
will not block the treatment results.
Are there any important instructions for me to follow
on the day of a treatment?
To enhance the value of a treatment, follow these
important guidelines:
- Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately
before or after your treatment.
- Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity,
or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before
or after the treatment.
- Plan your activities so that after the treatment
you can get some rest, or at least not have to be
working at top performance. This is especially important
for the first few visits.
- Continue to take any prescription medicines as
directed by your regular doctor. Substance abuse
(drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior
to treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness
of acupuncture treatments.
- Remember to keep good mental or written notes of
what your response is to the treatment. This is important
to help tailor your follow-up treatments.
Is acupuncture covered by health insurance?
A growing number of insurance companies will reimburse
for acupuncture treatments. Consult your insurer for
the terms of coverage on your policy. If requested,
paperwork will be provided to you for submission to
your health insurance provider. Full payment is required
at the time of treatment.
Source: www.medicalacupuncture.com
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