acupuncture
Acupuncture is an important branch of traditional Oriental medicine, which has a continuous 3,000-year history of development and refinement. It is based on the theory that there is energy, called chi or qi, flowing through your body. Chi is thought to flow along energy pathways called meridians. If the flow of chi is blocked or unbalanced at any point on a pathway, theoretically it may result in illness. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe acupuncture unblocks and balances the flow of chi to restore health.common questions
What problems can be treated by acupuncture?
How many treatments will I need?
Are there different styles of acupuncture?
What criteria should I use in choosing an
acupuncturist?
What should I know about the proposed treatments?
Is there anything I need to do while receiving a
treatment?
Q:
What problems can be treated by acupuncture?
- Ear,
Nose & Throat disorders: toothaches, earaches, sinusitis, rhinitis,
laryngitis.
- Respiratory
Disorders: Colds & flu, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, emphysema.
- Gastrointestinal
Disorders :Food allergies, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation,
ulcers, colitis.
- Circulatory
Disorders: hypertension, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, angina
pectoris
- Urogenital
Disorders: cystitis, stress incontinence, neurogenic bladder, prostatits,
prostatic hypertrophy
- Gynecological
Disorders: menstrual irregularity, endometriosis, PMS, infertility,
menopausal syndrome
- Musculoskeletal Disorders: Tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, TMJ, sciatica, low back pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia
- Psychoemotional
& neurological disorders: depression, anxiety, insomnia, headache,
migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, intercostals neuralgia, post-stroke
paralysis, dizziness and tinnitus.
In addition,
acupuncture has been used for centuries throughout Asia to treat hundreds of
other problems. Back to top
Q:
How does acupuncture work?
A: Modern western medicine cannot yet explain how acupuncture works. Traditional Asian acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of qi (a fine, essential substance which nourishes and constructs the body) through distinct channels that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels. According to this theory, acupuncture adjusts the flow of qi in the body, leading it to areas, where it is insufficient and draining it from areas where it is stuck and/or superabundant. In this way, acupuncture restores the harmonious balance of the body and its parts. In Chinese, there is a saying "if there is pain, there is no free flow; if there is free flow there is no pain." Acupuncture promotes and reestablishes the free flow of Qi.
A: When performed by a competently trained, licensed professional, acupuncture is extremely safe. All licensed acupuncturists today use individually package, sterile, disposable needles. So there is virtually no chance of infection or contagion.
Q: Does it hurt?A:
Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than a hair, and their
insertion is practically painless. It is nothing like receiving an
ordinary injection. In some cases, you will not even know the needles are
in place. In others, there may be some tingling, warmth, heaviness, or a
feeling of the qi moving up and down the channels. Most people find
acupuncture extremely relaxing, and many fall asleep during treatment.
A: That depends on the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series of 5-10 treatment may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time. To help reduce the number of treatments, the doctor may suggest dietary modifications, specific exercise regimes, relaxation techniques, self-massage, and/or Chinese herbal medicines, all of which may help to increase the efficacy of acupuncture.
Q:
Are there different styles of acupuncture?
A: Acupuncture originated in China but has spread to Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Europe and America. In different countries, different styles have developed based on differing opinions as to theory and technique. Patients should talk to the doctor about his or her particular style and learn as much as possible about the treatment being proposed.
Q: What criteria
should I use in choosing an acupuncturist?
A:
Prospective patients should ask about where they trained and for
how long he or she has been in practice, and most important, what
experience the practitioner has had in treating your specific ailment.
Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated health care profession in over 40 states in the U.S. In addition, the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) certifies both acupuncturists and Chinese herbal practitioners. Acupuncturists who have passed the NCCAOM exam are entitled to add Dipl. Ac. (Diplomate of Acupuncture) after their name.
Q:
What should I know about the proposed treatments?
A:
The following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your
treatment:
- Wear
loose clothing. Women should not wear one-piece dresses. Avoid wearing tight
stocking. In some cases a gown may be offered.
- Avoid
treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full, emotional upset or shortly
after sex.
Q:
Is there anything I need to do while receiving acupuncture?
- Relax,
there is no need to be frightened. Ask your practitioner any questions you have
along the way so that you can get the most benefit possible from the treatment.
- Do
not change your position or move suddenly.
- If you are uncomfortable, tell the Doctor as soon as possible.
Q:
What can I expect after treatment?
A:
Patients often experience dramatic results in the first treatment. Some
patients experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain or other
symptoms. This relief may last or some pain may return. In a few
cases, there may be no immediate relief only to notice the pain diminish over
the next couple of days. Generally, you should expect to feel
better.
