| Frequently
Asked Questions about Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
How does Acupuncture
Work?
What problems
can be treated by acupuncture?
How many treatments
will I need?
What types of
needles are used?
How does acupuncture
feel?
What is Electro-Acupuncture?
What is Heat
Therapy?
What is cupping?
What is Auricular
(ear) acupuncture?
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a family of procedures originating in China, the most
well known of which involves penetration of specific anatomic locations
on the skin, called acupuncture points, by thin, solid, generally metallic
needles. Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used
forms of natural, traditional medicine in the world—dating back at least
2,500 years. It is based on the ancient Chinese theory of the flow
of Qi (Energy) and Xue (Blood) through distinct meridians or pathways that
cover and fill the body, somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels do.
Healthy, open meridians where energy and blood can flow freely are essential
for optimal health. Acupuncture treatment is rendered based on Chinese
medical diagnosis, which includes assessment of pulse quality, shape and
color of the tongue, medical history, and whole body evaluation.
Chinese medicine and acupuncture work to treat the whole patient and the
root of a problem rather than using medication to mask a symptom and let
the problem persist.
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How does Acupuncture Work?
Following the Chinese diagnosis, acupuncture needles are inserted into
the body at specific points along acupuncture "meridians," or pathways,
which stimulates the body’s healing energy or qi. The body has approximately
one thousand acupuncture points. Electromagnetic research has
confirmed their locations. Neurophysiologist Bruce Pomeranz at the
University of Toronto suggests that the needles trigger the nervous system,
releasing painkilling and inflammation-reducing substances. According to
ancient theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is deficient,
and away from areas where it is in excess. In this way, acupuncture
regulates and restores a harmonious energetic balance in the body.
In Chinese there is a saying, "There is no pain if there is free flow;
if there is pain, there is no free flow."
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What problems can be treated by
acupuncture?
On November 5, 1997, a panel convened by the National Institutes of
Health (NIH) concluded that there is clear evidence that acupuncture needle
treatment is effective for nausea and vomiting from postoperative condition
as well as chemotherapy, morning sickness, and postoperative dental pain.
The 12-member panel also concluded in their consensus statement that there
are a number of other pain-related conditions for which acupuncture may
be effective. These conditions include but are not limited to fibromyalgia
(general muscle pain), low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma.
In our clinic, acupuncture has been very effective for many illnesses
such as these:
Musculoskeletal:
*Neck pain
*Shoulder pain
*Tennis elbow
*Carpal tunnel
*Acute/chronic back pain
*Knee pain
*Sciatica
*Foot pain
Neurological / nervous system:
*Headache
*Trigeminal neuralgia
*Insomnia
*Stress disorders
*Bell’s Palsy
*Hyperthyroidism
*High blood pressure
*Stroke
*Epilepsy
Gynecological:
*Infertility (female/male)
*Menstrual pain
*PMS
*And many other female health problems
Respiratory:
*Asthma
*Cough
*Sore throat
*Common cold
*Allergies/hay fever
Gastrointestinal:
*Constipation
*Diarrhea
*Hiccups
*Nausea
*Stomach Pain
Others:
*Assist Cancer Therapies
*Meniere’s disease
*Smoking Cessation
*Car accident complication
and more?
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How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depends upon the duration, severity, and nature
of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute
condition or a series of five to fifteen treatments may resolve many chronic
problems. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments
over time, as well as Chinese herbs and lifestyle and dietary changes.
What types of needles are used?
This clinic uses only sterilized, individually packaged disposable
needles. The needles come in various sizes. Depending upon
the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, and the
patient’s size, age, and constitution, needles can be inserted from ¼
to 3 inches in depth.
How does acupuncture feel?
At the time the needle is inserted, one may feel soreness or slight
pain; some patients describe it as an "ant sting." While the needles
remain inserted, for approximately 20 minutes, the patient may feel some
cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling, or an electrical sensation either
around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian, or energy
pathway. In any case, if you experience any discomfort after the
treatment, it is usually mild and short term. Because the purpose of acupuncture
is to balance your body, there are no long-term negative side effects.
On the contrary, relaxation and a sense of well-being often occur during
and after treatment. Many patients fall asleep while the needles
are inserted because of this sense of relaxation and balance.
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What is Electro-Acupuncture?
Electro-Acupuncture is when the acupuncture needles are inserted and
then attached to a small device that puts out a tiny electrical current.
This current runs through the needles and increases the efficacy of the
treatment. It feels like a light pulse and is not painful or uncomfortable.
It acts to increase the strength of the treatment.
What is Heat Therapy?
The clinic uses special medical heat lamps designed for acupuncture
to apply heat to the areas where needles are inserted. The heat warms
the needles and transmits the warmth inside the body. It also acts
to bring down inflammation and increase circulation. The heat is
relaxing for the patient, making it easier to rest during treatment.
What is cupping?
Cupping therapy is usually performed with glass cups, although sometimes
it is done with plastic cups. A cotton ball is soaked in alcohol
and lit on fire, the fire is placed inside the cups and removed, and the
cup is placed quickly on the skin. The fire acts to remove the air
from inside the cup, causing suction; the cup sticks to the skin, and pulls
a little on the skin. This suction acts to draw out what is called
stagnant, or stuck, energy from inside the body and bring it to the surface
where it can be released. It is used in areas such as the back, shoulders,
and forearms when the muscles are very tight or there is aching pain.
Patients find that it relaxes those areas. Cupping often leaves a
circular bruise-like mark where the cup was. Depending on the person,
these marks can last from a few days to a couple weeks.
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What is Auricular (ear) Acupuncture?
For some conditions, the acupuncturist may use auricular acupuncture,
where needles are used at acupuncture points on the ear. For all
internal organs as well as limbs, there are specific points in the ear.
When disorders occur in any part of the body, tenderness can occur at the
corresponding points in the ear. Stimulating these sensitive areas
on the ear serves to prevent and treat diseases and injuries. Weight
loss, addiction problems, as well as any chronic problem can be treated
with acupuncture in the ear.
For chronic problems, the acupuncturist may suggest the use of ear seeds
or ear tacks. In this case, the acupuncturist uses a small machine
to help find the most sensitive spots for the patient's problems, and then
tapes a small seed inside the ear for that area. These are hidden
in the ear and do not stick out, so they can be kept in for up to one week.
The patient can stimulate the points by pressing on the seeds every day.
This gives the patient an opportunity for longer lasting and more constant
relief. If any of the points become uncomfortable, ear seeds can
be removed by the patient right away without any problem.
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