What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a method of needling
specific points on the body in a way to promote healing. Acupuncture
is an essential component of Oriental Medicine, a comprehensive health
care system based on principles of nature that have been around
for over 4000 years. Acupuncturist often have training in a
variety of therapeutic methods such as nutrition,
herbology,
bodywork,
and exercise.
How does it work?
Oriental Medicine views an individual
from an energetic model unlike the Western biochemical model.
The ancient Chinese recognized that all forms of life have a vital
energy. They refer to this energy as Qi (pronounced chee).
They had maps to reveal the flow of Qi along the pathways, which
acupuncturists refer to as channels or meridians. The Qi is
concentrated in certain points along these meridians and can be
accessed on the surface of the body. Recent scientific studies
have been able to corroborate the existence of the meridians and
acupuncture points. Each meridian is associated with a
particular internal organ as well as physiological system
and each individual point is known to have a predictable effect upon
the Qi. Disease arises when there is an imbalance,
deficiency or blockage of flow along the meridian.
Acupuncturists carefully insert extremely fine needles into the
acupuncture points in order to restore the balance. The needles
act as a conductor to the energy.
What to expect?
An initial visit usually involves a
thorough interview which includes your medical and personal history.
This is followed by a physical examination that entails pulse and
tongue assessment and might also include palpation of the abdomen
and/or meridians. Treatment usually involves needling an average
of 5-10 points. Moxibustion is often used along with
acupuncture; this involves burning the pulverized herb mugwort
directly or indirectly on acupuncture points in order to enhance
the treatment in certain conditions. Patients often report
feeling relaxed during or following a treatment. Occasionally,
a patient may experience the temporary aggravation of symptoms within
the first 24 hours of a treatment. This is usually a sign that
the body is healing and often times the patient feels better than ever
after such symptoms pass. While some conditions can be
alleviated rapidly with acupuncture treatment, other conditions which
have arisen over many years might be relieved more slowly with persistent
treatment. In certain situations, Western medicine can deal more
effectively with an illness, in which case the practitioner should
suggest that you contact a physician. Patients who actively
participate in their healing process (altering their lifestyles to eliminate
stress, eating a healthier diet, incorporating appropriate
exercise and forming new attitudes) are most likely to
experience the best results. Weekly or bi-weekly treatments are
usually recommended in the beginning of treatment. As the
patient improves, the interval between treatments is lengthened.
Once stability is achieved, occasional "tune-up" treatments
are recommended.
Is Acupuncture painful?
Acupuncture needles are very thin and
flexible; similar to the diameter of a strand of hair. The
insertion of these needles bears no resemblance to the sensation of
receiving an injection. Many people report feeling a dull ache,
heaviness or electrical sensation around the area of insertion.
If a patient finds the treatment too uncomfortable this can be
discussed with the acupuncturist and he/she can use a different needle
and/or adjust the technique.
Is Acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is well known for its lack of
side effects and efficacy when administered by a comprehensively
trained acupuncturist. Sterile, disposable needles are used.
Cost?
Costs average $90-$120 for a 1.5 to 2
hour initial visit and $40-60 for follow up for follow up visits. Many
insurance companies are now covering acupuncture.
Commonly treated conditions?
anxiety, addiction, allergies,
angina, acne, asthma, arthritis, circulatory disorders,
carpal tunnel syndrome, colds, constipation, digestive
disorders, depression, dizziness, emphysema, fatigue, headache, immune
disorders, infertility, menstrual disorders, neuralgia,
paralysis, pain, skin problems, sleep disorders, sexual dysfunction,
sinusitis, stress, tinnitus, tendonitis.
In addition, Acupuncture may hasten
healing after surgery; lessen severity of many chronic and painful
debilitating disorders; improve emotional stability; increase vitality
and stamina; strengthen your immune system so that you will get sick
less often and provide you with a sense of well-being.
