Intro to Acupuncture

• Acupuncture 101
• What are Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
• Commonly Treated Disorders with Acupuncture

Acupuncture 101

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a medical therapy developed over 2000 years ago in Asia. Acupuncture stimulates specific points beneath the skin by the insertion of acupuncture needles. This process restores the balance of the body’s energy, also knows as “Qi” (pronounced chi). Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Moxibustion are some of the essential elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Will it hurt?

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin made from silver alloy typically stainless steel. You may feel little or no discomfort as the needles are inserted as the process is typically painless. You may feel different sensations including slight soreness, numbness, warmth, or pressure. These energetic sensations differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and comforting.

Is it safe?

Acupuncture therapy has been used for thousands of years in China. Acupuncture is the treatment of choice for one-fourth of the world’s population! The needles are FDA approved, individually packaged, pre-sterilized and disposed after a single use.

What should I expect for my first treatment?

After the first treatment has been administered, depending on the aliment being treated, many experiences may occur. Immediate, total or partial relief from pain or other symptoms may be experienced. Some patients experience a sudden burst of energy while others may feel relaxed. Many people experience a calming satisfaction. Small, localized bruises from minor bleeding under the skin are infrequent, but do occur. These are no cause for alarm, and despite the cosmetic inconvenience, they actually provide a kind of bonus treatment. The reabsorption of the blood continues the stimulation of the acupuncture point even without the needle in place.

How long do the treatments take?

In most situations treatments take between 20 and 30 minutes but can last longer in certain scenarios. The length of the treatment depends on the individual conditions of the patient and the skill of the acupuncturist. Be aware that on some days, visits may take longer due to the number of clients being treated.

What conditions can acupuncture treat?

Many conditions may be treated. General pain relief and control for arthritis, cervical spondylopathy, knee pain, hand and foot pain, sciatica, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, lower back and neck pain, tendonitis, ect. Other conditions such as circulatory problems with high or low blood pressure, cold hands and feet. Some nervous system imbalances can also be treated such as anxiety, nervousness, sleeplessness, depression, asthma, allergies and sinus problems; digestive disorders like Crohn%u2019s Disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, and constipation. Other common alements treated include headaches and migraines; treatments to help stop smoking, and many more conditions.

How does acupuncture work?

In traditional Chinese Medicine, there exists a meridian system through the human body. In this system, invisible passageways for energy are called meridians. There are certain points on the body (more than 360) that connect with certain organs and bodily functions. Point Groups on the body that apply to a specific organ or function are found along the same meridian. In a healthy, normal functioning body, the energy in these meridians flow freely resulting in a balanced system. When the flow of energy is interrupted from causes such as stress or injury, this energy is reduced throwing your “Qi” off balance. By performing acupuncture using the points associated with the particular meridian involved, this Qi or balance is restored.

Are the needles clean?

Acupuncture needles are FDA approved. These needles are pre-sterilized and individually wrapped. After the needles are used, they are disposed.

How many treatments will I need?

Since every person is unique in their own condition, the numbers of treatments will vary. The nature, severity and history of each patient’s problem, as well as the individual himself or herself, are all factors that are involved in how many treatments will be necessary.

Are needles the only equipment involved?

Acupuncturist may use several techniques such as moxibustion, cupping, electric stimulation, and point stimulation to help with the patient’s treatment.

Will it conflict with my other medications?

Acupuncture will not conflict with any of your medications. Acupuncture is used to complement and supplement your physician’s treatments NOT TO REPLACE THEM. You should discuss this issue with your physician and acupuncturist.

What are Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine?

Acupuncture is an increasingly popular form of health care therapy. Acupuncture is a part of the overall field of Oriental Medicine. Acupuncturists may be trained in other therapeutic techniques including nutrition, herbal medicine, and body therapies like tui na (pronounced twee-naa), a form of oriental massage therapy. Acupuncture is most widely known for pain relief. But it also is excellent for immune enhancement, general wellness, sports performance, stress reduction, chemotherapy nausea, and addictions to alcohol, cigarettes, and hard drugs. This is because Oriental Medicine treats the whole person, not just individual symptoms. The treatments are gentle and free of dangerous side effects when performed by a trained practitioner. Oriental medicine is cost-effective and may be covered by some insurance companies.

Acupuncture is a system of healthcare that balances the energy flows in the body. This energy is called “chi” or “qi” (pronounced “chee.”) It flows through channels called meridians. Each meridian has specific acupuncture points where the energy can be accessed. The interactions of these energy systems are described by a theory known as the Five Elements or Five Phases. The needles are inserted into acupuncture points. The needles may be affected by manual manipulation or by electro-stimulation with very low voltage electricity. The acupuncture points and meridians may also be affected by warming them with moxabustion, a process involving the use of burning aromatic mugwort leaves.

Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of thin, sterile, disposable needles into specific points on the surface of the body. The needles are as thing as 1-2 human hairs. When inserted, the sensation of the needle is not much more than a mosquito bite. Th needles stimulate the release of endorphins in the body and lead to a deep state of relaxation.

At the first visit, a complete health history is taken. A comprehensive exam may follow. There may be questions about one’s general health as well as the specific complaint. In addition, the practitioner will include a detailed examination and analysis of the pulse and tongue, and even abdominal palpation and facial diagnosis. After a diagnosis is made, an acupuncture (and possibly herbal) prescription is made. The patient may be asked to be seated or lie down for the treatment. The number of needles may be ten to twenty, although the practitioner may choose more or less. The needles remain in place for 15-45 minutes. A similar amount of needles may be placed on the other side of the body for a similar time. Herbal medicines may be prescribed if determined to be helpful.

The number of treatments will vary to resolve a problem. Seldom is one treatment enough. Expect to have at least four treatments before reassessment. Often, complex and chronic problems require ten or more treatments before improvement or benefit occurs.

Commonly Treated Disorders Helped by Acupuncture and Herbs

As recognized by the World Health Organization.

Respiratory System:

• Acute Sinusitis
• Acute Rhinitis
• Common Cold
• Acute tonsillitis
• Acute bronchitis
• Bronchial Asthma

Disorders of the Eye:

• Acute conjunctivitis
• Central Retinitis
• Myopia (in children)
• Cataract (without complications)

Neurological and Musculo-skeletal disorders:

• Headache and Migraine
• Low Back Pain
• Sciatica
• Paresis following stroke
• “Frozen Shoulder”
• Nocturnal Enuresis (bedwetting)
• Facial Palsy (early stage, within 3-6 months)
• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Osteoarthritis
• Peripheral Neuropathies
• Cervicobrachial syndrome
• “Tennis Elbow”
• Meniere’s Disease

Gastrointestinal Disorders:

• Constipation
• Acute and Chronic Gastritis
• Hiccups
• Chronic duodenal Ulcer (pain relief)
• Acute duodenal Ulcer (without complications)
• Diarrhea
• Gastric Hyperacidity
• Acute and Chronic Colitis

Disorders of the Mouth:

• Toothaches, post extraction pain
• Acute and Chronic Pharyngitis
• Gingivitis