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About Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles at very precise points on the body. Stimulating these points promotes natural healing and improves the body's function.
The Chinese medical theory of acupuncture is found in the explanation of meridian theory. This theory recognizes channels of energy, which 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 or debris that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts its ability to nourish areas downstream.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt.
How Do I Prepare for a Treatment?
Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume recreational drugs or 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 prescriptions medicines as directed by your regular doctor.
The exam includes viewing the surface of the tongue, please avoid brushing your tongue on treatment days as well as colored beverages such as coffee, tea, and colas.
What Does Acupuncture Treat?
While Acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other medical treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders.The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of wide range of medical problems, including:
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digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea
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respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, and recurrent chest infections
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neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendentious, low back pain, sciatica,
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osteoarthritis urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.
The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For a complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually a few visits can bring relief. For health maintenance, four sessions a year at change of season are recommended.
What Can I Expect During My First Treatment?
The initial consultation and treatment will take approximately an hour to an hour and a half.
The consultation period allows you to discuss one on one with your acupuncture physician about the problems you are having. Your physician will then ask other relevant questions regarding your health conditions in order to complete the evaluation.
The basic examination consists of pulse and tongue evaluation to help determine the imbalances that have lead to your current condition. A physical body examination may be necessary for any muscular-skeletal related problems, which may be treated through acupuncture. If acupuncture is recommended, expect anywhere from twenty to forty five minutes duration of the treatment.
Some insurance companies currently cover acupuncture costs; other companies do not yet recognize the value of acupuncture. Each health policy must be reviewed to determine acupuncture benefits.
Are There Side Effects From Acupuncture?
There are very rarely side effects. 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 occasional reactions should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the treatment is starting to work. Occasionally bruising may take place.
It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.
