What is acupuncture?

Does acupuncture really work?

How do you treat my suffering?

How many treatments will I need?

What is my feeling when treated with acupuncture? 

Is acupuncture safe?

Are there any side effects of acupuncture?

Are there any "do or do not" on the day of treatment?

How to choose an acupuncturist? 

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a part of the system of health care, which originated in China 3000 years ago. Based on the theories of Chinese Medicine, Qi (energy) that free flows through the entire body is the most essential substance in maintaining human body structure and activity, which comes from parents and acquires nourishment from food. Any factor that blocks Qi’s production and its free flow is the root of all sufferings such as pain, swelling, fatigue and weakness. Qi arises from the internal organs and flows along paths called meridians, along the meridians are points where Qi is concentrated. Chinese acupuncture needle and finger pressure are applied to stimulate these points to invigorate Qi’s free flow. In this ways, Qi is motivated and nourished; its functions of promoting, warming, transforming, and defending are recovered and enhanced.       

Does acupuncture really work?

In the past 3000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with other health modalities combined. Currently acupuncture is widely used around the world. According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture is effective in treating a wide range of medical problems, including:

• Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea.
• Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infection.
• Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis.
• Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.

Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions.

For more information, please visit the following links:

National Certification commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

http://www.nccaom.org/

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

http://nccam.nih.gov/

World Health Organization Acupuncture

http://www.who.int/medicines/library/trm/acupuncture/acupdoc.shtml

Acupuncture Today

http://www.acupuncturetoday.com

How do you treat my suffering?

Effective treatment benefits from correct diagnosis and well-skilled manipulation. Your doctor will inquire your ailment’s history, observe, palpate and auscultate your physical signs, and give you a diagnosis according to Chinese Medicine. Your doctor will make a treatment plan and give you the first treatment. It takes about one hour for the first visit and 30-40 minutes for the follow-up visits.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For acute problems, one or a few visits are required; for complex or long-standing conditions, once or twice a week treatments for a few months may be needed.

What is my feeling when treated with acupuncture? Does it hurt?

People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some patients feel no pain at all. Patients can expect to feel warmth, tingling or heavy sensation after the needles are inserted. These sensations are attributed to the stimulation of Qi, or energy. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Most patients fall asleep during needles retaining time.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. Your doctor uses the disposable sterilized needles; there is no risk of infection from the treatments.

Are there any side effects of acupuncture?

Usually no. Acupuncture relieves the symptoms and heals the body by stimulating nerves to release chemicals and hormones. 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 should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is common with first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These will pass within a short time and never need anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.

Are there any “do or do not” on the day of a treatment?

• Do not eat a usually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
• Do not over-exercise, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
• Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctors.
• Keep good recording of your response to the treatment. This is very helpful for your doctor to adjust your treatment project and best benefit you.
• Understand that good and long term results take time. Do not expect to feel better immediately. Some patients recover quickly, while others respond gradually over a period of time.

How to choose an acupuncturist?

Check the acupuncturist’s education and license.  Some Chiropractors advertise that they offer acupuncture, they may only have 100-150 of unspecific training in acupuncture and usually they are legally limited in performing acupuncture treatment that related to augment chiropractic adjustment. Qualified acupuncturists  are required to have a minimum of 1,800 hours or more of education and clinical training and pass the exam by NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), and have the state license. Please check the database on nccaom.org.

Can you do Chinese Tui-Na for me?

Yes. Your doctor will choose appropriate Chinese Tui-Na therapy for you according to your situation. For example, Tui-Na of head acupoints is chosen for headache, stress and insomnia; Tui-Na of back acupoints is used for back pain and sciatica; Tui-Na of foot and hand acupoints is employed for whole body’s relaxation and recovery.

What can I benefit from Chinese Tui-Na?                                                          

Here are some lists that Chinese Tui-Na can benefit:

• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
•  Decrease pain of other musculoskeletal origin, e.g., osteoarthritis.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Lessen stress and anxiety.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Decrease blood pressure.
• Recover from fatigue.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
• Enhancement of other organs or functions including skin, glandular function, elimination, etc.