Acupuncture Frequently Asked Questions

 

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

One of the most common reasons that people are hesitant to try acupuncture is the fear of pain caused by the needles. These fears are mostly unfounded and based more on anticipation than reality. Acupuncture needles are not like hypodermic needles. They are very fine (about a hair's width) and with skilled insertion, there is minimal (if any) discomfort. When the needle is inserted the patient may feel nothing or a slight pinching sensation. Any pain should subside within a few seconds after insertion. Sensation after needle insertion varies widely. Heaviness around needle, tingling or electric flowing are some common sensations experienced. These sensations represent acupuncture points and channels being activated. Most clients find the treatments to be very relaxing and drift off to sleep.



Is Acupuncture Safe?

When practiced by a competent acupuncturist, acupuncture is completely safe. Most practitioners use disposable needles so risk of infection or transference of disease is almost obsolete. The most common injury to the patient from acupuncture is slight bruising at the site of insertion which disappears after a few days.

Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture has a history of at least 2500 years. It is a highly developed, systematic form of medicine that has thousands of years of human trials to validate its method and it continues to evolve as a medicine to adapt to modern day needs. Numerous studies conducted both in the U.S. and abroad demonstrate acupuncture's effectiveness for many illnesses. Recent research has shown that acupuncture does affect the body by changing brain chemistry, affecting the Central Nervous System and changing blood flow. More funding by the National Health Institute is being allocated for further research. Acupuncture's effectiveness is recognized throughout the nation, as hospitals, pain clinics, addiction clinics, cancer centers and women's health centers are quickly incorporating acupuncture into their practices.

How does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is the insertion of thin stainless steel needles through the skin at specific sites to regulate the body's energies. According to Traditional Chinese Medical Theory, qi, or energy, flows throughout the body in a network of channel and meridians. Acupuncture serves to harmonize and distribute the qi to areas of the body that contain blockages or deficiencies. Acupuncture activates the body’s immune system to address the imbalances/diseases.

What should I feel during and after treatments?

During the treatment, the experience varies depending upon the nature of the condition. Some patient feel relaxed, others feel energized. Many patients will go to sleep, while others will enter into a meditative state. After the treatment, you should notice the peak effect of the acupuncture within 24 to 48 hours.

What conditions does acupuncture effectively treat?

Currently, the NIH has determined that acupuncture is effective in treating over 40 different disease categories. Following is a list of illnesses and conditions for which acupuncture has been proven to be effective. It is possible to treat these and many other conditions with acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

  • Addictions
  • Allergies
  • Ankle Swelling
  • Arm and Shoulder Pain
  • Arthritis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder
  • Back Pain
  • Bed Wetting
  • Blood Pressure
  • Bronchial Conditions
  • Bursitis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Circulatory Issues
  • Colds
  • Colitis
  • Constipation
  • Cough
  • Depression
  • Detox
  • Diarrhea
  • Diverticulitis
  • Dizziness
  • Emphysema
  • Fatigue
  • Feet
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Flu
  • Gall Bladder Disorders
  • Gas
  • Gynecological Concerns
  • Hay Fever
  • Headache
  • Heart Problems
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Hip Pain
  • Immune System Deficiency
  • Indigestion
  • Infertility
  • Injuries
  • Insomnia
  • Joint Pain
  • Kidney Problems
  • Knee Pain
  • Leg Pain, Cramps
  • Liver Problems
  • Neck Pain, Stiffness
  • Nervousness
  • Neuralgia
  • Pain
  • Pleurisy
  • PMS
  • Pregnancy Symptoms
  • Prostate Problems
  • Rheumatism
  • Sciatica
  • Shingles
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Sinus Trouble
  • Skin Problems
  • Sports Injuries
  • Stomach Problems
  • Sore Throat
  • Thyroid Conditions
  • Ulcers
  • Urinary Problems
  • Whiplash

If you are wondering if acupuncture can help you with a different or specific condition, you can call our clinic to speak with our acupuncturist directly.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

Through observing the laws of nature, communities, the human body, and their interrelationships, the Chinese developed an elegant medical philosophy to maintain a healthy, balanced life. They view the human body as a microcosm of the universe. Health exists when humans live in harmony with the laws of nature.

Some 5,000 years ago, the Chinese began to record this information of health and healing. Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of the oldest and best-documented systems of healing in the world. The TCM knowledge available today is a culmination of the clinical experiences of thousands of doctors over thousands of years, treating billions of people.

TCM utilizes many different treatment modalities in its system of healing. The most common therapies are Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Massage, Diet and Nutrition, and Physical Exercise (Qigong and Tai chi).

A fundamental concept of TCM is the idea of “qi,” which means life force or energy. TCM views disease as an imbalance of qi in the human body. When the qi-- i.e. blood circulation, nerve impulses, hormones, etc.--is impeded or deficient, diseases and illnesses arise. The primary focus of TCM is to restore the body’s homeostasis and support all the body systems to effectively deal with any disease, and most importantly, to prevent it.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion of thin stainless steel needles through the skin at specific sites to regulate the body's energies. According to Traditional Chinese Medical Theory, qi (or energy) flows throughout the body in a network of channel and meridians. Acupuncture serves to harmonize and distribute the qi to areas of the body that contain blockages or deficiencies.

Herbal Medicine
Our ancestors discovered therapeutic herbs in similar ways that humans discovered edible foods: one, by trial and error, two, by observing what other animals ate. Herbal medicine is a very important aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is especially effective when used in conjunction with acupuncture. Today, most pharmaceutical drugs are isolated compounds derived from plants and herbs.

Chinese herbs are usually combined together in an herbal formulas based on a specific diagnosis of the condition. Herbs are generally safe and effective while producing minimal harmful side effects. There are several ways to administer herbal formulas - herbal pills and tablets, tinctures, powdered extracts, and dried raw herbs that are decocted to make tea - to name a few.

Tui na Massage
Tui na is a physiotherapy medical massage very effective in treating musculo-skeletal disorders. Tui na consists of many techniques, such as kneading, acupressure, joint mobilization, stretching, percussion, etc. to relax muscles, increase flexibility, and provide greater range of motion to the joints.