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COMMON QUESTIONS

 What is Acupuncture and is it effective?

 

Acupuncture is a 3,000-year-old healing technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine that improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process. During acupuncture specific anatomic sites--commonly referred to as acupuncture points, or acupoints are stimulated. The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin. Pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. Specificaly:

Acupuncture releases endorphins, substances which inhibit pain

  • Acupuncture regulates the endocrine functions in the body

  • Acupuncture increases the circulation

  • Acupuncture enhances the body’s immune function 

 

Thus, by stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can be very effective in resolving pain, improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being.The WHO (World Health Organization) has recommended Acupuncture for the following categories and examples of disorders:

  • Ear, Eye, Nose and Throat disorders

  • Circulatory- high and low blood pressure

  • Gastrointestinal- ulcer, IBS,colitis, reflux

  • Orthopedic- sciatica, tennis elbow, arthritis, chronic back/neck pain

  • Neurological- migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, nocturnal enuresis

  • Respiratory- common cold, sinusitis, acute tonsilitis

  • Gynecology- infertility, dysmenorrhoea, morning sickness, labor induction

 

Does it hurt ?

 

This is a very common question because people associate needles with pain from Western Medicine. Acupuncture needles are many

times smaller in thickness and are solid with smooth endings. People experience acupuncture needles differently and most patients feel only a minimal sensation as the needles are inserted. Some people feel no pain at all and others feel as short quick sensation upon insertion. Once the needles are in place, people may feel anything from nothing to a heaviness or lightness feeling. If it helps to know, the vast majority of patients simply fall as sleep during treament.

 

What kind of needles do you use ?

 

The needles are sterile and brand new. They are one-time use, and vary in size and length depending on the location they are placed. They are thin, slightly thicker than a human hair and solid. They are made from stainless steel and the point of the needle is smooth and not hollow like a hypodermic needle and many times smaller.

 

What other methods do you use?

 

During an acupuncture treatment other techniques of Oriental medicine may be employed as they are deemed appropriate. Some of these techniques are: 

  • Tui-Na - Chinese physical, muscular, and bone manipulation

  • Diet and Lifestyle recommendations

  • Chinese Herbal Medicine

  • Cupping - suction cups placed on skin

  • Qi Gong - exercises for rehabilitation

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

 

It depends on your insurance coverage. The best answer to this question is to check with your insurance provider to see if they do cover and for what conditions. Many insurance providers will pay for acupuncture visits in pain related conditions. If your insurance covers acupuncture, I will be happy to provide the paper work for your reimbursement. 

 

​What can I expect during an acupuncture treatment?

 

During your first visit, the practitioner will ask you questions about your health and take a complete history and evaluation. The questions will be not only about the condition you are experiencing but about your life style, your previous illnesses, and the

medications and supplements you are taking. A non-invasive physical examination will be conduct on the issue presenting and some palpation will be done on the energy pathways and reflex points on your body looking for sensitive, tender, or reactive areas.

After palpation, the sterile disposable needle treatment will begin. After ~20 to 30 minutes the needles are removed. Most people experience the process relaxing and many fall asleep during the treatment. The entire session usually lasts between 1 hour to 1 ½

hours. Follow up visits are usually 1 hour in length. 

 

How often should I come?

 

This depends greatly on what type of condition you have. Most people will begin to see results from acupuncture in approximately 3-7 treatments. Some acute conditions such as a cold, may be resolved in one treatment. Chronic long term health problems may require a series of treatments. Treatments are generally administered once per week until your issues improve and then followup appointments may range from a few times per monthly or yearly. Most people find acupuncture treatments extremely relaxing and effective and may decide to come in for treatments after their initial conditions improve. Acupuncture is an important aspect of an overall health improvement and disease prevention program.

 

Is acupuncture Safe?

 

Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects except feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection as the needles are sterile and used one time and then discarded.

 

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