Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT
IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a comprehensive form of health care
that is administered through the insertion of fine
needles into the body at specific points that have
been shown to be effective in treating specific health
issues. Acupuncture has been a part of Traditional
Oriental Medicine for several thousand years.
In addition, Traditional Oriental Medicine includes
Moxabustion, Acupressure, Herbology, Nutrition, Lifestyle
Counseling, Breathing and Movement Exercises applied
under the same treatment principles.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
'Qi' (pronounced chee) or energy, a bioelectrical
concept that differentiates Oriental Medicine from
biochemically based Western Medicine was defined by
the ancient Chinese to be the vital force essential
to the functionality of all life forms. In Traditional
Oriental Medicine the smooth and sufficient circulation
of Qi and Blood defines our health. Circulation that
becomes obstructed inhibits the body's natural ability
to heal itself and disease takes root. Inserting needles
into specific acupoints along 14 major meridians,
or energy pathways traversing the body regulates the
flow of Qi to provide homeostasis or functional balance
of the body thereby promoting health. Modern science
has been able to measure and confirm these ancient
acupoint locations.
A visual inspection of the tongue, palpation of the
radial pulse along the wrist and specific questions
on the history of your health are combined to form
an Oriental Medicine diagnosis of your condition before
treatment begins.
ARE THE NEEDLES
SAFE? DOES IT HURT? WHAT WILL I FEEL?
Acupuncture needles are completely sterile, disposable
and safe under the care of a properly trained acupuncturist.
The sensation felt upon needle insertion differs from
patient to patient. The needle diameter is comparable
to a human hair. Most patients feel nothing at all
upon needle insertion, while others may report minor
sensations of heaviness, distention, warmth, tingling,
or electrical sensation either around the needle or
traveling up or down the affected meridian. Most patients
feel deeply relaxed and peaceful during their treatment.
Occasionally patients will fall asleep and awaken
soon after to feel refreshed and energized.
The most frequently needled body regions are below
the elbows and knees and along the back, shoulders
and abdomen.
Is Acupuncture Safe? - Additional Information
HOW MANY TREATMENTS
WILL I NEED? CAN IT HELP MY CONDITION?
The number of treatments will depend upon the duration,
severity, and nature of your complaint. It is suggested
that you try several visits and see how you are doing--at
this time a reevaluation can be done and a better
analysis can be made. You may need only a single treatment
for an acute condition. A series of six to twelve
treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Some
degenerative conditions may require many treatments
over time.
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is a complete health
care system that can affect a patient's health on
many levels physically, emotionally, psychologically,
spiritually and energetically.
Oriental Medicine is better suited for chronic degenerative
conditions than for acute life threatening illness.
Western Medicine provides the best acute trauma care
available yet Oriental Medicine is applied extensively
in Asia and Europe in hospitals and acute care facilities
in conjunction with Western Medicine. Some conditions
respond well when Western and Oriental Medicine are
combined in a complementary manner.
IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE
Some insurance companies do cover acupuncture but coverage can be limited. Acupuncture is typically offered as a rider or an addition to standard coverage. If you pay for your own health insurance it's easy to inquire and make modifications. It is not a very expensive addition and can prove to be greatly beneficial. More and more insurance companies and employers are recognizing the benefits of acupuncture. You can help make acupuncture more available by petitioning your employer to add acupuncture to their group coverage or insist your personal insurance company offer you reimbursement for acupuncture treatments before you accept their policy.
BEFORE TREATMENT
· Wear loose clothing. Women should not wear
one-piece dresses.
· Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued,
hungry, or full.
· Avoid alcohol or drug use on the day of your
treatment.
· Feel free to ask questions. Understanding
your condition will improve treatment results and
aid in the prevention of future health issues. We
kindly encourage you to participate in your healing
process.
To ensure a proper treatment please inform your practitioner
of any medications, including supplements and all
pre-existing health conditions especially if you are
PREGNANT or have a PACEMAKER.
DURING TREATMENT
Simply relax. Ask your practitioner any questions
you may have to ensure your comfort.
AFTER TREATMENT
Resting is recommended. Refrain from stressful situations
for better treatment results.
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION
IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE
In addition to treatment, learn important principles
of lifestyle, diet and exercise to optimize your health
and prevent disease.
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REPORTS:
Some diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture has been proved, through controlled trials, to be an effective treatment:
- Adverse reactions to chemotherapy
- Allergic rhinitis
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Back pain
- Depression
- Gastritis
- Headache
- High blood pressure
- Induction of labour
- Infertility
- Insomnia
- Irregular or painful periods
- Knee pain
- Malposition of fetus
- Migraine
- Morning sickness
- Neck pain
- Stress
- Sciatica
This is a limited list so please call to find out if acupuncture therapy can address your health concerns.
Source: World Health Organization (WHO) / Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials
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