Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a medical therapy developed over 2000 years ago in Asia. Acupuncture stimulates specific points beneath the skin by the insertion of acupuncture needles. This process restores the balance of the body’s energy, also knows as “Qi” (pronounced chi). Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Gua Sha, and Moxibustion are some of the essential elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Will it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are extremely thin made from silver alloy typically stainless steel. You may feel little or no discomfort as the needles are inserted as the process is typically painless. You may feel different sensations including slight soreness, numbness, warmth, or pressure. These energetic sensations differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and comforting.
Is it safe?
Acupuncture therapy has been used for thousands of years in China. Acupuncture is the treatment of choice for one-fourth of the world’s population! The needles are FDA approved, individually packaged, pre-sterilized and disposed after a single use.
What should I expect for my first treatment?
After the first treatment has been administered, depending on the ailment being treated, many experiences may occur. Immediate, total or partial relief from pain or other symptoms may be experienced. Some patients experience a sudden burst of energy while others may feel relaxed. Many people experience a calming satisfaction.
Small, localized bruises from minor bleeding under the skin are infrequent but do occur. These are no cause for alarm, and despite the cosmetic inconvenience, they actually provide a kind of bonus treatment. The re-absorption of the blood continues the stimulation of the acupuncture point even without the needle in place.
How long do the treatments take?
In most situations, treatments take between 20 and 30 minutes but often last longer in certain scenarios. The length of the treatment depends on the individual conditions of the patient and the skill of the acupuncturist.
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
General pain relief and control for arthritis, cervical spondylopathy, knee pain, hand and foot pain, sciatica, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, lower back and neck pain, tendonitis, etc.
Other conditions such as circulatory problems with high or low blood pressure, cold hands and feet. Some nervous system imbalances can also be treated such as anxiety, nervousness, sleeplessness, depression, asthma, allergies and sinus problems; digestive disorders like Crohn’s Disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, and constipation.
Other common ailments treated include headaches and migraines, treatments to help stop smoking, and many more conditions. If you have a specific condition that hasn’t been mentioned, you may call our office with questions. We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation.
How does acupuncture work?
In traditional Chinese Medicine, there exists a meridian system through the human body. In this system, invisible passageways for energy are called meridians. There are certain points on the body (more than 360) that connect with certain organs and bodily functions. Point Groups on the body that apply to a specific organ or function are found along the same meridian. In a healthy, normal functioning body, the energy in these meridians flows freely resulting in a balanced system. When the flow of energy is interrupted by causes such as stress (what the body perceives as stress) or injury, this energy is reduced throwing your Qi off balance. By performing acupuncture using the points associated with the particular meridian involved, this Qi or balance is restored.
Are the needles clean?
Acupuncture needles are FDA-approved. These needles are pre-sterilized and individually wrapped. After the needles are used, they are disposed of.
How many treatments will I need?
Since every person is unique in their own condition, the number of treatments will vary. The nature, severity, and history of each patient’s problem, as well as the individual himself or herself, are all factors that are involved in how many treatments will be necessary.
Are needles the only equipment involved?
Acupuncturist may use several techniques such as moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, electric stimulation, and point stimulation to help with the patient’s treatment. For more information on additional techniques, click here.
Will it conflict with my other medications?
Acupuncture will not conflict with any of your medications. Acupuncture is used to complement and supplement your physician’s treatments, not to replace them. If you have any other concerns, be sure to discuss this before your session.