Ask The Doctor

What is acupuncture and Oriental medicine?

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve function. This is done by inserting sterilized, stainless-steel needles (that are as fine as a human hair) into specific points located near or on the surface of the skin which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to treat a wide variety of illnesses.
Your practitioner will make a Chinese medical diagnosis based upon a thorough examination and consultation. The examination includes the assessment of the pulse and tongue. Once a diagnosis is made, your acupuncturist will choose the most appropriate acupuncture points for treatment.
Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. They have been mapped out by the Chinese over a period of over 2000 years.

The basic foundation for Oriental medicine is that there is a life energy flowing through the body which is termed Qi (pronounced chee). This energy flows through the body on channels known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked. Back to top

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points located near or on the surface of the skin which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to achieve the desired effect.

The basic foundation for Oriental medicine is that there is a life energy flowing through the body which is termed Qi (pronounced chee). This energy flows through the body on channels known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked.

Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity. Inserting needles at these points stimulates various sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulate nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system at the base of the brain.

The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing hormones. It is estimated that endorphins are 200 times more potent than morphine. Endorphins also play a big role in the functioning of the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture works well for back pain and arthritis and also for P.M.S. and infertility.

The substances released as a result of acupuncture not only relax the whole body, they regulate serotonin in the brain which plays a role in human and animal disposition. This is why depression is often treated with acupuncture.

Some of the physiological effects observed throughout the body include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief from pain, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count which stimulates the immune system. Back to top

What are the most commonly treated ailments?

The most common ailments presented to an acupuncturist tend to be pain related conditions. However, as the public becomes more educated about the efficacies of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, they are seeking treatments for many complex conditions with good results; including the following:

Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders

Circulatory Disorders

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gynecological Genitourinary Disorders

Immune Disorders

Addiction

Emotional and Psychological Disorders

Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders

Respiratory Disorders
Miscellaneous Back to top

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

Many insurance companies now offer policies that cover acupuncture and related services performed by an acupuncturist. Check with your insurance company to find out. Back to top

How deep do the needles go?

Acupuncture points are located near or on the surface of the skin. Usually needles are inserted form ¼ to 1 inch in depth. Depth of insertion will depend on nature of the condition being treated, the patients' size, age, and constitution, and upon the acupuncturists' style or school. Back to top

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are 25-50 times thinner than a hypodermic needle. They are so thin that several acupuncture needles can go into the middle of a hypodermic needle. There is little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles.

While some people feel nothing at all; others experience a brief moment of discomfort as the needle penetrates the skin that can be followed by a mild sensation of cramping, tingling, numbness, traveling warmth, or heaviness. The needles are left in place for twenty to thirty minutes. Most people find the experience extremely relaxing and uplifting and even fall asleep for the duration of the treatment. Back to top

How many treatments will I need?

The length, number and frequency of treatments will vary. A consultation with an experienced practitioner about you and your condition will offer the best guide for the length of treatment.
(What to Ask)

Typical treatments last from 20 to 60 minutes, with the patient being treated one or two times a week.

Generally, acute problems require less time and frequency of treatment. For example, an acute sprain may require only one treatment, whereas more chronic or severe ailments may require several (or several dozen) treatments.

Positive results are generally seen after the first to fourth treatment. You will schedule your appointments further and further apart after you have achieved optimal response.
Many people see their acupuncturist only 2-4 times a year for a “tune up”. Back to top

What are some other Oriental medicine techniques besides needle insertion?

ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE
Electro-Acupuncture is the use of small electrical currents through the acupuncture needles. Electro-stimulation is often used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance a treatment. Electro-acupuncture has been proven to decrease pain, accelerate tissue healing, and significantly reduce inflammation, edema and swelling.

MOXIBUSTION
Moxibustion is a technique in which a Chinese herb called mugwort or Artemisia Vulgaris is used to apply heat to an acupuncture point. It is used to treat certain debilitating conditions as well as arthritis and pain. Moxa is usually rolled into a stick the size of a cigar, lit, and held over specific areas of the body. Moxa can also be placed onto the handle of an acupuncture needle, allowing deeper penetration of heat.

CUPPING
Cupping is a technique where a glass cup or bamboo jar is suctioned onto the body and allowed to sit for about ten minutes. This technique stimulates circulation, relieves swelling, and greatly enhances an acupuncture or Electro-acupuncture treatment. Cupping is used for many conditions including; back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, common colds and influenza.

TUI NA
Tui Na is the traditional system of Chinese style physical therapy or massage. It is used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance treatments in a variety of musculo-skeletal conditions. Back to top

Are there risks or side effects to acupuncture?

Traditional Chinese Medicine aims to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual using a variety of techniques such as acupuncture, Chinese herbs, bodywork, lifestyle/dietary recommendations and energetic exercises to restore imbalances found in the body.
While Acupuncture is an extremely safe form of physical medicine, there are contraindications and risks.

Some of the risks mentioned below are EXTREMELY RARE!

Precautions & Contraindications:
1.) It is contraindicated to needle the abdomen and lumbosacral areas of pregnant women
2.) Avoid blood vessels to prevent bleeding
3.) Points on the chest and back should be carefully needled to avoid injury to organs
Risks:
1.) Bruising
2.) Fainting
3.) Muscle Spasms
4.) Bleeding
5.) Nerve Damage
6.) Punctured Lung
7.) Accidental Injury to organs (Brain, Spinal Cord, Heart, Liver, Spleen, Kidney) Back to top