Medical Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting very fine needs and applying heat and/or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.
What is MEDICAL Acupuncture?
Medical Acupuncture is a term used to describe Acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine, who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use a combination of both approaches as the need arises, to treat illness.
How does Acupuncture work?
The classical explanation is that acupuncture needles "unblock" the obstructions in energy flow and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians.
Does Acupuncture really work?
YES. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined.
Why is Acupuncture slow to become popular in America?
Mostly ignorance and a resistance to change.
Today, acupuncture is widely practiced in Asia, the former Soviet Union, and in Europe. It has recently become more popular in the USA. On the West Coast, especially, the success of Acupuncture is spreading rapidly.
What is the scope of Medical Acupuncture?
While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner, it has much broader applications.
Acupuncture can be used to support other medical treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders, or it can be effective as the only treatment.
The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems.
Medical acupuncture can influence three areas of health care:
promotion of health and well-being
prevention of illness
treatment of various medical conditions
How many treatments will I need?
In general, one or two treatments per week may be recommended for complex or long-standing conditions. For acute problems, fewer visits are necessary and for health maintenance, four sessions a year may be adequate.
Do the needles hurt?
Only minimally, if at all, in most cases using "classical" acupuncture. Many Americans have unfortunately put off pursuing Acupuncture because they fear it would be like their experience with hypodermic needles. Acupuncture needles however have a smooth point and aren't hollow, so they don't have a cutting edge. They are also very thin, so patients feel almost no pain as they are inserted, not much different from when we are "bit" by mosquitos. Once in place, there is no real pain felt. When combined with Heat and/or Electrical Stimulation, patients often report a very satisfying sensation. The more successful the treatment, the greater the sensation. These patients are anxious to return for further treatments.
Are there any side effects to the treatment?
Usually not. As energy is redirected , internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination pattern, or emotional state may be triggered. These shouldn't cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work.
Do I have to believe in Acupuncture for it to work?
No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses, and other animals. However, a positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects. A neutral attitude will not block treatment results.
Are there any "Do's or Don'ts" on the day of treatment?
Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment you may wish to follow the following guidelines:
Don't eat an usually large meal before or after treatment.
Don't over exercise or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hrs. before or after treatment.
It is best to get some rest after treatment, especially for the first few visits.
Continue to take prescription medicines as directed with your regular doctor and check with your Physician Acupuncturist.
Drug and alcohol abuse in the week prior to treatment could reduce the effectiveness of the treatments.
Keep good mental and written notes of your response to the treatment. This way, your doctor can design follow-up treatments that best help you and your problem.