Acupuncture is a complete medical system originating from China more than 3000 years ago. It applies traditional Chinese medicine theory to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well-being by inserting acupuncture needles at critical points. Due to its proven effectiveness, it is becoming more and more popular throughout the world.
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How Does Acupuncture Work? +
The Eastern explanation for how Acupuncture works is based on the movement of Qi (pronounced "chee"). Qi is the life-giving energy that circulates along channels to all organs of the body and enables them to function. These points are located along channels of energy known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the flow of Qi in the meridians become unbalanced or is blocked.
The Western explanation of 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 1997 National Institute of Health (NIH) Consensus on Acupuncture reports that "studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can cause multiple biological responses, mediated mainly by sensory neurons, to many structures within the central nervous system. This can lead to activation of pathways, affecting various physiological systems in the brain as well as in the periphery."
The NIH Consensus also suggests that acupuncture "may activate the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, resulting in a broad spectrum of systemic effects. Alteration in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, and changes in the regulation of blood flow, both centrally and peripherally, have been documented. There is also evidence of alterations in immune functions produced by acupuncture."
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What are the benefits of Acupuncture? +
Acupuncture promotes the body's natural healing ability, therefore having little to no side effects. Also, it is being recognized that acupuncture is a comprehensive system of preventive health care and health maintenance.
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What Conditions Are Commonly Treated by Acupuncture? +
Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of:
- Addiction - alcohol, drug, smoking
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Back Pain
- Carpal Tunnel
- Chemotherapy Nausea
- Depression
- Digestive Problems (ulcers, nausea, irritable bowel)
- Ear problems (ringing, earaches)
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Infections, Colds, Flu
- Insomnia
- Menstrual & female disorders
- Muscle & joint pain (tendonitis, bursitis, sprains)
- Sinusitis
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- Urinary Problems
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How does Acupuncture Feel? +
The needles used to stimulate acupuncture points are very slender, barely beyond the thickness of several human hairs. The finest quality solid stainless steel, pre-sterilized, single-use, disposable, FDA approved needles are used. They are solid and nothing is injected through them. Different sensations such as soreness, numbness, distending, warmth and pressure may be felt, but the energetic sensation differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and relaxing.
If you have a real fear of needles, discuss it with your acupuncturist. An appropriate treatment strategy can always be agreed upon.
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How many sessions do I need for treatment? +
Since each person is unique, the number of treatments needed will vary. Among the determining factors are the type of condition, whether the condition is chronic or acute, and the vitality of the individual. Again, you should discuss your treatment program with the acupuncturist.
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Do I have to believe in Acupuncture for it to work? +
Acupuncture has been used successfully to treat children and animals, neither of whom have preconceived beliefs about the effectiveness of acupuncture.
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How often should I have acupuncture treatment? +
I usually recommend it once a week but twice a week if possible would be more effective for certain conditions. However, it entirely depends on the physical condition of each individual.
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How long does each session take? +
Normally, each session takes 30 to 45 minutes. It depends on the sensitivity of each individual and the kind of diseases and conditions. However, an initial treatment evaluation takes 45-60 minutes, which includes the initial patient evaluation and history.
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Should I stop other medications? +
No. You should continue to follow your current physician's instructions. Please remember that acupuncture is used to complement and supplement your physician's treatments not to replace them. You should discuss this issue with your physician and acupuncturist.
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Do you accept insurance? +
Yes. We accept health insurance coverage and car accident coverage.
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