About Acupuncture
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is an ancient and effective form of health care that has evolved into a holistic medicine that treats the body, mind and spirit. It is best understood by the science of quantum physics that acknowledges some invisible guidance to the visible world including but not limited to electro-magnetic fields.
An acupuncturist uses fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body to support a balanced flow of “Qi” (pronounced “chee”), a vital energy that travels throughout the body. Feelings of good health and less pain are evidence of smooth flowing Qi, the goal of acupuncture.
HOW DO THE FIVE ELEMENTS RELATE TO ACUPUNCTURE?
The philosophy of the Five Elements influenced the ancient Chinese healthcare as humans were recognized to exhibit the same natural patterns of energy and the importance of balance and flow.
Each of the Five Elements is associated with a set of meridians that run through the specific organs. (Meridians are the energy pathways of the body.) Acupuncture points are located on these meridians and needled to stimulate natural healing that affects a particular elemental energy and/or physical organ.
WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?
First and foremost, acupuncture treats YOU, you as a healthy and unique person no matter what label or diagnosis has been given. The same symptom may be treated in different ways respecting that each individual person is different yet overall, each individual treatment is successful in meeting that person’s needs.
Holistic health views the body, mind and spirit as one energetic system with different kinds of symptoms appearing on different levels:
BODY: expressed through physical pain or “dis-ease,”
MIND: experienced as emotional distress and/or mental constraints,
SPIRIT: feeling separated from a higher purpose or understanding.
Based on modern research, here is a list of some of the conditions that leading health organizations have recognized acupuncture to be effective in treating:
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Adverse reactions to chemotherapy
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Allergic rhinitis
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Bell’s palsy
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Chronic gastritis
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Morning sickness
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Diabetes mellitus, non-insulin-dependent
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Facial spasms/pain
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Female infertility
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Induction of labor
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Knee pain
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Low back pain
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Malposition of fetus
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Nausea and vomiting
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Neck pain
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Opioid dependence
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Osteoarthritis
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Shoulder pain
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Polycystic ovary syndrome
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Stiff neck
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TMJ dysfunction
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Tennis elbow
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Tobacco dependence
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Ulcerative colitis, chronic
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
There are many theories that explain how acupuncture works (ie; Neurotransmitter Theory, Autonomic Nervous System Theory, Vascular-interstitial Theory, Blood Chemistry Theory, Gate Control Theory and more).
The latest research indicates that the acupuncture meridians (energy pathways of Qi) travel through the body’s fascia, an intricate communication network that covers and connects the whole body.
Whatever the reasons for its success, people have experienced the benefits from acupuncture for over 3000 years. Exactly “HOW IT WORKS” may still be unclear but many people are happier today because it does!
HOW SAFE IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. This all-natural, drug-free therapy takes nothing out of you and puts nothing in you but relies on your own, unique energy that often thrives when supported and balanced with acupuncture treatments.
There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles as “Clean Needle Technique” (including alcohol swabbing and “clean field”) is a mandatory practice by all licensed acupuncturists.
Common side effects include feeling calmer and more relaxed.
WHAT ABOUT THOSE NEEDLES?
Acupuncture needles are much thinner than hypodermics and just slightly thicker than a human hair. They are pre-sterilized, pre-packaged and surrounded with a guide tube. The needles are used only once and then properly disposed.
DOES IT HURT?
Acupuncture needles are usually placed just beneath the skin with sensations varying from person to person. It may feel like a momentary pinch, a gentle pull or sometimes, nothing at all.
Needles may stay in for a few minutes and sometimes, up to an hour. Needling technique is determined by the person’s sense of ease and comfort. Some people may even fall asleep.
OTHER USEFUL TOOLS
Acupuncture needles are not the only stimulus that can affect the energy flow. Acupuncture points also respond to acupressure, moxibustion, crystals, and essential oils.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD TREATMENTS BE SCHEDULED?
“How often” and “how many” depends on different variables: your constitution, the severity and duration of the symptom, and the quality and quantity of your Qi.
Although miracles are possible, chronic conditions usually require more frequent appointments in the beginning of a treatment series. Weekly treatments 4 to 8 times (or until symptoms subside) are ideally prescribed in order to receive the greatest benefit from acupuncture.
But life being what it is sometimes does not allow for prescribed frequency in which case, SOME acupuncture is better than none! After desired results are achieved, treatments are then scheduled less and less frequently sometimes to the point of just getting seasonal “tune-ups.”
HOW LONG DOES AN ACUPUNCTURE SESSION LAST?
During the first appointment, a client’s history is discussed in order for the practitioner to identify patterns of illness, behavior, body systems, etc. so that an effective treatment plan may be developed. The time involved is an hour and a half to two hours and includes an acupuncture treatment. Follow-up appointments usually take 45-60 minutes.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR AN ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?
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Bring any questions you might have.
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Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points. Needling the torso, back or upper limbs may require disrobing but appropriate covering is always practiced.
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Do not eat large meals just before or after your visit.
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Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to six hours after the visit.
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Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
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Between visits, make note of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of symptoms.
