WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is one the modalities of Oriental medicine. It mostly consists of using the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. These points have been mapped out by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years. There are more than a thousand known points. Also used is electrical acupuncture which consists of using a needleless gentle current on those acupuncture points.
WHAT PROBLEMS CAN BE TREATED BY ACUPUNCTURE?
- Ear, nose, and throat disorders
- Respiratory Disorders
- Gastrointestnal Disorders
- Circulatory Disorders
- Urogenital Disorders
- Gynecological Disorders
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Psychoemotional & Neurological Disorders
- Many other problems
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
Traditional Asian acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of qi (a substance that nourishes and constructs the body) through channels that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels. According to this theory, acupuncture adjusts the flow of qi in the body, leading it to areas where it is insufficient and draining it from areas where it is stuck or superabundant. In this way acupuncture restores the harmonious balance of the body and its parts. "If there is pain, there is no free flow; if there is free flow, there is no pain."
IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?
When performed by a competently trained, licensed professional, acupuncture is extremely safe. All acupuncturists use clean sterile needles, individually packaged, and disposable so there is no chance of infection.
DOES IT HURT?
Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than a hair and their insertion is practically painless. It is nothing like recieving an injection or giving blood. In some cases, you will not know that the needle is even there. Others may feel slight tingling, warmth, heaviness, or a feeling of the qi moving up and down the channels. Most find acupuncture extremely relaxing, and many fall alsleep during the session.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS DO I NEED?
That depends on the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. Commonly a minimum of 6-10 will help with most problems. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER A TREATMENT?
Patients often experience dramatic results in the first treatment. Some patients experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain or symptoms. This relief may last or some pain may return. In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief only to notice that the symptoms decrease over the next several days. Generally, you should expect to feel better.