Questions & Answers
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world.
Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, the term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.
In the past two decades, acupuncture has grown in popularity in the United States. The report from a Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1997 stated that acupuncture is being "widely" practiced--by thousands of physicians, dentists, acupuncturists, and other practitioners--for relief or prevention of pain and for various other health conditions. According to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey--the largest and most comprehensive survey of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by American adults to date--an estimated 8.2 million U.S. adults had ever used acupuncture, and an estimated 2.1 million U.S. adults had used acupuncture in the previous year.
Scientific research has discovered that acupuncture points show a variety of unique bioelectric properties. Stimulation of acupuncture points cause definite physiological reactions affecting brain activity, such as releasing pain killing endorphins, influencing blood pressure, enhancing the immune system, balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and enhancing the endocrine system. Most of all, acupuncture stimulates the body's natural ability to heal itself and regain homeostasis.
At the time the needle is insterted, some may feel soreness or slight pain. Others may feel nothing. Common qi sensations around the needles include: tingling, electrical sensations which may travel above or below the needle, or a sense of swelling at the insertion site. Stimulation of needles can be done manually, or by attaching electrodes that transmit a weak current.
Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. If you experience discomfort during or after the treatment, it is usually mild and short term. Because the purpose of acupuncture is to balance your body, there are no long term negative side effects. On the contrary, relaxation and a sense of well being often occur during and after treatment. Often patients become so relaxed that they sleep during treatment.
Individual treatments vary in length, from 20 minutes to one hour.
All the needles used are pre-sterilized, non-toxic and disposable. Communication of disease through acupuncture has not been an issue in the U.S., a record few other health care professions can claim.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires manufacturers of acupuncture needles to label them for single use only. Relatively few complication from the use of acupuncture have been reported to the FDA when considering the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used.
Acupuncture is one of the CAM therapies that are more commonly covered by insurance. However, you should check with your insurer before you start treatment to see whether acupuncture will be covered for your condition and, if so, to what extent. Some insurance plans require preauthorization for acupuncture.
Acupuncture treatment is rendered based on a TCM medical diagnosis that includes an assessment of pulse quality, shape and color of the tongue, medical history and whole body evaluation. Following the diagnosis, acupuncture points are chosen on the body along acupuncture meridians, or pathways. Needle stimulation of these points increases the body's healing energy. The body has approximately one thousand acupuncture points.
Qi (pronounced "chee") is based on the on the ancient Chinese theory of the flow of energy. Qi and blood flow through distinct meridians or pathways that cover and fill the body, somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels. Open meridians are essential for optimal health.
Qi circulates throughout the body within the meridians, which also are related to the internal organs. Qi surfaces to the skin level at specific points. Good health depends on the smooth flow of qi. When the flow of qi is blocked due to trauma, poor diet, stress, hereditary conditions, environmental factors or excessive emotional issues, the system is disrupted. Illness is then generated. In accordance with ancient theory, acupuncture allows qi to flow to areas where it is defiecient and away from areas where it is in excess. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores a harmonious energetic balance in the body. There is a Chinese saying, "There is no pain if there is free flow; if there is pain, there is no free flow."
Chinese herbology is a comprehensive form of medicine that can effectively address a wide variety of conditions. The Chinese Pharmacopeia includes over 360 herbs and healing substances that have been applied clinically for thousands of years. This collection of medicines is one of the most studied and dispensed in the world.
Herbal medicine can often be a safer and gentler alternative to drugs. However, herbs can be strong medicine and it is wise to consult a professional herbalist with health concerns.
We use only the highest quality products in our herbal preparations.
Chinese Medicine is a complete system of medicine that can help hundreds of symptoms and conditions with positive results. Among conditions most frequently treated are the following:
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Musculoskeletal
Neck pain, Shoulder pain, Tennis elbow, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Back pain, Knee pain, Sciatica, Arthritis, Foot pain, Sports injuries
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Neurological
Headache, Stroke, Stress disorders, Bell's palsy, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Neuralgia, Epilepsy, Spasms
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Reproductive Issues
Fertility, Pregnancy, Irregular or Painful menstruation, PMS, Menopause, Fibroids, Cysts, Sexual dysfunction -
Respiratory
Asthma, Cough, Sore throat, Common cold, Flu, Hay fever, Allergies, Sinusitis, Low immunity -
Gastrointestinal
Constipation, Diarrhea, Acid reflux, Nausea, Stomach pain, Indigestion, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Peptic ulcers -
Circulatory Problems
High blood pressure, Angina pectoris, Arteriosclerosis, Anemia, Poor circulation, Heart disorders -
Emotional Issues
Anxiety, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Sleep disorders -
Other Supportive Therapy
Chronic fatigue, Impact cancer treatment, Addictions, Skin disorders, Thyroid imbalance, Hepatitis, Fibromyalgia
