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| FAQ | FAQ: Acupuncture |
| Frequently
Asked Questions: Acupuncture |
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• What is Acupuncture?
• How does acupuncture
work?
• How does modern science explain acupuncture?
• What health conditions could be treated
by acupuncture?
• What does acupuncture feel like?
• How many treatments will I need?
• Is acupuncture safe?
• Do I have to believe in acupuncture
for it to work?
• Are there any "DOs" and "DON'Ts"
on the day of treatment?
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| Acupuncture
is a medical procedure that consists of the gentle insertion
of hair-thin, disposable sterile needles at strategic body points
to treat various health conditions, stimulate the body's healing
response, and promote physical and emotional well-being. |
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It originated in China more than 2,000 years ago, making it
one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures
in the world. In the past two decades, acupuncture has grown
in popularity in the United States. An estimated 8.2 million
U.S. adults had never used acupuncture, and an estimated 2.1
million U.S. adults had used acupuncture last year.
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| The
ancient Chinese believed that there is a universal life energy
called Qi (pronounced “chee”) present in every living
creature. This energy is said to circulate throughout the body
along specific pathways that are called meridians. As long as
this energy flows freely throughout the meridians, health is
maintained, but once the flow of energy is blocked, the system
is disrupted and pain and illness occur. |
| Acupuncture
works to restore normal functions by stimulating certain points
on the meridians in order to free up the Chi energy and reestablish
its natural flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments
can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances
in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities,
and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.
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| How
does modern science explain acupuncture? |
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| The
modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture
points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in
the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either
change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release
of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own
internal regulating system. |
| What
health conditions could be treated by acupuncture? |
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|
| While
acupuncture may be most popular for its effectiveness in alleviating
pain, it has a much broader range of applications. The World
Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the
treatment of many medical problems, including: |
•
Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic
colon, constipation, diarrhea.
• Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis,
asthma, recurrent chest infections.
• Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches,
facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis
elbow, various forms of tendonitis, low back pain, sciatica,
osteoarthritis.
• Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.
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| Acupuncture
can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support
or adjunct to other medical treatments for many health disorders. |
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| The
actual insertion of the acupuncture needles is done very quickly,
and most people feel a slight pricking sensation during insertion.
Once the needles are in place, patients report a “tingling,
numbing or warm sensation.” This is a desirable sensation
is known as “attaining qi.” |
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| For
most conditions, a series of several treatments is required
in order for you to achieve maximum benefit. After an initial
evaluation, the acupuncturist should provide you with a treatment
plan that includes the modalities to be used as well as the
frequency and duration of treatment. A normal series of treatments
is from 6 to 12. |
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| Acupuncture
is safe. Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture
have been reported to the FDA in light of the millions of people
treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used.
Because the treatment does not involve the use of drugs, patients
do not have to worry about adverse side effects. However, there
are certain conditions you should notify your doctor such as
hemophilia or if you have a pacemaker. |
| Do
I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work? |
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| No.
Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other
animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe
in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude
toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received,
just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture
or any other treatment. |
| Are
there any "DOs" and "DON'Ts" on the
day of treatment? |
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|
| To
make it easier and enhance the value of a treatment, the following
guidelines are important: |
•
Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easier access to acupuncture
points
• Do not eat an unusually large meal two hours before
or after your treatment.
• Do not over-exercise or consume alcoholic beverages
within six hours before or after the treatment.
• Plan your activities so that after the treatment
you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working
at top performance. This is especially important for the
first few visits.
• Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed
by your regular doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol)
especially in the week prior to treatment will seriously
interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.
• Keep all your appointments, as each visit builds
upon the previous ones.
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| Please
take advantage of our free 15 min. phone
consultation. To make an appointment, please contact
White Oak Center. |
