8/11/10

Medical Acupuncture

 

How does acupuncture work?

     The classic Chinese explanation is that channels of "chi" energy run throught the body and over its surface.  Blockages of flow cause pain and other disease processes.  Placing needles in these blockages can facilitate the healing process. 

       The modern scientific explantation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release and rebalance chemicals in the brain, spinal cord, muscles and other

tissues.

 

  What is Medical Acupuncture.  Is it different from ordinary acupuncture?

     "Medical acupuncture" is performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine who also has had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice.  These acupuncture techniques can be provided alone or combined with other medical techniques, such as medications or rehabilitation therapies, and other "alternative" techniques such as nutritional intervention.

 

Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?

       No.   Acupuncture is used successfully on cats and dogs, and children.  These

creatures do not have to understand or believe in the process for it to help them heal.  A positive attitude toward wellness helps almost all healing modalities.

 

What is the scope of medical acupuncture?

     The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including digestive disorders (gastritis, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel), respiratory disorders (sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis), neurological and muscular disorders (headaches, facial pain, neck pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, low back pain, arthritis), and urinary, menstrual and reproductive disorders.  In addition, acupuncture has been effective for problems such as chronic fatigue and other disorders poorly understood by Western medicine.

 

What are the Needles like?  Do they hurt?

     People experience acupuncture needles differently.  Most people feel only minimal pain as the needes are inserted; some feel no pain at all.  Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt, but one can feel changes in the flow of chi energy.

     Acupuncture needles are very thin and smooth ( not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle), and insertion is not as painful as injections or blood sampling.  We only use sterilized disposable needles once, so there is no risk of contamination from treaments.

 

Are their risks and side effects to the treatment?

     Acupuncture has a very low incidence of side effects and complications compared most traditional medical treatments.  However, as energy is redirected in the body, there are changes that occur.  Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, energy or emotions may be triggered.  It is also common to have a sense of deep relaxation or very mild disorientation immediately following treatment. 

 

How do I get started?  How many treatments will I need? What should I expect?

     The number of treatment needed differs from person to person. For problems that are less than six months old, we recommend a minimum of 5 sessions; for problems of longer, duration, a minimum of 10.  These will be spaced between 5 to 10 days apart.  After the 5th-10th session, treatments can be spaced to every 2-12 weeks.  Each session takes approximately an hour, door to door.  Unlike some medical  treatments where the benefits decrease with each treatment, the effects of acupuncture usually become more pronounced with each treatment.

       If you have a complex medical condition, an initial medical consultation and/or Comprehensive Chinese Medical Evaluation may be recommended.