10/26/2022
What is acupuncture and traditional Chinesemedicine?
Acupunctureis a therapeutic technique involving the insertion of needles into specificpoints in the body in order to prevent or treat a variety of disorders, throughthe mechanisms of improving self function and promoting natural healing.
TraditionalChinese medicine (TCM), compared to the conventional Western medicine, is adistinct culture-related medical system. The foundation of TCM theory is theconcept of yin and yang – anything in the universe (including human body) isdefined as two opposing aspects. When yin and yang are in balance, the body isoptimally healthy. If yin and yang are out of balance, the body will bedisordered. Acupuncture is one of major component of TCM. Other therapies andtechniques in TCM include Chinese Herbology, Zhenggu (bone setting and jointmanipulation), Tuina (Chinese massage and acupressure), Qigong (breathexercises and meditation) and Taichi, etc.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Askillful acupuncturist is capable of performing acupuncture treatment painlessly.Acupuncture needles are so thin that 5-10 of them can fit inside the shaft ofone hypodermic needle, while they are not hollow with cutting edges. The tip ofacupuncture needles is specially made, round and smooth like a pine needle, tominimize the tissue damage during treatment, which is essential to stimulateyour body systems. You may feel a pinch or sting, followed by some pressure,burning or tingling sensation. Most patients said it doesn’t hurt at all!
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes.Use of disposable needles completely eliminates chances of transmission ofinfectious diseases through needles. Acupuncturist has passed national CleanNeedle Technique examination before being certified by National CertificationCommission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and licensed by the stateboard. For a list of licensed acupuncturists in your area, contact NCCAOM orfind on line at acupuncture.com.
What acupuncture can treat?
Acupunctureand TCM are extremely successful in the treatment of a variety of disorders,especially to some complex and intractable conditions which conventional Westernmedicine lacks of treatment option. Acupuncture can act as a standalonetreatment or as an adjunct to other medical treatment forms. Acupuncture isalso often used as a preventative medicine with a few times a year for a “tuneup” or “balancing” treatment.
Ourspecialties on the disorders treated with acupuncture (including Chinese herbs)focus on:
• Pain related conditions, such as neck, shoulder, back and knee pain, arthritis, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica…
• Allergies, sinusitis, sore throat, common cold and flu…
• PMS, cramp, menopause, dysmenorrhea…
• Stress from work and family, anxiety, depression, insomnia…
• Nausea and Vomiting of any causes, dysphagia, IBS…
• Sprain and Strain, stroke, Bell’s palsy, neuralgia, tendonitis…
• Addiction, weight loss…
• High blood pressure, diabetes, high blood cholesterols…
How many treatments would be needed?
Itvaries depending on severity of diseases, conditions of individuals andresponses to treatments. Generally, chronic or severe problems require one or twotreatments per week for several months, whereas acute problems require lesstime and frequency of treatments. But a positive response to acupuncturetreatment is generally present after the first to fourth treatment. For“Wellness Care”, as few as four times per year may be necessary. Like otherhealthcare treatment plans, each acupuncture visit builds upon the treatmentbefore, so following a treatment plan is important to a successful outcome.
How long does each acupuncture treatmenttake?
Priorto receiving care, each patient undergoes a thorough history and examination toensure that acupuncture is warranted. Thereafter, each treatment takes abouthalf an hour. and needles are retained in the body for 10-30 minutes. In somecases, patients are instructed to move their body with needles in to reinforceQi sensation and achieve maximal results.
How does acupuncture work?
Accordingto the theory of Chinese medicine, the human body is considered as a dynamicorganism composed of internal and external organs, connected with channelscalled meridians. Through thesemeridians, qi, the vital energy, is flowing constantly all over the body tosupport and nourish the organs. Yin and yang balance is adjusted by the flow ofqi. A health body required free flow of qi, whereas disorders occur whenmeridians are blocked, and free flow of qi is stopped. Acupuncture is able tounblock the meridians, free the flow of qi, restore the balance, andconsequently treat the disorders.
Aconsiderable amount of scientific research was conducted to explore mechanismsof acupuncture on physiology and pathophysiology of human body. For instance, acupuncturestimulates endorphin release to relieve pain; acupuncture regulates serotoninin the brain to treat emotional disorders; acupuncture improves bloodcirculation, decreases inflammation, and increases T-cell count to stimulateimmune system. Therefore, acupuncture is now being more and more accepted bypractitioners and patients worldwide, includingUnited States.
Howmuch does an acupuncture treatment cost?
Ourstaff will discuss with you about how much acupuncture treatment costs. Theinitial session, including history taking and examination, is usually longerand more comprehensive and costs more. It is common that treatments for chronicdiseases which require a commitment to multiple appointments.
Manyinsurance companies now start to offer policies that cover acupuncture andrelated services performed by an acupuncturist. The cost of acupuncture andprescribed herbal medicine are also deductible medical expenses.
