FAQ FOR ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is one of the modalities of Oriental medicine. Although what is called acupuncture in the West comprises several different therapies (such as moxibustion and cupping), mostly is consists of the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. The Chinese has mapped these points over a period of tow thousand years, and there are 361 regular used acupoints. In the past three decades, electromagnetic research has confirmed the existence and location of these points.

Modern Western medicine explain it works in such ways: acupuncture raises levels of hormone, white blood cells counts, and antibody to help increase immune function; Acupuncture stimulates the secretion of endorphin in the body which blocks the transmission of pain signal; Acupuncture dilates blood vessel, and helps circulation; Finally, acupuncture stimulates certain type of motor neurons which help muscle stretch.

Traditional Chinese acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of qi (a fine, essential substance which nourishes and constructs the body) Through distinct 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 and/or super-abundant. In this way, acupuncture restores the harmonious balance of the body and its parts. In Chinese, there is a saying, “ if there is pain, there is no free flow; if there is free flow, there is no pain.” Acupuncture promotes and reestablishes the free flow of qi.

When performed by a competently trained, licensed professional, acupuncture is extremely safe. All licensed acupuncturists today use individually package, sterile, disposable needles. So there is virtually no chance of infection or contagion.

Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than a hair, and their insertion is practically painless. It is nothing like receiving an ordinary injection. In some cases, you will not even know the needles are in place. Then, you will feel some tingling, warmth, heaviness, or a feeling of the energy moving up and down the channel. Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing and many fall asleep during treatment.

Of course. The best practice among acupuncturists in USA today is to use sterilized, individually package, disposable needles. Needles should not be saved and reused for later treatments. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting some kind of communicable diseases by contaminated needles.

That depends on the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series of 5~10 treatment may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time. To help reduce the number of treatments, your practitioner may suggest dietary modification, specific exercise regimes, self-massage, and/or Chinese herbal medicines, all of which may help to increase the efficacy of acupuncture.

Prospective patients should ask about where the practitioner trained and for how long he or she has been in practice, and mostly important, what experience the practitioner has had in treating your specific ailment. Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated health care profession in over 40 states in the U.S. In addition, the National commission for the Certification of Acupuncture &Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) certifies both acupuncturists and Chinese herbal practitioners. Acupuncturists who have at least 3~4 years’ training and passed the NCCAOM exam are entitled to add Dipl.Ac. (Diplomat of Acupuncture) after their names.

Your practitioner will explain the nature of your problem in Chinese medical terms and what treatment he or she is recommending. Your practitioner will tell you what benefits there are to the proposed treatment and what other treatment options are available to you through this practitioner or by referral to another practitioner or physician.

Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full, or shortly after exercise will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment.

Relax. There is no need to be frightened. Ask your practitioner any questions you have along the way so that your can get the most benefit possible from the treatment.
Do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are uncomfortable, tell your practitioner.

Patients often experience dramatic results in the first treatment. Some patients experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain or other symptoms. This relief may last or some pain may return. In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief only to notice the pain diminish over the next couple of hours. Generally, you should expect to feel better.