UNDERSTANDING ACUPUNCTURE

* What is acupuncture?
* How does acupuncture work?
* What criteria should one use in choosing an acupuncturist?
* How deep do the needles go?
* Does it hurt?
* Are the needles clean?
* Are there different styles of acupuncture?
* How many treatments will I need?
* What can I expect after treatment?
* What problems can be treated by acupuncture?
* Is there anything I need to do before receving acupuncture treatment?
* Is there anything I need to do while receving acupuncture?

Q: What is acupuncture?

A: Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points shown as effective in the treatment of specific health problems. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years. Recently, electromagnetic research has confirmed their locations.

Q: How does acupuncture work?

A: Acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese medical theories of the flow of Qi(energy) and Xue(blood) through distinct meridians or pathways that cover the body, somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels do. According to ancient theory, acuupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from where it is excess. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body. In Chinese Medicine there is a saying: "There is no pain if there is free flow; if there is pain, there is no free flow."

Q: What criteria should one use in choosing an acupuncturist?

A: Patients should ask about where the practitioner trained, how long the training was, how long he or she has been in practice, and what experience the practitioner has had in treating the patient's specific ailment.
Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated healthcare profession in more than half of the states in the U.S. Ask your practitioner if your state requires a license to practice. In states that do not currently require licensing, patients should ask their practioner if they are certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists. Acupuncturists who have passed this exam are entitled to add Dipl. Ac.(Diplomate of Acupuncture) after their name.

Q: How deep do the needles go?

A: The depth of needles depends upon the nature of the problem, the location of the poiints selected, the patient's size, age, and upon the acupuncturist's style or method. Usually, needles are inserted from 1/4 to 1 inch in depth.

Q: Does it hurt?

A: If your practitioner has obtained the correct stimulus of the needle, the patient should feel some cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian, or energy pathway. Any discomfort is usually mild.

Q: Are the needles clean?

A: The best practice among acupuncturists in America today is to use sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. Needles should not be saved and reused for later treatments, which eliminates the possibility of transmitting diseases by a contaminated needle.

Q: Are there different styles of acupuncture?

A: Yes. Acupuncture orignated in China but has spread to Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Europe, The British Isles, and America. In different countries, different styles have developed based on differing opinions as to theory and technique. Patients should talk to their practitioners about their particular style and learn as much as possible about the treatment being proposed.

Q: How many treatments will I need?

A: The number of treatments depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series of five to fifteen treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.

Q: What can I expect after treatment?

A: Some patients experience an immediate, total, or partial relief of their pain or other symphtoms. This relief may last, or some pain may return. In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief but the pain may diminish over the next couple of days. Most patients will have more questions than this information can answer. Your practitioner is used to answering questions, such as, Should I continue to see my medical doctor? Should I continue taking my present medications? What should I eat? What signs of success should I look for first and after how long? You should discuss all of your questions in person with your practitioner.

Q: What problems can be treated by acupuncture?

A: The World Health Organization(WHO) has said that acupuncture is suitable for treating the following:

*Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders. Toothaches, Pain after tooth extraction, earaches, sinus inflammation, nasal inflammation or dryness.
*Respiratory Disorders - Uncomplicated bronchial asthma.
*Gastrointestinal Disorders - Digestive tract problems, inflammation of the stomach, chronic duodenal ulcers, constipation, diarrhea, and dysentery caused by certain bacteria.
*Eye Disorders - Inflammation of the conjunctiva, inflammation of the central retina, nearsightedness(in children), and uncomplicated cataracts.
*Nervous System and Muscular Disorders - Headaches, migraines, certain facial paralysis or fever pain, partial weakness after a stroke, inflammation of nerve endings, bed wetting, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, low back pain, and Osteoarthritis.

Q: Is there anything I need to do before receving acupuncture treatment?

A: Yes, The following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment: a)Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the possibility of bacterial infection. b)To prevent loss, do not wear jewelry. c)Wear loose clothing. d)Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, and full.

Q: Is there anything I need to do while receving acupuncture?

A: a)Relax. There is no need to be frightened. Ask your practitioner any questionsyou have along the way so that you can get the most benefit possible from the treatment. b)Do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are uncomfortable, tell your practitioner. c)Some people experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness of breath, or faintness during treatment. This often occur if you are nervous. Inform your practitioner immediately so he or she can readjust or withdraw the needles. Also let your practitioner know if you feel an increasing amount of pain or burning sensation during the treatment unbearable at any point, be sure to speak up so that your practitioner can make the proper adjustments or stop the treatment.