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COMMON QUESTIONS
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific energy, or qi, points selected to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems.
These points are located along meridians that relate to the body areas and the organs.
Acupuncture Theory
Modern Western medicine has many theories on how acupuncture works but cannot totally explain it.
Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient theories of the flow of qi (energy) through distinct meridians or pathways that cover the body somewhat like nerves and blood vessels.
Acupuncture allows qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from where it is excess. Acupuncture restores energetic balance to the body.
If the qi is flowing freely there is no pain.
If the acupuncturist has obtained the correct stimulus of the needle, the patient should feel some cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling, or electrical sensation either around the needle or traveling up and down the affected meridian. Although the Chinese consider acupuncture painless, some Western cultures may categorize these sensations as pain. In any case, if the patient experiences any discomfort it is usually mild. Acupuncture maybe slightly painful, but it doesn't hurt you.
That may depend upon:
The nature of the problem
The point location
The patient�s size, constitution, or age
The acupuncturist�s style or school
Usually needles are inserted from � to 1 inch in depth
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. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle.
Emotional:
Weight Management
Stress, Anxiety
Depression, Fatigue
Memory Loss
Trauma
Sleep Disorders: Insomnia/Hypersomnia
Neurological:
Headache, Migraine, Dizziness, Vertigo
Neuralgia, TMJ
Post-operation pain
Stroke residuals
Parkinson�s disease
Respiratory/Circulatory:
Bronchitis
Asthma
Common Cold, Allergies
HBP (Hypertension)/LBP
Palpitations, Chest pain
Digestive:
Constipation
Chronic Diarrhea
Indigestion
Intestinal Obstruction
Ulcers
Urogenital:
Nephritis, Kidney Stones
UTI (Urinary Tract Infection), painful urination
Bed-wetting
Musculoskeletal:
Pain and weakness in: back, neck, shoulder, limbs, localized trauma
Muscle cramping
Sprains and strains
Sciatica
Dermatological:
Hives
Herpes Zoster
Eczema, Acne
Obstetric and Gynecological:
PMS, cramps
Uterine Prolapse
Leukorrhea, Yeast Infections, Candida
PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)
Insufficient Lactation
Impotence/Infertility
Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Diseases:
Poor Vision: Hyperopia/Myopia (Farsighted/Nearsighted), Color Blindness
Conjunctivitis
Optic Neuritis
Meniere�s Disease, Tinnitus, Deafness
Sinusitis, Rhinitis, Nose Bleed
Tonsillitis
Toothache
How many treatments will I need?
That depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of the complaint.
Acute conditions: 1+
Chronic conditions: 5-15
Some degenerative conditions: many treatments over time
Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture treatment?
Yes, for maximum treatment benefit:
Maintain good hygiene to reduce the possibility of bacterial infection
To prevent loss, do not wear jewelry
Wear loose clothing. Avoid one-piece dresses.
Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full, emotionally upset, or shortly after sex.
Is there anything I need to do while receiving acupuncture?
Yes, for maximum treatment benefit:
Relax. And ask your acupuncturist questions.
Do not change your position or move suddenly. Let your practitioner know if you are uncomfortable.
If you are nervous you may experience dizziness, nausea, cold, sweat, shortness of breath, or faintness. Inform your acupuncturist immediately so he or she can readjust or withdraw the needles. Also let your acupuncturist know if you experience increasing heat or pain.
If your treatment becomes unbearable at any point, be sure to speak up so your acupuncturist can readjust or stop the treatment.
What can I expect after treatment?
You may note a spot of blood at one or more of the needle sites and/or a small bruise could develop. These should not be harmful, but please talk to your practitioner if you are concerned.
Patients often experience the most dramatic results after 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. There may be no immediate relief but the pain may diminish over the next couple of days. Generally, you should feel better.
Regulates qi and blood in the meridians
Nourishes and protects the organs and tissues
Relaxes the tissues to restore qi
Removes blockages of stagnant qi and congealed blood
Alleviates pain
Prevents and treats diseases of the various physiological systems: digestive, circulatory, respiratory, urinary, immune, endocrine, and nervous