Acupuncture
Q:
What is acupuncture?
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: What
problems can be treated by acupuncture?
The World Health Organization has said that acupuncture is suitable for
treating the following:
1. Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Toothaches, pain after tooth extraction, earaches, sinus inflammation, nasal
inflammation or dryness.
2.. Respiratory Disorders
Uncomplicated bronchial asthma in children or adults.
3. Gastrointestinal Disorders
Digestive tract problems, hiccups, inflammation of the stomach, chronic
duodenal ulcers, inflammation of the colon, constipation, diarrhea,
dysentery caused by certain bacteria.
4. Eye Disorders
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, inflammation of the central retina,
nearsightedness (in children), and uncomplicated cataracts.
5. Nervous System and Muscular Disorders
Headaches, migraines, certain facial paralysis or nerve pain, partial
weakness after a stroke, inflammation of nerve endings, bed wetting, frozen
shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica low back pain, and osteopathic.
Acupuncture has been used for centuries in China to treat many other
problems, such as knee pain, sprains and strains, and most gynecological
complaints.
Q: How deep do the needles go?
That depends upon the nature of the problem, the location of the points
selected, the patient’s size, age, and constitution ,and upon the
acupuncturist’s style or school they came from. Usually, needles are
inserted from ¼ to 1 inch in depth.
Q: Does it hurt?
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. In Chinese, acupuncture is bu tong,
painless. Some Western cultures may categorize these sensations as types of
pain. In any case, if you experience any discomfort, it is usually mild.
Q: Are the needles clean?
The best practice among acupuncturists in American 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.
Q: How does acupuncture
work?
Modern Western medicine cannot explain how acupuncture works. Traditional
acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese 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,
acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where Qi is Deficient and away from
where itis Excess. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the
harmonious energetic balance of the body. In Chinese there is a saying,
“There is no pain if there is free flow; if there is pain, there is no free
flow”.
Q: Are there different
styles of acupuncture?
Yes, there are. Acupuncture originated in China but ahs 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 practitioner about their
particular style and learn as much as possible about the treatment being
proposed.
Q: What criteria should
one use in choosing an acupuncturist?
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 about half
the states in the US. Ask your practitioner if your state requires a license
to practice. In states that do not currently require licensing, patients
should ask their practitioner 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 many treatments
will I need?
That depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You
may need only a single treatment of 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 should I know
about the proposed treatments?
Your practitioner will explain the nature of your problem and what treatment
he or she is recommending. Your practitioner will tell you what benefits and
risks there are to the proposed treatments, what other treatment options are
available to you through this practitioner or by referral to another
practitioner or physician.
If you agree to go ahead with the treatment, your practitioner will tell you
what progress to expect, what to do if you don’t experience that progress
and what to do if you feel worse.
Q: Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture
treatment?
Yes, the following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from
your treatment.
1. Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the possibility of
bacterial inflection.
2. To prevent loss, do not wear jewelry.
3. Wear loose clothing. Women should not wear one-piece dresses.
Avoid wearing tight stockings.
4. Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full,
emotionally upset, or shortly after sex.
Q: Is there anything I need to do while receiving acupuncture?
Yes, again.
1. Relax. There is no need to be frightened. Ask your
practitioner any questions you have along the way so that you can get the
most benefit possible from the treatment.
2. Do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are
uncomfortable, tell your practitioner.
3. Some people experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness
of breath, or faintness during treatment. This often occurs 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.
4. If you find your treatment unbearable at any point, be sure to
speak up so that your practitioner can make the proper adjustment or stop
the treatment.
Q: What can I expect after treatment?
You may note a spot of blood at one or more of the needles 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 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 days. Generally, you should expect to feel better.
Most patients will have more questions than this brochure 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 medication?
• What should I eat? Is there anything I can do for myself at home?
• 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.
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