FAQ’s
What is Acupuncture?Acupuncture is one of the modalities of East Asian Medicine. Although what is called acupuncture in the west comprises several different therapies (such as moxabustion, gua sha, cupping and acupressure), mostly it consists of the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years. There are more than a thousand known acupuncture points. In the past three decades, electromagnetic research has confirmed the existence and location of these points. How does acupuncture work? Modern western medicine cannot yet explain how acupuncture works. Traditional East Asian medicine 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 of excess or stagnation. In this way acupuncture works to restore the free flow of energy or Qi throughout the body by not only treating the symptomatic presentation of the condition, but also helping to address the underlying root cause of the imbalance. What can be treated by acupuncture? Although this list is not a complete representation of the scope of acupuncture and East Asian medicine, The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture’s effectiveness for over 40 common disorders such as: Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders Toothaches, earaches, sinusitis, rhinitis, laryngitis Respiratory Disorders Colds and flu, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, emphysema Gastrointestinal Disorders Food allergies, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, ulcers, colitis Circulatory Disorders Hypertension, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris Urogenital Disorders Cystitis, stress incontinence, neurogenic bladder, prostatitis, prostatic hypertrophy Gynecological Disorders Menstrual irregularity, endometriosis, PMS, infertility, menopausal syndrome Musculoskeletal Disorders Tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, TMJ, sciatica, low back pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia Psycho emotional and Neurological Disorders Depression, anxiety, insomnia, headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, intercostals neuralgia, post-stroke paralysis, dizziness, tinnitus In addition, acupuncture has been used for centuries throughout Asia to treat hundreds of other conditions. Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of therapy as side effects are very rare and minimal. What should I expect? On the day of your first treatment I ask that you arrive 15 minutes early to fill out a health history. This information, along with your presenting signs and symptoms and diagnostic findings is taken into account in deciding on points appropriate for your individual constitution. Does it hurt? 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. In others there may be some tingling, warmth, heaviness, or sensation of the Qi. Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing and may fall asleep during treatment. How many treatments will I need? That depends on the duration, severity and nature of your complaint. You may need only a couple of treatments for an acute condition. A series of treatments may resolve many chronic problems while some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time. |
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