Q: What is acupuncture?
Q: What problems can be treated by acupuncture?
Q: How deep do the needles go?
Q: Does it hurt?
Q: Are the needles clean?
Q: How does acupuncture work?
Q: Are there different styles of acupuncture?
Q: What criteria should one use in choosing an acupuncturist?
Q: How many treatments will I need?
Q: What should I know about the proposed treatments?
Q. Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture treatment?
Q: Is there anything I need to do while receiving 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: What problems can be treated by acupuncture? (Back to Top)
A: 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, ear-aches, sinus inflammation, nasal inflammation
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 osteoarthritis.
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? (Back to Top)
A: 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. Usually, needles are inserted from 1/4 to 1 inch in depth.
Q: Does it hurt? (Back to Top)
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. 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 mi
Q: Are the needles clean? (Back to Top)
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. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle.
Q: How does acupuncture work? (Back to Top)
A: Modem 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 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 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? (Back to Top)
A: Yes, there are. Acupuncture originated 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: What criteria should one use in choosing an acupuncturist? (Back to Top)
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 about half the states in the V.S. 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? (Back to Top)
A: That 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 should I know about the proposed treatments? (Back to Top)
A: 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 treatment, 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 treatments, 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? (Back to Top)
A: 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 infection.
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? (Back to Top)
A: Yes, again.
I. 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 adjustments or stop the treatment. |
A-B-C Acupuncture Clinic
