What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to
promote natural healing and to improve functioning.
This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical
stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.
How Does Acupuncture
Work?
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of
energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy
channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and
nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a
dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others.
The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the
acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and re-establish the regular
flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's
internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy
production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture
points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and
brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will
trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own
internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture
results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and
emotional well-being.
What
diseases can Acupuncture treat?
Medical acupuncture is a system which can influence
three areas of health care:
*promotion of health
and well being,
*prevention of illness,
*treatment of various
medical conditions.
While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands
of a well-trained practitioner it has a much broader applications. Acupuncture can
be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other medical
treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders.
The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the
treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:
*Digestive
disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea.
*Respiratory
disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections
*Neurological
and muscular disorders: headache, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen
shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendonitis, low back pain, sciatica,
osteoarthritis.
*Urinary,
menstrual, and reproductive problems.
*Psychological:
Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and
stress and emotional conditions.
How Many
Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments needed differs from person to
person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for
several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are
required, and for health maintenance, four sessions a year may be all that is necessary.
Can I Expect Any
Side Effects?
Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body,
internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place.
Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in
appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered.
These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is
starting to work.
It is quite common with the first one to two treatments to have a
sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the
treatment. These pass within a short time, and never required anything more than a
bit of rest to overcome.
What
Are the Needles Like? Do They Hurt?
People experience acupuncture needling
differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some
feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt.
Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless
steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with a cutting edges like a hypodermic
needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling.
The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.
At NEWS we use disposable needles, which essentially decreases the risk
of infection to zero!
Does Acupuncture
Really Work?
Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have
been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined.
Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union, and in Europe.
It is now being used more and more in America by patients and physicians.
Acupuncture treatments can be give at the same time other techniques
are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, Osteopathic or Chiropractic
adjustments, and Homeopathic or Naturopathic prescriptions. It is important that
your physician-acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you
get the most benefit from all your treatments.
Do I Have to Believe in
Acupuncture for It to Work?
No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs,
horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the
process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may
reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder
the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't
know if I really believe in this.") will not block the treatment results.
Are there
any "Do's and Don'ts" for Me on the Day of Treatment?
Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the
following guidelines are important:
*Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately
before or after your treatment.
*Do not over exercise, engage in sexual
activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
*Plan your activities so that after the
treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance.
This is especially important for the first few visits.
*Continue to take any prescription medicines as
directed by your regular doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol)
especially in the week prior to treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness
of acupuncture treatments.
*Remember to keep good mental or written notes
of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your doctor to know
so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem.
Is
Acupuncture Covered by Health Insurance?
Some insurance companies currently cover
acupuncture costs, other companies do not yet recognize the value of acupuncture.
Each health policy must be reviewed to determine acupuncture benefits.
The AAMA is working to inform insurance companies and the public in
order to standardize payment practices and accessibility to this type of treatment.
You can help by insisting that your insurance company offer you reimbursement for
medically indicated acupuncture treatments before you accept their policy.
How Do I Find a Qualified Physician Acupuncturist?
