WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture and moxibustion, one of the therapeutic methods in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with a history of several thousand years, developed in the ancient times and has contributed much to the healthcare and medical treatment for the Chinese people and most widely used form of medicine in the world.

In consists of placing ultra-thin needles on various points on the body to help re-direct the flow of blood and Qi (energy). Pain and disease occur in the area where blood and energy (Qi) stagnate. When acupuncture points are stimulated, it helps to unblock these areas and resolve pain, prevent disease, and restore the balance of body.

Acupuncture literally means to puncture with a needle. However, the application of needles is often used in combination with moxibustion ( the burning on or over the skin of selected herbs) and may also involve the application of other kinds of stimulation to certain points. In this publication the term “acupuncture” is used in its broad, sense to include traditional body needling, moxibustion, electric acupuncture (electro-acupuncture), microsystem acupuncture such as ear (auricular), face, hand and scalp acupuncture, and acupressure (the application of pressure at selected site).

IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?

Generally speaking, acupuncture treatment is safe if it is performed properly by a well-trained practitioner. Unlike many drugs, it is non-toxic, and adverse reactions are minimal. This is probably one of the chief reasons why acupuncture is so popular in the treatment of chronic pain in many countries.

As mentioned previously, acupuncture is comparable with morphine preparations in its effectiveness against chronic pain, but without the adverse effects of morphine, such as dependency.

Even if the effect of acupuncture therapy is less potent than that of conventional treatments, acupuncture may still be worth considering because of the toxicity or adverse effects of conventional treatments. For example, there are reports of controlled clinical trials showing that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (4-6), although not as potent as corticosteroids. Because, unlike corticosteroids, acupuncture treatment, does not cause serious side-effects, it seems reasonable to use acupuncture for treating this condition, despite the difference in effectiveness.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?

Generally, acupuncture from a qualified practitioner should not cause any pain. Most people find Acupunc­ture to be calming and relaxing. The needles used are no thicker than a strand of hair and should cause very little discomfort. During treatment certain points may cause a dull distending sensation, slight pinching, or a feeling of warmth.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?

The initial consultation and treatment takes approximately one hour. During this time a full medical history and basic physical examination will be taken and followed by thirty minutes of acupuncture treatment.

WHAT CAN ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?

Acupuncture is probably best known to treat pain, however it is also effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, insomnia, infertility, PMS, menopause, migraine headaches, etc. The World Health Organization (WHO) has sited over 40 different disorders that acupuncture is effective in treating.

For a more detailed list, please visit CONDITIONS page.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

The number of treatments varies depending on the condition. In general, acute problems can be resolved in as little as 1 or 2 treatments whereaschronic conditions may need a course of 5-10 or more treatments in order to resolve the problem.

HOW LONG DOES EACH TREATMENT TAKE?

For the initial visit, plan to spend 1 to 1.5 hours. The average follow-up session takes around 45 min. to 1 hour. You should plan on being in the office for approximately 1.5 hour. The time spent on each visit will vary based on the individual cases.

DO TCM PRACTITIONERS INTERACT WITH OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS?

Yes. It is our goal to have patients receive the best possible quality of care. This often entails us working in consultation with your MD or other health practitioner to best serve your needs.