ACUPUNCTURE - QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q: WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
A: Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into specific points of the body. Points are chosen to treat 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. According to traditional Chinese medical theory, the basic energy force of life which flows through all living things is call Qi, pronounced “chee”. This energy flows through channels; also call meridians, throughout the body. The acupuncturist observed manifestations of disease and then locates points on the body, which govern a particular reaction of the channel that is blocked. The acupuncturist stimulates those points to allow the Qi to flow freely again. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores a harmonious energetic balance of the body.

Q: HOW ACUPUNCTURE WORKS?
A: According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture needles placed along acupuncture meridians (pathways), stimulating the body’s healing Chi (energy). From Western medicine perspective, the needles trigger the nervous system, releasing painkilling and inflammation-reducing substances. When an acupuncture needle insert to our body, it will stimulate sensory nerve. The sensory nerve will trigger electrical impulses to spinal cord nerve, which signals: 1. nerve cells to release endorphins (chemicals that mute pain); 2 midbrain to discharge neurotransmitters (substances that block pain pathways); 3. pituitary gland to deliver endorphins and anti-inflammatory chemicals into the surrounding brain tissue and bloodstreams.

Q: WHAT’S THE BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE?
A: Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Below is a list of disorders for which acupuncture is effective:

Muscle, Bone and Nerve Pain and Diseases

  • Back Pain
  • Leg Pain
  • Foot Pain
  • Stiff shoulders and Neck
  • Lumbago
  • Sciatica
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Carpal Tunnel syndrome and Painful Joints
  • TMJ; Toothache
  • Headache and Migraines
  • Rheumatism; Arthritis
  • Facial Paralysis; Bell’s Palsy

    Internal Medicine
  • Stomach Ache
  • Indigestion
  • Chronic Diarrhea
  • IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
  • Constipation
  • Allergies; Sinus
  • Asthma

    Gynecological Disorder
  • Menstrual Pain and Cramping
  • PMS
  • Menopause
  • Infertility

    Emotional and Sleep Disorders
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue

    Addictions
  • Tobacco
  • Narcotics
  • Alcohol
  • Weight Loss

    Q: DOES ACUPUNCTURE HAVE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
    A: One of the significant advantages of acupuncture is the absence of side effects as long as it has been properly applied. This is in contrast to many Western medicines in which severe side effects in certain cases may be worse than the disease being treated.

    Q: HOW ACUPUNCTURE FEELS?
    A: Acupuncture needles are very fine, about the size of a thin hair. Different sensations such as cramping, heaviness, dissention, tingling, or electric-like sensation, either around the needle or travelling up or down the affected meridians may be felt. In any case, if you experience any discomfort, it is usually mild, and the acupuncturist can either adjust or remove the needle. Once all the needles are in, most patients experience a feeling of deep relaxation. Many patients even fall asleep during the treatment.

    Q: NUMBER OF TREATMENTS?
    A: Since each person is unique, the number of treatments will vary depending on the nature of the complaint, its severity, how long it has been present (whether the condition is chronic or acute) and the vitality of the person. After your first visit, we will discuss the estimated numbers of treatments that may be necessary to treat your conditions.

    Q: WHAT TYPE OF NEEDLES ARE USED?
    A: Only sterilized, individually package, disposable needles are used. Needles are not saved nor reused for later treatment. This practice eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease