What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy. An acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints on the body. This activates the body’s Qi and promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity, physical and emotional health. It also can improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.
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 gets backed up. The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish 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.
How safe is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy. We are trained to use the strictest hygiene therefore there is no danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.
Does it hurt?
No. Acupuncture, when done correctly, is not painful. The needles are extremely fine, most of them are as thin as a hair. When the “chi” feeling is achieved, the patient may feel a numbness, heaviness or aching, but not pain. Most people find acupuncture painless and profoundly relaxing.
How many treatments will i need?
The number of treatments you will need depends on your condition, its severity and duration, how you respond to treatment, and how complex your condition is. You might require a single treatment for a simple or acute condition or a series of treatments for a chronic, stubborn, or complex case. The results from acupuncture vary. You may have a dramatic result after the first treatment, or you may notice the results hours or days later. Some stubborn conditions require a number of treatments before positive results are noticed. Almost everyone notices a change after the first treatment.
How are the sessions conducted?
On the first visit it is best to allow 1 to 1.5 hours as a full medical history and discussion about the patient’s health and general lifestyle will take place as well as the actually treatment. In TCM, even symptoms that appear insignificant or unrelated to your chief complaint can help us uncover a pattern, leading to a diagnosis. The tongue and pulses are also examined. They reflect the organs, meridians, and the state of Qi throughout the body. This process will also enable the patient and practitioner to get to know each other before any treatment commences and to discuss the treatment plan. Follow up treatments will be shorter, approx 1 hour.
Any possible reaction or side effects?
People usually feel physically looser, emotionally relaxed, or maybe a little “spacey” after a treatment. It is common to feel a little tired, so plan your evening accordingly. Often pain relief is felt right away and continues to improve. It is optimal to be treated regularly for the recommended course, to insure optimal results. The effects of acupuncture are cumulative. Acute conditions often respond very quickly. Chronic conditions may take more time. Each condition is different. We will discuss with you our recommendations and prognosis after we have determined your degree of response to the therapy.
How should I prepare for my acupuncture session?
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
• Don’t eat large meals just before or after your visit.
• Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to 6 hours after the visit.
• Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
• Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred.
What if i’m afraid of needles?
No need to worry. Once a diagnosis has been made, we will then discuss the best options for treatment. There are other modalities and techniques that may be used including: acupressure, tuina (massage), heat therapy, moxibustion, cupping, exercise, nutrition, and chinese herbs.
Do i have to be sick to have acupuncture?
Not at all. Acupuncture can be used solely as preventative medicine. Many come for regular visits to improve their general well-being, vitality and stamina. You will become sick less often and recover quickly from both illness and injury. Maintaining your health with acupuncture will help you to live longer, have a higher quality of life, and reduce the cost of your long-term health care.
Should I continue with my prescribed medication?
Yes, at least until careful discussion is made with your doctor or the practitioner who prescribed the medication. Many people seek the help of an acupuncturist because of dissatisfaction with drug treatment – because it does not seem to be working or because the side effects are unacceptable.
Can children receive acupuncture?
Yes, children can receive acupuncture and often have excellent results with this treatment. However, in cases where the children are uneasy about the needles, we resort to using acupressure or Tuina (massage) as opposed to acupuncture.
What is Qi?
The concept of Qi (pronounced as chee) is based on the ancient chinese initial understanding of natural phenomena.
That is, Qi is the most basic substance of which the world is comprised. Everything in the universe results from the movements and changes of Qi. The concept was introduced into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and became one of its characteristics. Qi in TCM has two basic aspects. One refers to the vital substances comprising the human body and maintaining its life activities, such as the Qi of food (food nutrients).
The other refers to the physiological functions of the viscera and bowels, and meridians, such as Qi of the heart, the lung, the spleen, and the stomach and so on. One’s good health depends on a balanced distribution of Qi throughout the meridian network.
What are meridians?
Thousands of years ago, chinese physicians discovered that Qi, the vital force, circulates throughout the body along fourteen major channels, twelve of which are duplicated on the left and right sides of the body. The two other major channels are located in the centre of the body, one in the front, the other in the back. And there are a number of so-called Extra Channels and Miscellaneous Channels throughout the body. Today, english-speaking acupuncturists usually call the channels “meridians”. Meridians form a highly-complex invisible network transporting and directing Qi to every part of the body.