Acupuncture and Oriental medicine are quickly growing and gaining recognition in the US, largely due to word of mouth testimonies. While a growing awareness of Oriental medicine exists, it remains a mystery to most people. Acupuncture, herbal/nutritional medicine and bodywork (massage, tai chi and chi gong) are three components of Oriental medicine. Appropriately practiced, Oriental medicine is a complete system of medicine. Unlike other forms of medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine treat the underlying cause of disease and not just the symptom. Unbeknownst to most, many practitioners of Oriental medicine specialize in certain areas, just like medical doctors. Below are some answers to common questions.
What is acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine which utilizes very small needles to correct imbalances in the body. This is accomplished by working on the electromagnetic energy, known as chi or qi (pronounced chee). You may find it useful to think of the EKG, which demonstrates the electrical activity or “chi” of the heart. Modern research is increasingly showing evidence that acupuncture points are located close to peripheral nerves. When these points are appropriately needled by a qualified practitioner, the nerve is stimulated and self-healing is promoted through the following mechanisms:
- Activation of immune cells
- Stimulation of endocrine glands to increase secretion of important hormones.
- Increased circulation of blood in cardiovascular system
- Restoration of balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
Chinese medicine recognizes that each organ of the body has an electrical “channel” or “meridian”. Acupuncturists administer treatment at points along the channels that are most likely to correct the problem.
How effective is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an extremely effective, low-cost and safe treatment for numerous health problems when administered by a well trained practitioner. It can be used alone or in combination with other medical treatments. The effectiveness of acupuncture depends upon several factors:
- How well the practitioner has been trained
- The self-healing capacity of the client ie., genetic make-up, age, stress, emotional well-being, how well the individual cares for him/herself (diet, lifestyle, sleep habits, etc.)
- Seriousness of disease
- Number of months or years illness has existed
- Whether or not the individual is taking medications or ingesting substances that may interfere with treatment (various prescription drugs, recreational drugs, alcohol, tobacco, etc.)
What types of conditions can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can be useful in almost any condition. Oriental medicine works from different paradigms that are highly sophisticated and individualized. Several people may come to a practitioner with the same diagnosis, but it is quite unlikely that any of them would receive the same treatment.
Acupuncture can be useful in almost any condition. Oriental medicine works from different paradigms that are highly sophisticated and individualized. Several people may come to a practitioner with the same diagnosis, but it is quite unlikely that any of them would receive the same treatment.
How did acupuncture originate?
Medical scholars over the past 2500+ years have contributed to the development of the art of acupuncture. The foundational theories are based on a profound understanding of nature and are documented in such a way to symbolize all possible phenomena in the universe. This knowledge has been transferred to the human being, a microcosm of nature. An example is the common terminology yin/yang. The term "yin" is used as a descriptor for things that are typically cooling, and calming e.g., water, night time, winter, femininity, etc. The parasympathetic nervous system would be considered "yin". On the other hand, "yang" describes things that are warming and energizing e.g., fire, day time, summer, masculinity, etc. The sympathetic nervous system would be considered "yang". An individual, who is "yin deficient" may experience excessive thirstiness, restlessness, insomnia and/or hot flashes. By contrast, someone who is "yang" deficient would be lacking energy as seen in hypothyroidism.
Medical scholars over the past 2500+ years have contributed to the development of the art of acupuncture. The foundational theories are based on a profound understanding of nature and are documented in such a way to symbolize all possible phenomena in the universe. This knowledge has been transferred to the human being, a microcosm of nature. An example is the common terminology yin/yang. The term "yin" is used as a descriptor for things that are typically cooling, and calming e.g., water, night time, winter, femininity, etc. The parasympathetic nervous system would be considered "yin". On the other hand, "yang" describes things that are warming and energizing e.g., fire, day time, summer, masculinity, etc. The sympathetic nervous system would be considered "yang". An individual, who is "yin deficient" may experience excessive thirstiness, restlessness, insomnia and/or hot flashes. By contrast, someone who is "yang" deficient would be lacking energy as seen in hypothyroidism.
Does it hurt?
This depends upon the client, the practitioner, the size and type of needles being used, as well as the particular points being treated. Needles are typically as thin as hair (36g-40g). Ideally, there should be little or no sensation from the actual insertion...though some points are on areas of the body that are naturally more sensitive. Once the needle contacts the acupuncture point, there should be a momentary perception, which some describe as a dull ache, sting or electric buzzing. Most patients tolerate it quite well and find the overall experience very pleasing and relaxing.
This depends upon the client, the practitioner, the size and type of needles being used, as well as the particular points being treated. Needles are typically as thin as hair (36g-40g). Ideally, there should be little or no sensation from the actual insertion...though some points are on areas of the body that are naturally more sensitive. Once the needle contacts the acupuncture point, there should be a momentary perception, which some describe as a dull ache, sting or electric buzzing. Most patients tolerate it quite well and find the overall experience very pleasing and relaxing.
What should I expect from acupuncture treatment?
A typical session begins with a client lying partially undressed on a massage table. The practitioner most often checks the individual's pulse and inspects his/her tongue. A great deal of information about an individual's state of health can be obtained from pulse and tongue diagnosis. This information can then help the practitioner choose appropriate points during the treatment.
Are there any side effects?
Minor side effects may sometimes occur e.g., mild bleeding or bruising at acupuncture site, temporary aggravation of a pre-existing condition (sometimes referred to as a "healing crisis"), temporary drowsiness or fatigue. Serious side effects are extremely rare when practiced by a comprehensively trained practitioner.
How many treatments are required?
Acute conditions that do not involve organ or structural damage may be remedied in just a few treatments. Chronic conditions require frequent and diversified treatments over longer periods of time. For instance, pain that results from an inflammatory or degenerative condition is most certainly going to require many more treatments than a superficial injury that has resulted from a musculo-skeletal strain.
Minor side effects may sometimes occur e.g., mild bleeding or bruising at acupuncture site, temporary aggravation of a pre-existing condition (sometimes referred to as a "healing crisis"), temporary drowsiness or fatigue. Serious side effects are extremely rare when practiced by a comprehensively trained practitioner.
How many treatments are required?
Acute conditions that do not involve organ or structural damage may be remedied in just a few treatments. Chronic conditions require frequent and diversified treatments over longer periods of time. For instance, pain that results from an inflammatory or degenerative condition is most certainly going to require many more treatments than a superficial injury that has resulted from a musculo-skeletal strain.
Does insurance cover these services?
As the trend to utilize acupuncture is gaining momentum and evidence points to cost savings, more health plans are beginning to pay for these services. Most insurers in California cover acupuncture and all insurers in Minnesota and Nevada are now required to cover such treatment. If current legislation (H.R.646) passes, medicare will also begin paying for this service. It is helpful for consumers to contact their insurance carriers and encourage them to cover these services, if they are not already doing so.
How do I locate a qualified practitioner?
Board certification from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and licensure from the state are the best standards to ascertain that a practitioner has received adequate training. However, the type of training and ability to treat health issues varies quite a bit from one practitioner to another. Please visit www.NCCAOM.org to locate a qualified practitioner in your area.
Gerber, Richard. Vibrational Medicine For the 21st Century: The Complete Guide to Energy Healing and Spiritual Transformation. New York: Harper Collins, 2000.
Ma, Yun-Tao, Mila Ma, Zang Hee Choo. Biomedical Acupuncture for Pain Management: An Integrative Approach. St. Louis: Elsevier, 2005.
Maciocia, Giovanni. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists. New York: Churchhill Livingstone. 1989.
Click here to add text.
