Acupuncture
Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a technique used to promote natural healing. It involves inserting tiny needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.
How does Acupuncture work?
With its roots in ancient Chinese healing, the modern scientific theory behind Acupuncture's effectiveness is that the needles stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain or trigger the release of chemicals and hormones which may influence the body's own regulatory system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by Acupuncture stimulates the body's natural healing abilities and promotes physical and emotional well-being.
How is Medical Acupuncture different from conventional Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient healing art, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as the need arises, to treat an illness.
What can Medical Acupuncture treat?
While Acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications, either by itself or as an adjunct to other medial treatment forms.
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: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis.
- Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.
Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension, stress and emotional conditions.
How many treatments will I need?
While treatment will vary 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, fewer visits are usually required.
Are there any side effects?
Usually there are no side effects to Acupuncture. 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 changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern.
It is quite common after your first few sessions to experience a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and require nothing more than a bit of rest to overcome.
Do the needles hurt?
Everyone experiences acupuncture needling differently. The needles are extremely thin, and most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some feel no pain at all.
Because your doctor uses disposable needles or carefully sterilizes the needles using the same techniques as for surgical instruments, there is little or no risk of infection from the treatments.
Do I have to "believe" in Acupuncture for it to work?
No. In fact, Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals.
As with any medical treatment, a positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce its effects. But a neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this") will not hinder your treatment. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined.
How should I prepare for my treatment?
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 six hours before or after the treatment.
- Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, 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 treatment.
- Remember to keep good mental or written notes on your response to the treatment. Your doctor will need this information to ensure that follow-up treatments can be tailored appropriately.
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