HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
In Oriental medicine, there exists through-out the human body an essential life-force energy called “Qi”, pronounce “Chee”, which runs through invisible passageways which are called “Meridians” or “Channels.” Qi controls the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical activities of the body. If the flow of Qi is insufficient, unbalanced or interrupted, illness may occur. Along these meridians are acupuncture points (more than 360) that connect with certain organs and bodily functions. In a healthy, normal functioning body, the energy in these meridians flows freely resulting in a balanced system. When the flow of energy is interrupted from causes such as stress or injury, this energy is reduced throwing your “Qi” out of balance. By performing acupuncture using the points associated with the particular meridian involved Qi or balance is restored. Because these meridians are invisible many skeptics believe acupuncture does not work, but, in 1985 French scientist injected radioactive isotopes into various acupuncture points and followed the flow which has proven these meridians do exist and they are exactly where the ancients determined them to be over 4,000 years ago.
WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?
The World Health Organization of the United Nations considers acupuncture appropriate for the following conditions.
IS IT SAFE?
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years in China, and is the treatment of choice for nearly one-third of the world’s population. The needles are approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), they are individually packaged, pre-sterilized and disposed of after a single use. Acupuncture can be used with little or no risk of side effects; it is often reported to help augment the effect of pharmaceutical medicines, and dosages may often be reduced.
WILL IT HURT?
Acupuncture in general is not painful. The needles are extremely thin and made of stainless steel. Sensations that patients normally experience are a dull ache or tingling which is associated with the movement of energy stimulated by the insertion of the needles. This is a desired effect and should not feel painful.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON MY FIRST TREATMENT?
The first treatment involves an extensive health history, including a review of all medications, and/or supplements you may be taking, including the dosage and how long you have been taking them. We will review your health goals and what you are willing to do to reach those goals. We will talk about the pro’s and con’s of various treatment options so you can move forward with confidence in your treatment protocol. Plan on approximately two hours for your first treatment to develop an effective, individualized treatment plan. Typically you will receive acupuncture and/or chiropractic treatments depending on the aliment being treated. Once the needles are inserted we may use electrostimulation to relax the muscles and reduce pain. The needles are retained for about 15 minutes. Most people experience a calming sense of relaxation, while others feel a surge of energy and alertness. At the end of the first treatment you will be given a list of recommended herbs, foods, and/or supplements to facilitate your healing process. Medicinal herbal therapy works in concert with acupuncture by providing the nourishing support for the energetic re-balancing of your acupuncture treatment. Please fill out the Patient Intake Form. To ensure your comfort and the comfort of other patients, please be sure to turn off your cell phone before entering the treatment room.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
This depends on several factors. One is how long you have had the current condition. Acute conditions like a cold or flu will generally only require one or two treatments. Pain from an injury or seasonal allergies may require three or four treatments. Chronic conditions like menstrual disorders, migraines, asthma, back pain or other problems you have had for many years may take anywhere from four to ten treatments before you notice significant change. It is important to understand that each treatment builds on the previous treatment, therefore treatments are typically scheduled for once or twice a week in the beginning, and may be scheduled farther apart as the treatments progress. After your first treatment you can expect each treatment to take from forty-five minutes to one hour.