Questions about Acupuncture

Questions about Homeopathy

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 How does acupuncture work?

According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, acupuncture works by promoting the smooth flow of Qi to organs and tissues that in turn promotes proper balance and functioning of those tissues. From western scientific research, we now understand that acupuncture influences a number of physiological functions such as release of natural pain killing chemicals by the brain, restoration of proper circulation in diseased areas, stimulation of hormonal glands and immune system function, to name a few. Research into the effects of acupuncture is still young, so there is more being discovered every year that should continue to help us understand more completely how acupuncture works.

 Does Acupuncture Hurts?

Acupuncture needles are very thin, smooth and flexible—about the thickness of a human hair. They have no resemblance to an injection with a hypodermic needle, since the main source of pain from injections is from the large bore hollow needle and the medication being forced into the tissues by pressure.

Ordinarily, upon insertion of an acupuncture needle, people will experience varying sensations. This ranges from no pain at all, to a slight pinch, a feeling of heaviness, warmth and achiness or possibly tingling and an electric sensation during a treatment. The needles are retained for 20-45 minutes and people often become deeply relaxed and sometimes even fall asleep. After needle removal, you may feel energized, sleepy or lighter. You may notice immediate improvement of your symptoms.

 Is Acupuncture safe?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and that they be labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only.

The needles used at Acupuncture & Homeopathy Center are high quality, individually packaged, disposable and sterile. Every needle is used only once and discarded after a treatment.

 How many acupuncture sessions do I need?

How many visits you will need depends on your individual diagnosis, the severity of your case, and the chronic nature of your condition. If you have had a chronic problem for many years, you may need regular visits to correct the imbalance in your system. Acute musculoskeletal pain or injuries are often effectively treated with a short course of treatment, twice a week for a couple of weeks. At the end of your initial visit, we will suggest a treatment plan to best serve your needs.

 How widely is acupuncture used in the USA?

In the past two decades, acupuncture has grown in popularity in the United States. The report from a Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1997 stated that acupuncture is being "widely" practiced--by thousands of physicians, dentists, acupuncturists, and other practitioners--for relief or prevention of pain and for various other health conditions.¹ According to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey--the largest and most comprehensive survey of complementary and alternative medicine ( CAM) use by American adults to date--an estimated 8.2 million U.S. adults had ever used acupuncture, and an estimated 2.1 million U.S. adults had used acupuncture in the previous year.

 What should I expect on my first visit?

During your first office visit, the practitioner may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. The practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition. Inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.

A traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis is arrived at by interviewing the patient, checking the pulse, looking at the tongue and inspecting the body. From these procedures, the practitioner discerns patterns of disharmony and determines a course of treatment.

The first visit generally lasts 60 minutes. The follow up treatment lasts 30 to 45 minutes

 Does the insurance cover acupuncture?

Many insurance plans today cover acupuncture. If you have insurance and are not sure if they cover acupuncture, please, call us in advance, and we will call your insurance company for you. Payment is due when services are rendered.

What can acupuncture treat?

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognize the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for most of the disorders listed below. If you have any questions please feel free to Call us or send me an e-mail.

References

1.Culliton PD. Current utilization of acupuncture by United States patients. Abstract presented at: National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture; 1997.

2.Barnes PM, Powell-Griner E, McFann K, Nahin RL. Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults: United States, 2002. CDC Advance Data Report #343. 2004.

3.American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Doctor, What's This Acupuncture All About? A Brief Explanation. American Academy of Medical Acupuncture Web site. Accessed at www.medicalacupuncture.org/acu_info/articles/aboutacupuncture.html on December 14, 2004.

4.Lao L. Safety issues in acupuncture. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 1996;2(1):27-31.

5.U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Acupuncture needles no longer investigational. FDA Consumer. 1996;30(5). Also available at: www.fda.gov/fdac/departs/596_upd.html.

6.Lytle CD. An Overview of Acupuncture. Rockville, MD: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Devices and Radiological Health; 1993.

7.Berman BM, Lao L, Langenberg P, et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy in osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2004;141(12):901-910.

8.National Institutes of Health Consensus Panel. Acupuncture: National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Statement. National Institutes of Health Web site. Accessed at odp.od.nih.gov/consensus/cons/107/107_statement.htm on December 14, 2004.

9.  Tang NM, Dong HW, Wang XM, et al. Cholecystokinin antisense RNA increases the analgesic effect induced by electroacupuncture or low dose morphine: conversion of low responder rats into high responders. Pain. 1997;71(1):71-80.

10.  Cheng XD, Wu GC, He QZ, et al. Effect of electroacupuncture on the activities of tyrosine protein kinase in subcellular fractions of activated T lymphocytes from the traumatized rats. Acupuncture and Electro-Therapeutics Research. 1998;23(3-4):161-170.

11.  Lee HS, Kim JY. Effects of acupuncture on blood pressure and plasma renin activity in two-kidney one clip Goldblatt hypertensive rats. American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 1994;22(3-4):215-219.

12.  Okada K, Oshima M, Kawakita K. Examination of the afferent fiber responsible for the suppression of jaw-opening reflex in heat, cold, and manual acupuncture stimulation in rats. Brain Research. 1996;740(1-2):201-207.

13.  Lee BY, LaRiccia PJ, Newberg AB. Acupuncture in theory and practice. Hospital Physician. 2004;40:11-18.

An acupuncture treatment can be accompanied by other modalities, such as:

• Moxibustion—the burning of mugwort leaves, held a few inches from the body to bring warmth to the body.
• Cupping—glass cups that create a suction on the skin.
• Electroacupunture—a mild electrical stimulation of acupuncture points that reduces pain and speeds recovery from injuries.
• Tuina or Chinese massage, shiatsu and acupressure.