What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a component of Traditional Chinese medicine that is recognized all over the world for its effectiveness in treating a wide variety of conditions. It is also the practice of inserting needles into specific points on the body in order to solve physical ailments, illness, and pain. It works to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. Acupuncture is a noninvasive, natural and holistic approach of treatment.

​

​

How does it work?

The science behind acupuncture is based on the principle that specific points on the body correlate to meridians, which are pathways for Qi (i.e. life energy) to pass through the body. The energy can become blocked, decreased, or increased which causes disease, pain, and other physical ailments. Needles are used at strategic points in order to remove the blockage, reduce excess, tonify deficiency, and correct energy flow. Once corrected, the body will be able to restore itself to health.

​

​

What is the history of Acupuncture?

Acupuncture dates from over 5000 years. Knowledge of acupuncture spread from China along Arab trade routes towards the West. Most Americans first heard of acupuncture in the early 1970s.

​

Acupuncture gained attention in the United States after President Nixon visited China in 1972. Traveling with Nixon was New York Times reporter James Reston, who received acupuncture in China after undergoing an emergency appendectomy. Reston was so impressed with the post-operative pain relief the procedure provided that he wrote about acupuncture upon returning to the United States.

​

In 1997, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) formally recognized acupuncture as a mainstream medicine healing option with a statement documenting the procedure’s safety and efficacy for treating a range of health conditions. While awareness of acupuncture is growing, many conventional physicians are still unfamiliar with both the theory and practice of acupuncture.

​

There are hundreds of clinical studies on the benefits of acupuncture now. Many of these clinical studies are performed in China. Acupuncture has been used successfully in the treatment of conditions ranging from musculoskeletal problems (back pain, neck pain, and others) to nausea, migraine headache, anxiety, insomnia and many diseases.

​

​

How does Acupuncture feel?

At the time the needle is inserted, one may feel no pain to a slight pinch; some patients describe it as a "mosquito bite." While the needles remain inserted, for approximately 20-30 minutes, the patient should feel very comfortable. Some sensations are considered positive such as; numbness, heaviness, distention, tingling, heat or an electrical sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian, or energy pathway. In any case, if you experience any discomfort after the insertion of the needles, it is usually mild and short term, but if it still remains, let Elly Tuchler A.P. now, in order to make the necessary adjustments.

​

Because the purpose of acupuncture is to balance your body, there are no long-term negative side effects. On the contrary, acupuncture needles invoke a deep relaxation and a sense of well-being response; often occurring during and after treatment. Many patients fall asleep during the session.

​

​

What types of needles are used?

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.

​

This clinic uses only sterilized, individually packaged disposable needles. The needles come in various sizes. Depending upon the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, will vary according the patient’s size, age, and constitution.

​

​

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. In general, the longer a person has suffered from a condition, the longer treatment may take. Remember that acupuncture is designed to gently bring you back to health over time and this occurs without the severe side-effects of treatments that claim to work quickly. At your visit, Elly Tuchler A.P. will discuss your treatment plan and try to give you some idea of how long treatment might take. If there’s no improvement within a reasonable and expected period of time, Elly Tuchler A.P. will then discuss with you whether she feels continuing the treatment is worthwhile.

​

​

Can Acupuncture be combined with other therapies?

Yes, absolutely. Many clients receive a combination of therapies for the maximum benefit to their health. Elly Tuchler A.P. will advise you about which therapies are best for you, based on your condition and what you are comfortable with. For certain conditions, Elly Tuchler A.P. may also incorporate the following treatments as appropriate.

​

​

What should I now before my Acupuncture consultation?

• During your first office visit, Elly Tuchler A.P. may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior questions. She will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition. A diagnosis is arrived at by interviewing the patient, checking the pulse, looking at the tongue and inspecting the body. From these procedures, she discerns patterns of disharmony and determines a course of treatment.

​

• Please wear comfortable clothes that allow easy access to your skin. If there’s an area that is not reachable because of clothing restraints, then you have the option of wearing a gown.

​

• Please eat at least a snack before your appointment, and avoid caffeine. It’s important not to let your blood sugar drop during acupuncture or you may feel faint. Acupuncture is meant to be relaxing to the nervous system and caffeine interferes with this.

​

• It’s important to be hydrated, but , don’t drink too much water before the treatment that you cannot rest comfortably for 20-30 minutes; however, be aware that acupuncture works best if you are not dehydrated.

​

• If you are under the influence of any recreational drugs, alcohol, prescription pain medicine, anticoagulant, and metal implant, please inform treatment Elly Tuchler A.P. before beginning the treatment.

​

•  Allow time after your appointment to have a snack, water, and move slowly to your next activity. Many people feel deeply relaxed after acupuncture and want to go home and rest. Some people feel light headed and need to sit for a while before driving. Other people feel much energized after acupuncture and want to be active. All these responses are fine. If possible listen to what your body tells you to do after the session.