Questions on Acupuncture

 

1. What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the key components of Asian Medicine.  Acupuncture stimulates certain

points in the body by inserting very thin, hair-like needles into the skin. The purpose of

acupuncture is to correct imbalances in the flow of Qi through a network of meridian that

connects every organ and part of the body. This balance results in stimulating the body's  

natural healing ability, as well as promoting physical and emotional well-being.

 

2. What cause the flow of Qi to get blocked?

The flow of Qi is affected by any noxious substances, both external and internal. It includes

poor diet, environment pathogenic factors, infectious pathogens, traumatic or overuse

injuries, medication, stress, excessive emotional issues, and heredity conditions.

 

3. What happens when the flow of Qi is blocked?

There is a Chinese saying, “There is no pain if there is free flow; if there is pain, there is no

free flow.” Pain is the most common symptom present when the flow of Qi gets blocked.

Some of other symptoms include: numbness, weakness, coldness of the limbs, headache,

tightness, low energy, shortness of breathing, diarrhea or constipation and organic 

dysfunction.

 

4. What problems can be treated by acupuncture?

While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained

practitioner acupuncture has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the

only treatment used, or as a support or adjunct to other medical treatment form in select

medical and surgical disorders. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the use of

acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including: 

• Digestive disorders: 

          Spasms of esophagus, gastritis and hyperacidity, chronic duodenal ulcer, spastic colon,

          constipation, diarrhea

• Respiratory disorders:

          Sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections

• Neurological and muscular disorders:

          Headaches, facial tics, trigeminal neuralgias, neck pain, rib neuritis, peripheral neuropathies,

          frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, tendinitis, lowback pain, sciatica, knee pain, osteoarthritis,

          Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Functional disorder:

          Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue 

• Mental and emotional problems:

          Stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia

• Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems

5. Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture generally does not hurt. Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than human

hair. In some cases, you will not even know the needles are in places. In others, there may be Qi

sensations that include tingling, warmth, heaviness, or a feeling of the Qi moving up and

down the meridians. Most people find acupuncture very relaxing and many fall asleep during

treatment.

 

6. Is acupuncture safe?

When performed by a competently trained, licensed professional, acupuncture is extremely

safe. It does not have any side effects and the acupuncturist will always use single use, pre-

sterilized needles, which are disposed after each treatment.

 

7. What can I expect on the first visit?

During the first consultation a full medical history is taken, followed by an examination using

conventional medical techniques. Traditional Chinese diagnosis, which uses the pulses of

the wrist and looking at the tongue, will be followed to assess the internal condition. Once the

diagnosis is established, the acupuncturist will select the best point combination for the

individual’s condition. Needles are retained for 15 to 30 minutes. The first treatment normally

takes between 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours. The follow up treatment will take 45 minutes- 1hour.  

Most of people get some relief of symptom on the day of treatment or in next few days and

normally feel relaxed and calm. You may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours if the experience

is particularly strong. You may also experience a short- term flar-up symptoms in the healing

process.

 

8. What should I know before treatment?

It is not recommended to have acupuncture if you are very hungry or extremely tired. If you

have a bleeding disorder or are on blood thinning medications, you should inform the

acupuncturist. If you are pregnant or have a pacemaker, be sure to tell the acupuncturist so

that the appropriate acu-points and herbs will be chosen.Loose, comfortable clothing that

provides easy access to torso, arms and legs is most desirable.

 

9. How many treatments will I need?

Number of treatments depends on the duration, severity, and nature of the health condition.

Two or three treatmentsmay be sufficient for an acute condition, while a series of five to fifteen

treatments may be needed to resolve chronic conditions. Some degenerative conditions may

require ongoing treatments over a long period of time.

 

10. Is their any scientific researches on acupuncture?

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the

nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These

chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other

chemicals and hormones, which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

 

11. Are there different styles of acupuncture?

Acupuncture originated in China, but has spread to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Acupuncture

is now popular in Europe and America as well. In different countries, different styles have

developed based on differing opinion as to theory and technique.

 

12. Who can benefit from acupuncture?

Patients range from infants to senior citizen. They may be seeking an alternative to Western

medicine or it may be their last hope for relief, having exhausted other methods of treatment

for a chronic condition. On the other hand, acupuncture may be the first choice of health care

practitioner for a low risk form of treatment with few side effects.

Also many people are seeking acupuncture treatment for prevention or wellness.

 

13. What about acupuncture for seniors?

More and more seniors depend on acupuncture for their health. Some seek an alternative

method for chronic conditions, while others have already “tried everything else” for their

problems. Acupuncture helps many seniors to reduce medications, feel younger longer, and

enjoy life.

 

14. Can children be treated with acupuncture?

Yes, children as young as six-months-old can benefit from acupressure, acupuncture,

Pediatric Tui Na massage and Chinese herbal medicine.There are special techniques for

treating young children that are gentle and safe. Whether acupuncture needles are used

depends on the comfort and temperament of the child.

 

15. Is Acupuncture covered by health insurance?

Many insurance companies now offer policies that cover acupuncture and related services

performed by an acupuncturist. You can find out if your insurance provides acupuncture

benefits by calling your insurance company'spatient information or benefits line. This number

can be found on your insurance card. If you have suffered a personal injury in an auto or motor

vehicle accident, your or the other parties’ car insurance(s) may pay for acupuncture  

treatments.

 

Questions on Herbs

 

1.Do you use herbs?

Yes, I sometimes use herbal formulas to support the acupuncture treatment. Herbs can

boost internal deficiencies as well as eliminate harmful substances tha accumulate

pathologically.

2. How do herbs differ from western medicine?

Chinese herbal formulas tend to be much gentler than western medicines, and work to not

only help relieve symptoms, but to help return the body to balance and equilibrium, so that

herbs will not be needed further. That is why we often modify the herbs as treatment

continues, since the body starts to shift towards being healthier, and therefore the herbs are  

modified to meet the changing needs of the body.

3. Can I take herbs when I am on medication?

Most herbs may be taken with medications, without problems. However, there are exceptions

in the case of drugs with narrow therapeutic margins, such as Cumadin. These drugs can

asily be affected by changes in body chemistry. In this case, the introduction of Chinese herbs

will affect the dosing of the drug.It is very important to informherbalist if you are on any  

mendication so they can check possible herb-drug interaction  and give you the best advise 

what to do to avoid it. It is recomended that herb be taken on an empty stomach at least 

2 hours apart from the prescription drugs.  

4. Is herbs safe?

Herbs are all natural and safe. When prescribed and used correctly, herbal formulas rarely

cause unwanted side effects. Our clinic usesthe best quality of herbs from reputable

companies who perform extensive testing for heavy metals, pesticides and other toxins for

safety and quality.

5. Are there different form of formulas?

 There are several different forms of formulas. Decoction is the most strongest and effective

form and pills, granular powder form and liquid tinctures are convenient and easy to take. 

When prescribing herbs in granular, powder or decoction, the practitioner can customize the

formula for each individual for complicated conditions.

6. How should the formula be served?

Formulas should be taken with warm water two or three times daily. Practitioner will tell you

whether you take it before or after meals depends on formulas. Herbs should not be taken

with coffee, juice, soda or any other liquids as they may alter the effect of the herbs and

possibly produce unwanted results.Please put at least 2hours apart from the prescription

drug if you have. If it is power and granule form, you can dissolve it in boiled water(1/2 - 1 Cup)

and drink when it is warm. If it is liquid extract, you can take it directly or keep it in the boiled

water for 3-5miniutes and drink when it is warm. 

7. Is it OK to add sweetner or other flavors to my herbs?

You can add a small amount of honey or brown sugar to your herbs.  Please do not mix your

herbs with coffee, tea, milk, lemon juice or other liquids- doing so alters the function of the

herbs.

8. Can I share my herbs with someone who has a similar symptoms?

No.  Chinese herbal formulas are designed specifically for your overall condition, not specific

symptoms.  Although you may know someone with similar symptoms, the herbal formula that

is right for you may not be right for them.