Acupuncture's Frequently Asked Questions

What are acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine?

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve function. This is done by inserting sterilized, stainless-steel needles (fine as a human hair) into specific points located near or on the surface of the skin which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to treat a wide variety of illnesses.

Traditional Chinese medicine views a person as an energy system in which body and mind are unified, each influencing and balancing the other. Unlike Western medicine, which attempts to isolate and separate a disease from a person, Chinese Medicine emphasizes a holistic approach that treats the whole person.

Your acupuncture practitioner will make a Chinese medical diagnosis based upon a thorough examination and consultation. The examination includes the assessment of the pulse and tongue. Once a diagnosis is made, your acupuncturist will choose the most appropriate acupuncture points for treatment.

What is Qi in acupuncture?

The acupuncture term Qi (pronounced "chee") can be defined as the force or vital substance that animates and controls the observable functions of living beings. The basic foundation for Asian medicine is that this vital substance flows through the body on channels known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked.

The basis of acupuncture is expressed in this famous Chinese saying: "Bu tong ze tong, tong ze bu tong" which means "free flow: no pain, no free flow: pain."
In other words, any kind of pain or illness represents an obstruction in the normal flow of Qi or life force. Simply put, acupuncture moves Qi, restoring free flow.

Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. They have been mapped out by the Chinese over a period of over 2000 years.

How does acupuncture work?
 
Eastern Explanation:

The Eastern explanation for how acupuncture works is that the life energy flowing through the body which is termed Qi (pronounced chee) can be influenced and balanced by stimulating specific points on the body. These points are located along channels of energy known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked.
 

Western Explanation:
 
Definition of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points located near or on the surface of the skin which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to achieve the desired effect.

Explanation of How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity. Inserting needles at these points stimulates various sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulate nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system at the base of the brain.

The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing hormones. It is estimated that endorphins are 200 times more potent than morphine. Endorphins also play a big role in the functioning of the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture works well for back pain and arthritis and also for P.M.S. and infertility.

The substances released as a result of acupuncture not only relax the whole body, they regulate serotonin in the brain which plays a role in human and animal disposition. This is why depression is often treated with acupuncture.
Some of the physiological effects observed throughout the body include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief from pain, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count which stimulates the immune system.


What can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are extremely successful in the treatment of a multitude of conditions. Many people try acupuncture and oriental medicine as a "last resort" to serious and complex medical problems and find that it can help them when other treatments could not. 

Acupuncture is also often used as a preventative medicine. Many people see their acupuncturist only 2-4 times a year for a "tune up" or "balancing" treatment. This can prevent disease and promote health, energy and vitality.
Your acupuncturist will have to look at the onset of your condition and see what your constitutional diagnosis is to determine if Oriental Medicine can help you.  Each case is unique and it would be difficult to determine how effective acupuncture will be for you without a full assessment.  Please contact several licensed acupuncturists in your area for a consultation to find the best suited practitioner for you.
 

What problems are commonly treated with acupuncture?
 
The most common ailments presented to an acupuncturist tend to be pain related conditions. For example; arthritis, back, neck, knee and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica. 

Traditional Chinese medicine is a complete medical system that is capable of diagnosing and successfully treating a wide range of conditions including:

• Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders
• Sinusitis
  
• Sore Throat
• Hay Fever
  
• Earache
  
• Nerve Deafness
  
• Ringing in the Ears
  
• Dizziness
  
• Poor Eyesight
  
• Circulatory Disorders
  
• High Blood Pressure
  
• Angina Pectoris
  
• Arteriosclerosis
  
• Anemia
  
• Gastrointestinal Disorders
  
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  
• Spastic colon
  
• Colitis
  
• Constipation
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Food Allergies
  
• Ulcers
  
• Gastritis
  
• Abdominal Bloating
  
• Hemorrhoids
  
• Gynecological/Genitourinary Disorders
  
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  
• Irregular/Heavy/Painful Menstruation
  
• Endometriosis
  
• Menopause
  
• Fibroids
  
• Chronic Bladder Infection
  
• Complications in Pregnancy
  
• Morning Sickness
  
• Kidney Stones
  
• Impotence
  
• Infertility in Men and Women
  
• Sexual Dysfunction
  
• Immune Disorders
  
• Candida
  
• Chronic Fatigue
  
• HIV and AIDS
  
• Epstein Barr Virus
  
• Allergies
  
• Lupus
  
• MS
  
• Hepatitis
  
• Addiction
  
• Smoking Cessation
  
• Drugs
  
• Alcohol
  
• Emotional and Psychological Disorders
  
• Anxiety
  
• Insomnia
  
• Depression
  
• Stress
  
• Musculoskeletal & Neurological Disorders
  
• Arthritis
  
• Neuralgia
  
• Sciatica
  
• Back Pain
  
• Bursitis
  
• Tendonitis
  
• Stiff Neck
  
• Bell's Palsy
  
• Trigeminal Neuralgia
  
• Headaches and Migraines
  
• Stroke
  
• Cerebral Palsy
  
• Polio
  
• Sprains
  
• Muscle Spasms
  
• Shingles
  
• Respiratory Disorders
  
• Asthma
  
• Emphysema
  
• Bronchitis
  
• Colds and Flus
  
• Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects
  
• Diabetes
  
• Dermatological Disorders
  
• Weight Control

(This is by no means a complete list of what acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can treat.)


How many acupuncture treatments will I need?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question.  The length, number and frequency of treatments will vary from person to person depending on the conditions being treated, your age and health, and how you respond to acupuncture.  Acupuncture is a natural medicine that is assisting your body to make changes.  This can be a gradual process.

A consultation with an experienced practitioner about you and your condition will offer the best guide for the length of treatment.

Generally, acute problems require less time and frequency of treatment. For example, an acute sprain may require only one or two treatments, whereas more chronic or severe ailments may require several (or several dozen) treatments.

How long will it take for the acupuncture treatments to work?

A positive response to acupuncture treatments is generally seen after the first to fourth treatment. If you are being treated for a menstrual problem or infertility, give the treatments three menstrual cycles for your body to respond.  You will schedule your appointments further and further apart after you have achieved optimal response.

 
How often should I be treated with acupuncture?

Again, this depends on what you are being treated for and your acupuncture practitioner.  It is common for acupuncture treatments to be scheduled one or two times a week in the beginning to obtain optimal response and then once every other week.  If you are not able to schedule appointments that frequently, your acupuncturist may prescribe Chinese herbs, dietary changes, exercises or pressure points for you to use at home.

Acupuncture is also often used as a preventative medicine. Many people see their acupuncturist only 2-4 times a year for a "tune up" or "balancing" treatment. This can prevent disease and promote health, energy and vitality.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are 25-50 times thinner than a hypodermic needle. They are so thin that several acupuncture needles can go into the middle of a hypodermic needle. There is little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles.

While some people feel nothing at all; others experience a brief moment of discomfort as the needle penetrates the skin that can be followed by a mild sensation of cramping, tingling, numbness, traveling warmth, or heaviness. The needles are left in place for twenty to forty minutes. Most people find the experience extremely relaxing and uplifting and even fall asleep for the duration of the treatment.

That being said, some conditions will respond better to a thicker gauge acupuncture needle.  It is common to experience soreness during and after an acupuncture treatment.  It is important to let your acupuncturist know immediately so that they can make you more comfortable.  If you are sensitive to acupuncture or ‘needle-phobic’ your acupuncturist can use thinner needles and be gentler.  Be sure to speak up and let the practitioner know how you are feeling!

How deeply are acupuncture needles inserted?

Acupuncture points are located near or on the surface of the skin. Usually needles are inserted from 1/4 to 1 inch in depth. Depth of insertion will depend on nature of the condition being treated, the patients' size, age, and constitution, and upon the acupuncturists' style or school.

Are acupuncture needles ever inserted deeper than one inch?

Yes; for instance, there is a great acupuncture point for sciatica that is located on the buttocks.  The needle is usually inserted three to four inches.