Acupuncture
Acupuncture Questions & Answers
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an effective form of healthcare that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this non-invasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy. An acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints on the body. This activates the bodies Qi (pronounced “chee”) and promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative powers, immunity and physical and emotional health. It can also improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.
What will my acupuncturist do?
During the initial exam a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist also may check your pulse and tongue and may conduct a physical exam. This information is then organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked or imbalanced. After the interview process, you may receive an acupuncture treatment. Visits with your acupuncturist may last from thirty to ninety minutes.
Why do they want to feel my pulse?
There are twelve pulse positions on each wrist that your acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ. Your acupuncturist will be looking for twenty-seven individual qualities that reflect overall health. If there are any problems, they may appear in the pulse.
Why do they want to look at my tongue?
The tongue is a map of the body. It reflects the general health of the organs and meridians. Your acupuncturist will look at the colour, shape, cracks and coating on your tongue.
What is Qi and how does it travel?
At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi, or vital energy, flows throughout the body. Qi helps to animate the body and protect it from illness, pain and disease. A person's health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. When Qi flows freely throughout the body, one enjoys good physical, mental and emotional well-being. An obstruction of Qi anywhere in the body is like a dam, backing up the flow in one area and restricting it and others. This blockage can hinder the distribution of nourishment the body requires to function optimally.
What to Expect
The needles are approximately the size of a cat's whisker. The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies. You may experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling or dull ache when the acupuncture needle has been inserted. Sometimes people experience a little pain as the needles are inserted, or a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needle. This is called the “Qi sensation". All these reactions are good and a sign that the treatment is working. The depth of insertion varies from person to person. After treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.
What can affect Qi?
Many things influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, diet, accidents or excessive activity that can lead to a blockage or imbalance of Qi. Normally, when this imbalance occurs, the body naturally bounces back, returning to a balanced state of health and well-being. When the disruption to Qi is prolonged or is excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, then illness, pain or disease can set in.
Is acupuncture safe for children or people who are scared about needling?
Yes. In some instances children actually respond more quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, your acupuncturist may massage the acupuncture points, which is called acupressure or tui na. You can also choose magnetic therapy, which is small magnetic being attached on acupoint
How many treatments will I need?
Treatment frequency and number of treatments needed depend on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes. An acupuncturist may suggest one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance and seasonal "tuneups”.
How should I prepare?
Write down and bring any questions you have. We are here to help you.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
Do not eat large meals just before or after your visit.
Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to six hours after the visit.
Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
Between visits, make note of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of symptoms.
How safe is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no negative side effects, just feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once and then discarded.
Why did my acupuncturist recommended herbs?
Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body or to clear of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute pain. Your practitioner may suggest starting with herbs and then adding acupuncture to your treatment in the future. This is suggested to build up your internal strength so you can receive the full benefits acupuncture has to offer.
What can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is recognized by World Health Organizations to be effective in the treatment of more than 200 medical problems. Below are some of the health concerns that acupuncture can help with:
Adverse reactions to radio therapy and/or chemotherapy
Abdominal pain (in acute gastroenteritis or due to gastrointestinal spasm)
Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)
Bell's palsy
Cancer pain
Chronic gastritis
Morning sickness
Diabetes mellitus, non-insulin-dependent
Dysmenorrhoea
Earache
Epistaxes
Facial pain
Facial spasm
Female infertility
Fibromyalgia and fasciitis
Headache
Hepatitis B virus carrier status
Herpes zoster
Hypertension
Induction of labour
Insomnia
Knee pain
Leukopenia
Low back pain
Male sexual dysfunction, non-organic
Malposition of fetus
Nausea and vomiting
Neck pain
Obesity
Osteoarthritis
Pain in dentistry
Peptic ulcer
Periarthritis of shoulder
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Postoperative pain
Premenstrual syndrome
Prostatitis
Raynaud syndrome
Renal colic
Retention of urine, traumatic
Rheumatoid arthritis
Schizophrenia
Sciatica
Sore throat (including tonsilitis)
Spine pain, acute
Sprain
Stiff neck
Stroke
TMJ disfunction
Tennis elbow
Tobacco dependence
Ulcerative colitis, chronic
Whooping cough (pertussis)
Commenly Used Treatment Modalities with Acupuncture in Our Clinic
Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. It is used for many ailments including sore muscles, tension, neck pain and the common cold. In this therapy, your acupuncturist will place small glass or plastic “cups” over specific areas on your body. The vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction. They may be moved over an affected area or left in place. You may leave the office looking as though a large octopus gave you a big hug. There is no need for alarm. The slight redness will quickly dissipate.
Moxibustion is a treatment that uses an herb called mugwort. It may be burned on the handle of the needle, above the skin, on salt or on a slice of ginger. This is used to “warm” acupuncture points or areas in order to quicken the healing process.
Auricle Acupuncture (Ear Seeds) is inserting needle or attaching tiny round herb seeds on acupoint in the ear. It’s effectiveness lasts 1- 7days as along as it is attached. This therapy is also commenly used for chronic pain, especially low back pain, migraine, anxiety, insomnia, cancer pain andchemotherapy side effects, weight loss, substance use disorder, depression, digestive issues, allergies
Electro-Acupuncture is a modern variation of acupuncture. It uses electricity to enhance the benefits of this traditional therapeutic treatment. Like traditional acupuncture, electroacupuncture uses needles placed in the same spots. Then, a small electrode is attached to the needles. A small amount of electricity runs through the electrode and gives a slight vibration or soft hum during treatment. A benefit of using electro-acupuncture is that it can cover larger areas of your body than traditional acupuncture. This ability makes this type of acupuncture more accurate than others. The treatments are also shorter because the electrodes can activate your acupuncture points more quickly.
Tui Na & Acupressure
Tui Na translates as “push and grasp”. It is a massage technique that moves Qi in various parts of the body. Acupressure is also kind of massage which therapist press some acupoints acording to diagnosis. It is used to relieve muscle pain, tension and inflammation and to heal injuries.
Gua Sha is another technique used to release muscle tension, tightness and constriction. A specialized tool is used to gently scrape or rub the skin of a problem area. Gua Sha feels a bit like deep massage. This too may leave some slight redness that will quickly dissipate.
