About Acupuncture
Does Acupuncture hurt?
The insertion of the needles is usually virtually painless. After the needle is
inserted, there is usually a sensation of heaviness or tingling, which indicates
the arrival of energy (or Qi) at the point of insertion.
How big are the needles?
The needles are about as fine as human hair. As a comparison, it would take
about 12-15 acupuncture needles to equal the width of one hypodermic needle used
to give a standard injection.
How deep do the needles go?
The depth varies depending on the location, and the size and weight of the
patient. In general, needles are inserted about _ to _ an inch below the surface
of the skin.
Where do the needles get inserted?
There are 365 points along the surface of the body. The most frequent areas
of insertion are the hands and feet, forearms and calves, abdomen, back, and occasionally
the scalp. If you have pain, you will likely have needles placed in your ears
as well.
Why put needles in the ears?
The ears are a "microsystem" of the entire body. For example, putting a needle
in the earlobe can relieve symptoms of headache, while inserting a needle along
the helix can relieve back pain. In addition, one of the major nerves responsible
for your autonomic nervous system functions such as breathing and digesting food
travels through the ear.
Do you use disposable needles?
Yes. We ONLY use disposable needles made by the finest manufacturer of acupuncture
needles in the world. They are sharper than the average needle, which usually
allows for a virtually painless insertion.
Will I bleed a lot?
No. Unless you are needled along your scalp, you will not likely bleed.
If you do, it will only be a few drops, and should stop completely within
a second or two.
What if the area around the point of insertion itches or gets red or bruised
following treatment?
This can happen, depending on the area of insertion, and is a completely normal
reaction. If it persists for more than a day or two, or the area around the insertion
gets swollen, unusually painful, or begins to release fluid, please contact us
immediately to schedule a visit, or contact your physician.
How many treatments will I need?
Generally, it takes at least 6-12 visits to resolve any problem. However, you will likely see some positive results after just the first or second session. We will be able to give you an estimate of how long it should take to your condition to resolve completely following your first visit.
About Oriental Medicine
What kinds of problems can Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine treat?
Oriental Medicine can treat a host of problems including:
- Gastrointestinal Disorders such as food allergies, peptic ulcer, chronic diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids, indigestion, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, stomach flu, gastritis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Urogenital Disorders such as incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction.
- Gynecological Disorders including irregular, heavy or painful menstruation, hot flashes/menopausal symptoms, infertility in women and men, impotence, and PMS.
- Endocrine Disorders such as diabetes, fatigue, hypoglycemia, and thyroid problems.
- Respiratory Disorders such as cough, emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and pleurisy.
- Injuries and Disorders of Bone, Muscle, Joints and Nervous System including arthritis, bursitis, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, migraine headaches, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness, rheumatism, sciatica, scoliosis, low back, neck and shoulder pain, TMJ, and disc problems.
- Circulatory Disorders such as hypertension and hypotension, angina pectoris, palpitations, tachycardia, arteriosclerosis, anemia, poor circulation and sequelae of stroke.
- Emotional and Psychological Disorders including depression and anxiety.
- Addictions such as alcohol, nicotine and drugs.
- Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders.
- Supportive/Complementary Therapy for side effects of conventional cancer treatment, as well as other chronic and painful debilitating disorders.
How does Oriental Medicine work?
From an Eastern perspective, Oriental Medicine seeks to balance the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—by regulating the flow of Qi (pronounced "chee"), or
energy flow, along the meridian pathways. Acupuncture points exist at specific
locations along the meridian pathways, each of which has a predictable effect
on the meridian's associated physiological system or internal organ.
About Herbs
I've heard a lot of stories about herbs being contaminated. How can
you be
sure the ones you prescribe are safe?
Herbs must be certified GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) to meet
criteria
to be sold in the United States. Any herbs we prescribe are certified
GMP.
What about herb-drug interactions?
Our approach is very conservative, however Board certified herbalists
are
well trained in the area of herb-drug and even herb-herb interactions.
As
part of your initial exam, you will be asked to provide a thorough
list of
all medications, herbs, and supplements that you are currently taking,
as
well as dosages for each. Prior to prescribing an herbal formula for
you,
we will review this list with you. If you are on a great deal of
medications, we will likely avoid herbs altogether in the interest of
your
safety. We might also consult with your physician prior to prescribing
any
herbal medicinals.
