The theory and practice of acupuncture is based on Asian medicine (also known as traditional Chinese or Oriental medicine), a comprehensive natural health care system that has been used in Asian countries for thousands of years to preserve health and diagnose, treat, and prevent illness.

 

   Acupuncture treats health conditions by stimulating "acu-points" found at specific locations on the surface of the body. Acupuncturists stimulate the acu-points by inserting very thin needles through the skin to produce physiological effects. Other methods are also used to stimulate acu-points, such as heat or finger pressure.

 

   The general theory of acupuncture is that proper physiological function and health depend on the circulation of nutrients, substances, and energy called Qi (pronounced "chee") through a network of "channels" or "meridians." This network connects every organ and part of the body, providing balance, regulation, and coordination of physiological processes.

 

   Pain and ill health result when the flow of Qi through the body is disrupted or blocked. This can be caused by many things, including disease, pathogens, trauma/injuries, and medication (side effects), as well as lifestyle factors such as overwork, poor diet, emotions, lack of rest, and stress.

 

   Stimulation of the appropriate acu-points through acupuncture treatments helps to restore sufficient, continuous, and even flow of Qi and other nutrients throughout the body, restoring health and balance to the body while relieving pain and other symptoms. The acupuncturist uses a sophisticated and complex system of diagnostic methods that take into consideration the person as a whole, discerning the body's pattern of disharmony rather than isolated symptoms. The aim is not only to eliminate or alleviate symptoms, but more importantly to treat the underlying cause, increase the ability to function, and improve the quality of life.

 

   Acupuncture and Asian medicine is one of the newest primary health care professions in America.

The potential benefits of acupuncture are widely recognized, and it is steadily being integrated with mainstream health care. More than 15 million Americans have tried acupuncture and Asian medicine since it was introduced in the United States in the 1970s. The risk of side effects from acupuncture is low and the potential benefits are high. Knowing what to expect from acupuncture will help patients get the most benefit from their treatments.

 

 

   In the course of your treatment Chinese herbal remedies may be prescribed. They may be dispensed as raw herbs or in pills, capsules, granules, or tinctures which make them easier to ingest. Most herbal formulas can treat a wide variety of symptoms while stimulating the body's natural healing process.

 

   Acupuncturists are the only licensed health care professionals who are required to be trained and tested for competency in prescribing herbal medicine. Chinese herbal medicine has been practiced safely and effectively for centuries and has the greatest potential for beneficial results when prescribed by a trained professional who recognizes both the benefits and risks.

 

   In recent years, herbs have become very popular to self-treat many conditions. They are available in health food stores, supermarkets, and on the Internet. While herbs are promoted as safe, gentle, inexpensive, "natural" alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs, many health care professionals have concerns about safety, effectiveness, and potential misuse of herbal products, especially when self-prescribed. There are also questions of purity, strength, and standardization of herbs.

 

   We strongly recommend consulting with an acupuncturist before beginning any herbal therapy. It is also very important to inform both your physician and acupuncturist of all the products you are currently taking (drugs, herbs, other supplements) so they can monitor effectiveness, ensure safety from adverse reactions, and watch for possible interactions. If you have an allergic reaction to any herbs, let you acupuncturist know.

 

 

   An acupuncturist's diagnosis is determined in part by using methods similar to other health care practitioners: Asking patients for a thorough history of their health, diet, exercise patterns, and chief complaints; performing a physical exam, ordering laboratory tests, X-rays or MRIs, and making a referral to a specialist, if necessary. The acupuncturist also uses unique diagnostic techniques, for example, taking the patient's pulse on both wrists and observing the tongue and complexion. The three pulses felt on each wrist are believed to correspond to certain organs and functions. Following the diagnosis, the practitioner should explain to you the nature of your problem, recommend a treatment plan, and give you an anticipated prognosis (outcome).

 

 

   Modern acupuncture needles are stainless steel, and are between one-half and three inches long, ultra-fine, and quite flexible. They are pre-sterilized, non-toxic, and disposable (single-use). When the needles are tapped into the skin, there may not be any sensation. Much depends on the location (hands and feet tend to be more sensitive), the condition being treated, and the acupuncturist's technique. Needles are typically placed in several acu-points and are usually left in about 20 to 40 minutes. The goal is to normalize the circulation of Qi and blood by stimulating the energy point, which encourages the body's natural healing process. Stimulation can be done by rotating the needles manually or attaching electrodes to send a weak electric current through the needles (electroacupuncture).

 

   The number of treatments needed depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your health condition. Two or three treatments may be sufficient for an acute condition, while a series of five to 15 treatments may be needed to resolve chronic conditions. Some degenerative conditions may require ongoing treatments over a long period of time.

 

   Other techniques may include moxibustion(burning herbs to heat acu-points), cupping (suction), auricular therapy (ear acupuncture), tui na (Asian massage), and acupressure.

 

   Patients should evaluate their progress after each session. Some relief should be apparent in two or three sessions, or six to eight sessions for more pervasive conditions. If you see encouraging signs, stick with it.

 

   Ask us questions about your treatment and improvement. If your response to treatment is not satisfactory, the practitioner may consider further diagnostic exams, modify the treatment plan, or refer to an appropriate practitioner, if necessary.