Acupuncture FAQs
What does acupuncture treat?
Many conditions may respond to acupuncture, including:
- Acute and chronic pain conditions including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome & TMJ.
- Sports injuries
- Headaches
- Anxiety & depression
- Stress reduction
- Smoking cessation & detoxification
- Allergies
- Digestive disorders from general indigestion to IBS
- Facial rejuvenation (cosmetic acupuncture)
- Gynecologic & reproductive conditions
- General well-being
What is the relationship between an acupuncturist and a medical doctor?
Acupuncturists are independent health care providers. As an acupuncturist, I must advise each patient about the importance of consulting a physician in regards to any condition for which they are seeking acupuncture treatment. In an integrated health model, a patient's physician and acupuncturist work collaboratively.
Does acupuncture hurt?
No. Needling should not be painful. I will manipulate some of the needles during treatment with the goal of inviting the arrival of qi or to activate certain energetic points along the meridians. This arrival of qi or the de qi response is best described as a dull, heavy achey sensation which is tailored to each patient's tolerance level. In order to obtain myofascial releases through the use of acupuncture trigger point techniques, the patient should expect the arrival of qi sensation to be followed by fluttering or rippling muscular sensations. Individual responses to treatment vary.
In the case of myofascial release, you can expect to feel sore and achy in the deactivated trigger point area due to the release of lactic acid within the body. Patients are advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and apply warmth to these areas following treatment in order to soothe muscular soreness.
What happens during an acupuncture treatment?
During an acupuncture treatment, I will insert fine, presterilized disposable needles into specifically selected acupoints along the energetic pathways or meridians which traverse the body. Needles are often inserted into symptomatic areas of the body as well.
Other commonly utilized treatment techniques include cupping and the incorporation of electrical stimulation. Both of these techniques are only used within established safety guidelines and with the expressed consent of the patient. Cupping involves applying glass cups to appropriate symptomatic areas of the body in the aims of increasing the circulation of lymph and blood. Each cup is applied by creating a vacuum seal between the cup and skin so that a comfortable level of suction disperses congestion below the skin.
Electrical stimulation involves the application of a pulsating electrical current to acupuncture needles or cutaneous pads as a means of stimulating selected acupoints or areas of the body. This technique can quicken healing time and provide pain relief.
What can a patient expect during the intake process of a treatment?
Acupuncture practitioners utilize the Four Exams to gather information about a patient’s complaint in order to decipher each individual signs & symptoms. The Four Exams of Chinese Medicine are looking, listening, asking (inquiry), and palpation. As part of the inquiry, the patient is asked the 10 Questions which explore his/her appetite, overall energy level, subjective feeling of temperature, sweating, urination, bowel movements, menstruation (if applicable), thirst, pain, headache or dizziness, and sleeping patterns. In addition, the patient’s medical history and family medical history are discussed in great detail.
Throughout the intake process, I will observe the your overall vitality. Looking usually includes observing the patient’s tongue which has valuable diagnostic meaning in Chinese Medicine.
Practitioners also palpate different areas of the body as well as take the patient’s pulse.
As the patient and practitioner, we should engage in an ongoing, cooperative dialogue that includes discussion of how you are responding to treatment.
Diplomate in Acupuncture (NCCAOM)
