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Q: |
What is acupuncture? |
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A: |
Acupuncture is
the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points
which have been empirically proven effective in the treatment of
specific disorders. These points have been mapped by the Chinese
over a period of 2000 years. Recently their location has been
confirmed by electromagnetic research. |
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Q: |
What problems can be treated by acupuncture? |
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A. |
The World
Health Organization has publicly announced that acupuncture is
suitable for treating the following: |
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1.
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Ear, Nose, and
Throat Disorders (Toothaches, pain after tooth extraction,
gingivitis, acute or chronic obits, acute sinusitis, acute
rhinitis, nasal catarrh, and acute tonsillitis.) |
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Respiratory
Disorders (Bronchial asthma ¡V in children or adults when
uncomplicated) |
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3. |
Gastrointestinal Disorders (Esophageal and cardio spasm, hiccup,
gastroptosis, acute or chronic gastritis, sour stomach, chronic
duodenal ulcers, acute or chronic colonists, acute bacillary
dysentery, constipation, diarrhea, and paralyticileus. |
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4. |
Eye Disorders
(Acute conjunctivitis, central retinitis, nearsightedness (in
children), and cataracts without complications.) |
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Neurological
and Muscular Disorders (Headaches, migraines, trigeminal
neuralgia, facial paralysis (within the first 3-6 months),
post-stroke paresis, peripheral neuritis, neurological bladder
dysfunctions, bed wetting, intercostals neuralgia, cervical
syndrome, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, low back pain
and osteoarthritis. |
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In addition,
acupuncture has been used for centuries in China to treat a host
of other problems, such as knee pain, sprains and strains, and
most gynecological complaints. |
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Q: |
How deep do the needles go? |
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A: |
That depends
upon the nature of the problem, the underlying anatomy of the
points selected the patient¡¦s size, age, and constitution, and
upon the acupuncturist¡¦s style or school. In general needles are
inserted from ¼ to 1 inch in depth. |
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Q: |
Does it hurt? |
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A: |
In Chinese,
acupuncture is bu tong, painless. However, if the correct stimulus
of the needle has been obtained, the patient should feel some
cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation
either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected
energy pathway or meridian. In English, these sensations may be
categorized by some people as types of pain which they are not in
Chinese. In any case, if there is any discomfort, it is usually
mild. |
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Q: |
How do you choose a certified practitioner of Acupuncture? |
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A: |
Acupuncture is
a licensed and regulated healthcare profession in approximately
half the states in the Union. In those where it is licensed,
patients should first of all ensure themselves that the potential
practitioner is licensed. In those states which do not currently
require licensing, patients should seek practitioners who are
national board certified by the National Commission for the
Certificate of Acupuncturists. Acupuncturists having passed this
exam usually append Dipl. Ac. (NCCA) after their names. In
addition, patients should inquire about where the practitioner was
trained, how long the training was, how long he or she has been in
practice and what experience the practitioner has had in treating
the patient¡¦s specific ailment. And, beyond intelligently checking
a practitioner¡¦s professional credentials, the best assurance is
word of mouth from satisfied patients. The minimal standard of
training in B.C. is 1900 hours. OCTCM requires 2080 hours to
receive a diploma of acupuncture |
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Q: |
How many treatments will I need? |
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A: |
That depends
upon the duration, severity and nature of each individual¡¦s
complaint. Generally from five to fifteen treatments are adequate
for the majority of chronic ailments. Many acute conditions may
only require a single treatment and some degenerative conditions
may require score of treatments. However, the patient has the
right to expect that their major complaint will be addressed and
treated in a direct and timely manner. |
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Q: |
Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture
treatment? |
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A: |
Yes, the
following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from
your treatment. |
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1. |
Maintain good
personal hygiene to reduce the possibility of bacterial infection. |
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2. |
In
order to prevent loss, do not wear jewelry. |
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3. |
Wear
loose clothing. Women should not wear one-piece dresses. Avoid
wearing tight stockings. |
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4. |
Avoid
treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full, emotionally
upset, or shortly after sex. |
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Q: |
Is there anything I need to do while receiving acupuncture? |
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Yes, again |
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A: |
1. |
There¡¦s
no need to be frightened. RELAX. Relaxation is something that
cannot be overemphasized. |
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2. |
If you
experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness of breath, or
faintness during treatment this is known s needle shock.
Immediately inform your practitioner and they will withdraw the
needles. Needle shock is primarily due to anxiety in first-time
patients. It rarely happens if the patient is treated lying down. |
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3. |
Feel free to
let your practitioner know of any pain or burning sensations
experienced during acupuncture or Moxibustion. If you find
acupuncture or electro-acupuncture unbearable at any point during
treatment, be sure to speak up so that the proper adjustment can
be made. |
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4. |
Do not change
your position or move suddenly. |
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Q: |
What can I expect after treatment? |
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A: |
One may
experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain or
other symptoms. This relief may last or some of the pain may
return. In a few cases, the pain may seem even worse. This is
called the rebound effect. By the next day, the pain can be
expected to gradually improve. Often the most dramatic results are
experienced in the first treatment. However, one should see
further incremental improvement after each subsequent treatment.
In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief only to
experience the pain diminishes over the next couple of days.
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Most patients
will have more questions than these, such as: Should I continue
taking my present medication? What should I eat? Is there anything
I can do for myself at home? What signs of success should I look
for first and after how long? All these are valid and valuable
questions and can be answered in person by the practitioners. In
the meantime, remember: |
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