Q: What is acupuncture?

 

A. Acupuncture is the insertion of tine needles into the body at specific points which have been empirically pro 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 b electroma research.

 

Q: Ho deep do the needles co?

 

That depends upon the nature of the problem. the underlying anatomy ot thc points sc the patient size. ace. and constitution, and upon the acupuncturist’s style or school In acneral. needles are inserted from 1.4 to 1 inch in depth.

 

Q: Does it hurt?

 

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,  or electric sensation either around the needle or travelling up or down the affected energy pathway or meridian. In any case, if there is any discomfort, it is usually mild.

 

Q: How many treatments will I need?

 

A: That depends upon the duration, severity and nature of each individual’s complaint. Generally from Ii\e to ft treatments are adequate for the majority of chronic ailments. Many acute conditions ma\ only require a single treatment and some degenerative conditions may require scores of treatments Ho\\ever, the patient has the right to expect that their major complaint ‘ dl be addressed and treated in a direct and timely manner.

 

Q: What can I expect after treatment?

 

A: One may experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain or other symptoms. This relief ma\ last or some of the pain may return. In a few cases, the pain may seem e en orse This is called the rebound effect. By the next day, the pain can be expected to gradually impro\ e Often the most dramatic results are experienced in the first treatment. l-lo\\ ever, one should see further incremental improvement after each subsequent treatment. In a few cases. there rna\ be no immediate relief only to experience the pain diminishes over the next couple of days.