1. What is acupuncture?
Originating in China more than 2000 years ago, acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. This ancient therapeutic approach involves inserting very thin sterile needles into various anatomical points throughout the body. It is a component of a comprehensive Oriental medical system that focuses on supporting a persons overall well being, and promoting natural healing from pain and illness by balancing the flow of energy in the body. TOP
2. How does acupuncture work from a traditional Chinese perspective?
Acupuncture is an evidence- based system of medicine rooted in the observation of relationships in the body and natural world. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive principle, while yang represents the hot, excited, or active principle. TCM believes that health is achieved by maintaining the body in a "balanced state". Disease occurs when there is an internal imbalance of yin and yang, which then leads to a disruption in the flow of qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. It is believed that there are 12 main meridians, 8 secondary meridians and more than 2,000 acupuncture points along these meridians.TOP
3. How does acupuncture work from a western medical perspective?
The short answer is that no one knows exactly. Preclinical studies have documented acupuncture's effects, but they have not been able to fully explain how acupuncture works within the framework of the Western system of medicine that is commonly practiced in the United States. It is proposed that acupuncture produces its effects through regulating the nervous system, thus aiding the activity of pain-killing bio-chemicals such as endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neuro-hormones and, thus, affecting the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes that regulate a person's blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature. - NCCAM
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4. Can acupuncture help my condition?
Acupuncture has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as useful means of relieving a great variety of symptoms and conditions. Please see the “who we serve” section to learn more about the type of people and kind of conditions that we specialize in treating at Relax-u-puncture. TOP
5. Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are completely unlike needles used for injecting medicine, drawing blood, or for sewing. Instead, these hair- thin needles are solid, rather than hollow, and are designed to glide into the skin. They are very flexible and are too fine to puncture the thick walls of an artery, making bleeding from an acupuncture needle very rare. While people often express fear or anxiety of needles before their first visit, most are surprised by the pleasantness of the acupuncture treatment. There is generally very little or no discomfort with needle insertion. For your safety, only sterile and disposable needles are used. There are certain transient sensations, not considered painful, associated with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture which may include euphoria, warmth, tingling, heaviness, distention, or numbness. TOP
6. How does my acupuncturist determine my diagnosis and treatment?.
Questioning: During your health history intake you will be asked many questions, some of which may seem irrelevant to your condition. However the answers you provide to the questions help the acupuncturist to tailor the treatment specifically to you.
Observation: Oriental Medicine assessment is often uniquely identified by its observation of the tongue's coloration, shape, and coating. In addition your structural alignment, the quality of your skin, hair and nails is also taken into consideration when determining your energetic patterns.
Physical Examination: One way acupuncturists determine the best treatment for you is by touching specific areas of your body. This includes feeling the radial pulses, as well as palpating the abdomen, neck and merdian pathways. Subtle changes along the surface of the skin, tenderness or tightness are some of the signs that help the practitioner decide what points to treat to bring the body back into balance. TOP
7. What are some of the treatment techniques that may be used during my treatment?
After arriving at a specific diagnostic conclusion, one or several of the following techniques will be incorporated:
- Needles: Thin, sterile, stainless steel needles are placed in specific acupuncture points. The needles are at least five times thinner than typical hypodermic needles and insertion is usually painless. You may feel a dull ache or tingling sensation when the needle is stimulated. Acupuncture is generally a very relaxing experience.
- Moxibustion: Moxa is a Chinese herb (mugwort) which is rolled into small threads or cones and burned above the skin. This aromatic herb creates a sensation which is warming and pleasant and regulates the qi.
- Body work: Acupressure and Craniosacral Therapy are often integrated into the acupuncture session. TOP
8. How many treatments will I need?
Since each person is unique, the number of treatments will vary. Among the determining factors are the nature, severity, and history of each person's complaint, as well as the general health of the individual. A general course of treatment is 5-10 visits spaced one or two treatments per week to begin with. Chronic illnesses may require a longer coarse of treatment. Acute problems generally respond much faster. As in any form of medical care, the patient's attitude, diet, determination, and lifestyle will affect the outcome and course of treatment. TOP
9. Does medical insurance cover acupuncture treatment?
Some health insurance companies cover acupuncture treatment. Our office is happy to provide you with a receipt that you can submit to your insurance carrier for reimbursement. You should contact your health insurance company to learn about their specific rules regarding acupuncture coverage and reimbursment. TOP
