Acupuncture Frequently asked Questions
How Does It Work?
Oriental medicine is based on an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of Western medicine. Although it directly affects a person on a physiological level.
The ancient Chinese recognized a vital energy behind all life forms and life processes. They called this energy Qi (pronounced chee). In developing an understanding of the prevention and cure of diseases, these healing practitioners discovered that this energy flows along specific pathways called 'meridians or channels'. Each pathway is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ. Disease is considered to arise due to a deficiency or imbalance of energy in the meridians and their associated physiological systems. It is said that where there is pain or disease a blockage to Qi is present in the meridian or channels.
Acupuncture points are specific locations along the meridians. Each point has a predictable effect upon the vital energy passing through it. Modern science has been able to measure the electrical charge at these points, thus corroborating the locations of the meridians mapped by the ancients.
Traditional Oriental medicine uses an intricate system of pulse and tongue diagnosis, palpitations of points and meridians, medical history and other signs and symptoms to create a composite Oriental medical diagnosis. A treatment plan is then formulated to induce the body to a balanced state of health.
What Should You Expect In Treatment?
Many conditions may be alleviated very rapidly by acupuncture and Oriental medicine. However, some conditions that have arisen over a course of years will be relieved only with slow, steady progress.
As in any form of healing, the patient's attitude, diet, determinations and lifestyle will affect the outcome of a course of treatment. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their healing process.
Although Oriental medicine can treat most conditions, there are circumstances that can be dealt with more effectively by Western medicine. In such cases, your acupuncturist will recommend you contact a Western medical doctor.
Our office will recommend a plan of 4 weeks of acupuncture treatments. The first treatment we do a full and complete evaluation with an acupuncture treatment. This will last a little over an hour. On the second visit herbs may be prescribed. On the third visit we recommend to do Nutrition Response Testing. This test is scientifically proven to address many issues that may not even show up in normal physical examinations. On the fourth visit we ask you to bring in your supplements, herbs and medicines that you are currently taking. The purpose of this 4 week protocol is to allow the patient to get results immediately. It also is a great way for us to see if acupuncture and Oriental medicine will help treat their condition so that there will be long term success.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
In the hands of a comprehensively trained acupuncturist, your safety is assured.
Acupuncture needles are sterile and are disposed between treatments.
The World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture and traditional Oriental medicine's ability to treat over 43 common disorders including:
* Disorders with Pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, acute injury, sports injury, chronic pain.
* Chronic Illness, such as diabetes, auto immune disorders, hashimotos, cancer, etc.
* Gastrointestinal Disorders, such as food allergies, peptic ulcer, chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gastrointestinal weakness, anorexia and gastritis.
* Urogenital Disorders, including stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction.
* Gynecological Disorders, such as irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation, fertility issues in both women and men, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
* Respiratory Disorders, such as emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies and bronchitis.
* Disorders of the Bones, Muscles, Joints, and Nervous System, such as arthritis, migraine headaches, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness and low back, neck and shoulder pain.
* Circulatory Disorders, such as hypertension, angina pectoris, and anemia.
* Emotional and Psychological Disorders, including depression, anxiety and addictions.
* Supportive Therapy for other chronic and painful debilitating disorders.
How Do I Find A Qualified Practitioner?
Oriental medicine is a complex form of medicine that has been practiced in several countries around the world for hundreds of years. As a result, there are many valid schools of thought and traditions within the profession.
In order to obtain the best health care, you should seek a practitioner who has been comprehensively trained in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
Over 40 states have passed statutes or regulations setting standards for the practice of acupuncture by professional acupuncturists. It is best to find someone who is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
How Does It Work?
Oriental medicine is based on an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of Western medicine. Although it directly affects a person on a physiological level.
The ancient Chinese recognized a vital energy behind all life forms and life processes. They called this energy Qi (pronounced chee). In developing an understanding of the prevention and cure of diseases, these healing practitioners discovered that this energy flows along specific pathways called 'meridians or channels'. Each pathway is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ. Disease is considered to arise due to a deficiency or imbalance of energy in the meridians and their associated physiological systems. It is said that where there is pain or disease a blockage to Qi is present in the meridian or channels.
Acupuncture points are specific locations along the meridians. Each point has a predictable effect upon the vital energy passing through it. Modern science has been able to measure the electrical charge at these points, thus corroborating the locations of the meridians mapped by the ancients.
Traditional Oriental medicine uses an intricate system of pulse and tongue diagnosis, palpitations of points and meridians, medical history and other signs and symptoms to create a composite Oriental medical diagnosis. A treatment plan is then formulated to induce the body to a balanced state of health.
What Should You Expect In Treatment?
Many conditions may be alleviated very rapidly by acupuncture and Oriental medicine. However, some conditions that have arisen over a course of years will be relieved only with slow, steady progress.
As in any form of healing, the patient's attitude, diet, determinations and lifestyle will affect the outcome of a course of treatment. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their healing process.
Although Oriental medicine can treat most conditions, there are circumstances that can be dealt with more effectively by Western medicine. In such cases, your acupuncturist will recommend you contact a Western medical doctor.
Our office will recommend a plan of 4 weeks of acupuncture treatments. The first treatment we do a full and complete evaluation with an acupuncture treatment. This will last a little over an hour. On the second visit herbs may be prescribed. On the third visit we recommend to do Nutrition Response Testing. This test is scientifically proven to address many issues that may not even show up in normal physical examinations. On the fourth visit we ask you to bring in your supplements, herbs and medicines that you are currently taking. The purpose of this 4 week protocol is to allow the patient to get results immediately. It also is a great way for us to see if acupuncture and Oriental medicine will help treat their condition so that there will be long term success.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
In the hands of a comprehensively trained acupuncturist, your safety is assured.
Acupuncture needles are sterile and are disposed between treatments.
The World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture and traditional Oriental medicine's ability to treat over 43 common disorders including:
* Disorders with Pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, acute injury, sports injury, chronic pain.
* Chronic Illness, such as diabetes, auto immune disorders, hashimotos, cancer, etc.
* Gastrointestinal Disorders, such as food allergies, peptic ulcer, chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gastrointestinal weakness, anorexia and gastritis.
* Urogenital Disorders, including stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction.
* Gynecological Disorders, such as irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation, fertility issues in both women and men, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
* Respiratory Disorders, such as emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies and bronchitis.
* Disorders of the Bones, Muscles, Joints, and Nervous System, such as arthritis, migraine headaches, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness and low back, neck and shoulder pain.
* Circulatory Disorders, such as hypertension, angina pectoris, and anemia.
* Emotional and Psychological Disorders, including depression, anxiety and addictions.
* Supportive Therapy for other chronic and painful debilitating disorders.
How Do I Find A Qualified Practitioner?
Oriental medicine is a complex form of medicine that has been practiced in several countries around the world for hundreds of years. As a result, there are many valid schools of thought and traditions within the profession.
In order to obtain the best health care, you should seek a practitioner who has been comprehensively trained in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
Over 40 states have passed statutes or regulations setting standards for the practice of acupuncture by professional acupuncturists. It is best to find someone who is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
