What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this noninvasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy. An acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupuncture points on the body. This activates the body's Qi and promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity, and physical and emotional health. It also can improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, painless, and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.
What is Qi and how does it travel?
At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced "chee") or Life Energy, flows throughout the body. Qi helps to animate the body and protect it from illness, pain, and disease. A person's health is influenced by the quality, quantity, and balance of Qi. Qi circulates through specific pathways called meridians. There are 12 main meridian pathways throughout the body. Each is connected to specific organs and glands. Meridian pathways are like rivers. Where a river flows, it transports life-giving water that nourishes the land, plants, and people. In the same way, meridian pathways transport life-giving Qi to nourish and energize every cell, organ, gland, tissue, and muscle. When Qi flows freely throughout the body, one enjoys good physical, mental, and emotional well-being. An obstruction of Qi anywhere in the body is like a dam, backing up the flow in one area and restricting it in others. This blockage can hinder the disruption of the nourishment that the body requires to function optimally.
What can affect Qi?
Many things influence the quality, quantity, and balance of Qi. Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, diet, accidents, or excessive activity can lead to a blockage or imbalance of Qi. Normally, when this imbalance occurs, the body naturally bounces back, returning to a balanced state of health and well-being. When the disruption to Qi is prolonged or excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, then illness, pain, or disease can set in.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes. Treatment frequency depends on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem, and the quality and quantity of your Qi. An acupuncturist may suggest one or two treatments per week, monthly visits for maintenance, or seasonal "tune-ups".
Do the needles hurt?
The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies. Some people feel a little pinch as the needles are inserted, but most people feel nothing at all. The needles are tiny, just a little larger than a cat's whisker or a human hair.
What should I expect during a treatment?
Where the acupuncture needle has been inserted, you may experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling, warmth, or dull ache. Sometimes people experience a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needle. This is called the "Qi sensation". All these reactions are good and a sign that the treatment is working. After treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep sense of relaxation and well being.
How should I prepare?
- Come with any questions you have - we are here to help you.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
- Please do NOT come to your acupuncture appointment on an empty stomach or right after a large meal. It is better to have a light snack or meal before your treatment.
- Refrain from overexertion, working out, or alcohol for up to 6 hours after the visit.
- Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax and be sure to get plenty of rest.
- Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.
What is Cupping?
Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. It is used for sore muscles, tension, neck pain and the common cold. In this therapy, your acupuncturist will place small glass or plastic "cups" over specific areas on your body. A vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction. They may be moved over an affected area or left in place. You may leave the office looking as though a large octopus gave you a big hug. There is no need for alarm. The slight redness will quickly dissipate.
What is Gwa Sha?
Gwa Sha is another technique used to release muscle tension, tightness, and constriction. A specialized tool is used to gently scrape or rub the skin over a problem area. Gwa Sha feels a bit like deep massage. This too amy leave some slight redness that will quickly dissipate.
What is Tui Na?
Tui Na translates as "push grasp". It is a massage technique that moves Qi in various parts of the body. It is used to relieve muscle pain, tension, and inflammation and to heal injuries.
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a treatment that uses an herb called mugwort. It may be burned on the handle of the needle, above the skin, on salt or on a slice of ginger. This is used to "warm" acupuncture points or areas in order to quicken the healing process.
CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE - What do Herbs do?
Chinese herbs are prescribed to normalize imbalanced energy, or Qi, that runs through invisible meridians in the body. Treatments are gentle and natural and therefore often require a few das to demonstrate full effect. Studdies have shown that Chinese herbal medincines to be successful in treating a range of disorders, particularly gynecological and gastrointestinal disorders. Chinese herbal medicines are mainly plant based, but some preparations include minerals or animal products. They can be packaged as powders, pastes, lotions, or tablets, depending on the herb and its intended use. Different herbs have different properties and can balance particular parts of the body.
Chinese herbal medicine is a comprehensive form of medicine that can effectively address a wide variety of conditions. It has a long clinical history of treating acute and chronic conditions. It excels in treating conditions that Western medicine has difficulty treating, as well as conditions not addressed by Western medicine. Chinese herbal medicine may be used to treat delicate patients such as infants, elderly patients, and pregnant women on a regular basis. After completing an evaluation, a practitioner may recommend an herbal formula consisting of several herbs. As in any form of healing, a patient's attitude, diet, determination, and lifestyle will affect the outcome. Patients are encouraged to participate actively in their healing process to obtain the best possible results.
CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE - Are Herbs safe?
In the hands of a well-trained practitioner, Chinese herbs are effective and safe. Carefule attention to dosage and combination of herbs, as well as any known drug-herb interactions, are covered in comprehensive Chinese herbal medicine education programs. In addition, the Chinese herbal profession is working with the FDA to ensure the quality and safety of Chinese herbs imported into this country.
Herbs have a natural balancing or regulating effect on the body are are usually more gently than pharmaceutical drugs. Side effects from herbs are possible, uncommon, and usually minor. The most common problems are gastrointestinal upset, gas, and bloating. These symptoms are usually temporary and dissappear on their own. If any problem occurs, a practitioner may change the formula.
Herb-drug interactions are rare. However, in order to allow health care practitioners to treat a patient effectively and work in partnership, any Western medical physicians should be informed of Chinese herbs a patient is taking, just as herbal practitioners should be informed of prescription medicines a patient is taking.
Will my acupuncture treatments be covered by insurance?
Currently, we do not bill insurance directly for acupuncture. However, depending on the insurance carrier and policy, some patients may be able to submit their receipts and get reimbursed for their acupuncture visits. You can call your insurance company to find out at what level they cover acupuncture treatments and if a doctor's referral is needed. Acupuncture & Natural Healing can provide you with a Superbill along with the necessary documentation and billing codes to help you with this process. The costs of acpuncture and herbal medicine are generally considered tax deductible as medical expenses. Acupuncture is also covered under many Flex Spending Plans, and some plans may also reimburse you for the cost of your Chinese Herbal prescriptions. Please check with your Flex Plan administrator for details and coverage restrictions.