What is Acupuncture

Acupuncture works by stimulating the body`s own healing abilities. The fine hair-thin needles do not inject anything into the body. Instead, the healing chemistry of the body is augmented, directed, and generally made more competent to manage health problems. Acupuncture is safe because it relies on the androgenous (an-drog-ge-nes) body chemistry. As a result, the side effects that one commonly encounters when taking drugs are not produced. Modern medical research is only beginning to unravel the biochemical pathways which acupuncture employs. Enough practical experience and knowledge of acupuncture`s benefits has accumulated, however, that now several leading medical centers routinely offer it, particularly in the treatment of chronic pain. The Mayo Clinic has had an acupuncture service since 1975, and the World Health Organization of the United Nations currently lists 47 different illnesses that may be effectively treated with acupuncture. Although part of a system of traditional health care for body and mind which dates back three thousand years, acupuncture today is at the forefront of modern medical research and practice. Some treatable conditions include: migraines (my-grains), asthma (as-ma), bursitis (burr-sitis), tendinitis (tendin-itis), menstrual pain, weight loss, trigeminal (tri-jem-e-n-l) neuralgia (noo-ral-ja), stroke rehabilitation, back pain/sciatica (si-at-I-ka), stress-related illness, duodenal (doo-e-de-nal) ulcers, arthritic pain, sports injuries.

What Does Acupuncture Do

Just a tune-up keeps an automobile in good running order. Acupuncture can maintain health and prevent illness and disability. These were the goals of ancient Oriental medicine. Physicians of the Court were payed only as long as their patient stayed well. To this end, they advised their patients not only on proper nutrition and adequate exercise, but also on the importance of their mental attitudes. Depression, a lack of one`s usual level of energy - not sick, but definitely not up to par, if allowed to persist, can often result in actual illness. When pre-clinical symptoms are properly treated, the onset of illness can be avoided. Aging, physical deterioration and eventual death are inevitable, following the laws of nature. It is possible, however, to prevent early and unnecessary deterioration.

How Does Acupuncture Work

Chinese medical theory holds that a vital life energy circulates through the human body by way of channels called meridians. When this flow of energy is smooth and unobstructed, good health is the result. However, if for any reason, this flow is blocked. Then ailments and disease occur. The function of acupuncture is to restore balance in the body so the vital life energy, qi (pronounced chi or che or chee} can flow.

Is Acupuncture Painful

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and their insertion is often not even felt. Some persons have more skin sensitivity than others and some points are more sensitive to treat than others. Most people, however, say the treatments are not at all painful. Once the needles are in place, the patient can expect to feel a dull sensation, a sense of warmth, or sometimes even a slight flow of energy up and down from the point. Deep relaxation during treatment is the most common report of patients.

What Aspects of Illness Can be Treated by Acupuncture

Acupuncture is perhaps best known for its efficiency in relieving pain. Modern medical research attributes this in part to acupuncture`s power to increase the body`s level of endorphin (en-dor-fin) in the bloodstream. Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own morphine-like substance to alleviate pain. Nerve impulses are normalized and balanced because of the interconnection of the acupuncture points and the central nervous systems, thus suppressing pain. To think of acupuncture only in terms of relieving pain is to take too narrow a view of its potential uses, and to overlook its successes in the treatment of organic and stress-related disorders. Acupuncture can affect any disease or disorder as long as the body is functioning and no organ has been destroyed. Obviously it cannot heal a broken bone. Modern surgery is indeed a miracle, offering us skin grafts, plastic joints, and artificial valves and limbs when the originals have been irreparably damaged. However, it is difficult for human beings to find spare parts and even when they are available, the body often rejects them. Acupuncture, on the other hand, works to improve the quality and function of the organs we still have. Experiential evidence points to acupuncture`s ability to alleviate the symptoms common to organic disorders by strengthening the body`s natural resistance and its immune systems. After acupuncture treatment, there is an increase in the levels of white blood cells and increase in the levels of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Globulins (glow-bu-lins). It is believed that Alpha and Beta Globulins help white blood cells to fight infection. Gamma Globulins are associated with the production of immune antibodies.

Acupuncture Treatment for Substance Abuse

Acupuncture helps people recover from drugs and alcohol problems. It is used in clinics throughout the United States. Acupuncture can decrease cravings for drugs and alcohol, reduce withdrawal symptoms, relieve tension, and help people relax. Acupuncture treatments, taken enough times, clear the mind, build energy, and give a sense of well being. According to Chinese tradition, placing acupuncture needles in the ear affect specific organs such as the liver and kidneys. Western science has confirmed that acupuncture treatments change levels of chemicals in the body and act on the nervous system. Acupuncture itself is not a substitute for therapy but it used in addition to counseling and self-help programs.

How Acupuncture Treatment for Substance Abuse

Began

One day in the early 1970`s, H.L. Wen, M.D., then the only neurosurgeon in all of South China and Hong Kong, was preparing to use electro-acupuncture as surgical analgesia and the patient, who happened to be experiencing withdrawal symptoms from opium at the time, reported his symptoms had disappeared. Wen canceled the surgery and scouted the hospital for other patients in withdrawal. He gave his pre-op procedure to them and their symptoms also ceased. Acupuncture for substance abuse was born.

Why Acupuncture for Detox

It reduces physical symptoms of withdrawal, relieves depression, anxiety, and insomnia, profoundly relieves withdrawal symptoms including cravings, body aches, headache, nausea, sweating, muscle cramping, etc. The acupuncture detoxification is an ideal partner with other programs. It alleviates withdrawal symptoms so mental and physical stability are quickly achieved. This gives a new level of comfort allowing for more effective counseling. Twelve Step program participation, or participation in any other treatment program is considered important to sobriety. In addition, acupuncture, can be used safely with any other health condition, does not utilize other abusable, addictive drugs for treatment, can be effectively done on an outpatient basis, and is successfully used as a drug detoxification method at over 100 different drug treatment clinics in the United States. It`s also used successfully for this purpose in at least 25 other countries.

Acupuncture Treatment

Five tiny needles are placed in each ear, and then the client rests quietly for 45 minutes. This is a good time to relax, meditate, or think about changes to be made in your life. In detoxification treatment, points in the ear correspond to specific organs including the lungs, liver, kidneys, and nervous system. One of the points is for relaxation. The treatment triggers the release of natural body chemicals, including endorphin (en-dor-fin), which help reduce cravings for drugs, ease withdrawal symptoms, and increases relaxation.

How Will I Feel During the Treatment

Once the needles have been placed, your ears may tingle or feel warm. Some people even fall asleep. These are normal responses. Some people say they feel very relaxed when they are having the treatment, others don`t feel much at all. Even if you don`t feel much you are still getting the benefit of the treatment. Acupuncture is most effective after a series of treatments over a period of time.

The Detoxification Process

During detoxification, your body filters out the toxins that you have been storing up. Blood circulation begins to improve. Sometimes during the detoxification period you may feel achy, not sleep well, be cranky, or even have drug dreams. Please let the acupuncturist know if you have any of these symptoms so that additional acupuncture points can be added to your treatment.

How to Receive Maximum Benefit From Acupuncture

Treatment time should be used to sit quietly, relax and reflect, or meditate. Do not smoke cigarettes or drink coffee in the half hour before and after treatment. Let the acupuncturist know if you have any health problems. Get daily acupuncture treatments for the first two weeks, then three treatments a week for several weeks, then two treatments per week for several additional weeks. Final treatments should be once a week. If relapse occurs or something stressful happens in your life, then additional treatments are recommended.

What is Acupuncture

Acupuncture is simply the use of needles to stimulate specially designated points on the body. The Chinese began using acupuncture over 2000 years ago, and it has been the subject of continuous study and clinical experience since that time. Chinese Medicine is holistic; that is, it treats the whole person rather than the symptoms out of the context of the individual. Traditional acupuncture, therefore, is a complex system of examination, diagnosis, and treatment. It seeks to alleviate symptoms and pain by assisting individuals to find balance in their lives. Preventive maintenance is central to the philosophy of Chinese Medicine and this extends to what we generally consider our mental health.

What Can I Expect When Visiting an Acupuncturist?

There are many different styles of acupuncture. Regardless of the style practiced, the first visit should help your practitioner understand your reasons for seeking acupuncture treatment and assess the underlying imbalances leading to your symptoms. This session, the T.D., or Traditional Diagnosis, begins with an interview which includes both your medical and personal history, and continues with a physical examination and consultation. Depending on your practitioner, you may or may not receive a treatment at the time of your first visit. he length and frequency of subsequent visits will vary depending on your practitioner and your response to treatment. The treatments will generally not involve more than six to twelve needles, and may also include a related technique called moxibustion(mak-si-bus-chen). You`ll be seen weekly for six to eight weeks so that both you and your practitioner can closely follow your response to treatment.

What About the Needles - Do They Hurt

First of all, the needles used to stimulate acupuncture points have no resemblance to hypodermic syringes. Acupuncture needles are very slender, about the thickness of two human hairs. Many practitioners now use only stainless steel, pre-sterilized, disposable needles which are used once and then discarded. Most insertions are just beneath the skin`s surface. The sensations vary from person to person. Usually a dull, momentary ache or tingling is felt.

What is the Relationship Between Acupuncture and Conventional Medical Care

While acupuncture is concerned with the whole person and addresses itself to many levels of functioning, it is also a particular form of treatment with its own limitations. It needs to be used in conjunction with health-promoting attitudes and behaviors. Responsible acupuncturists cooperate with other health care professionals and do not recommend altering medications or other therapies without consulting a patient`s personal physician or provider.

What is Sports Acupuncture

Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine is a holistic medical system that is particularly effective for the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal (mus-ke-lo-skeletal) disorders, making it an ideal treatment for recreational and professional athletes. Acupuncture releases tension in the muscles and connective tissue so that the nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic (lym-fatic) systems are able to function more effectively. Numerous sports figures, including Carl Lewis, Kimiko Date, Jim McMahon, and Charles Barkley, have used acupuncture to enhance training and performance, accelerate healing, and manage pain.

How Are Internal Disorders Treated

Customized herbal formulations help to strengthen, detoxify, and balance the organs, glands, and immune system. For the athlete, herbs can help increase endurance, reduce "down time," and assist the body to work at its optimal level. Common clinical disorders treated include: digestive, gynecological, respiratory, circulation, immune, skin, allergic, emotional.

What is Treatment Like

Acupuncture is usually painless. Only the width of a thick hair, acupuncture needles are inserted at specific points on the body. The needles are sterile and disposed of after each use. Treatments last 30-60 minutes and are often prescribed weekly or biweekly. Herbal and homeopathic medicines may also be used when indicated. Since Oriental Medicine encourages patient participation in the healing process, dietary and lifestyle habits will be discussed.

What is Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient healing technique that involves stimulation of specific points on the body by very fine hairlike needles. Most people say they hardly feel the needles. For those who do not like needles, finger pressure can be used or technological equipment can be used to stimulate the points. Evidence shows that acupuncture began developing in India 7000 years ago and traveled to China 5000 years ago where it flourished. By 2500 years ago, the Chinese developed acupuncture into a highly systematized effective health care system. The Chinese categorized in detail 360 points along 14 meridians or energy pathways. Twelve of the meridians related to 12 of the major organs of the body. They discovered that when these organ meridians were out of harmony with one another, or blocked, there is pain, disease, and discomfort in mind and body, and when they were balanced, there is health and peace of mind. The United Nations World Health Organization has gathered together studies showing acupuncture to be remarkably effective in the treatment of a majority of health problems including respiratory, digestive, hormonal, muscular/skeletal, nervous system, and circulatory system.

Work Related Injuries

According to Workman`s Compensation Law, an acupuncturist is a primary health care provider. This means that an acupuncturist can be your treating physician or that another treating physician, such as a medical doctor or chiropractor, can refer you to an acupuncturist for treatment. Work-related injuries respond well to acupuncture: low back pain, neck and shoulder, elbow, hand, knee, or foot injuries, repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis; Even chemical toxic poisoning and environmental illnesses respond well. Acupuncture also works well right along with drug therapy, physical therapy, or chiropractic. It can help the patient to avoid using drugs or to minimize their use or their side effects. Acupuncture often works when other types of health care fail. In many cases operations can be averted through acupuncture treatments. If you are dissatisfied with your progress, you have the right to choose an acupuncturist as your treating physician after 30 days from the day you reported your injury. Your present treating physician may not be familiar with acupuncture and not know that it may be able to help. Sometimes doctors who do not know what acupuncture can do will tell their patients that there is nothing that can be done to help them or that acupuncture will not work. Often acupuncture can help in these circumstances. One option is to see an acupuncturist on your own to see if you have a favorable response. If you respond well, your doctor will be likely to refer you to acupuncture. Of not, you have the option of choosing an acupuncturist as your treating physician.

Allergies

An allergy is an adverse immune system reaction to a substance most people find harmless. There are two types of allergies: those caused by environmental factors, such as dust, pollens, dust mites, chemicals, and perfumes, and those caused by foods, such as wheat, milk, shellfish, chocolate, food additives, coffee, and tomatoes. Allergies not only manifest as stuffy nose, watery eyes, and sneezing, but can cause or contribute to backaches, joint pain, headaches, fatigue, diabetes, edema, gastrointestinal disorders, glaucoma, kidney problems, weight gain, heart palpitations, depression, and learning disorders. We often crave the foods we are allergic to. Do you crave breads, sugary foods, milk, chocolate, tea, or coffee? If so, you may be allergic to them. One primary cause of allergies is an impaired immune system. The immune system is often impaired or over-burdened by stress, pollution, over-reliance on antibiotics, and the use of steroids - especially birth control pills. Other causes of food allergies are pesticides and preservatives in the food, repetitive diets, nutritional deficiencies, or an adrenal gland exhausted from stress. Acupuncture can help the body to detoxify the body, strengthen the immune system and the adrenal gland, so that the body no longer has an allergic response.

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Low Back Pain

Acupuncture responds very well to low back pain from many causes such as, a slipped disc, muscle spasms, disintegrating discs, herniated discs, arthritis, kidney disease, digestive problems, hormonal imbalances in women during their periods, stress-related or residual pain following an operation. Whatever the cause of the low back pain, it is likely that acupuncture will be able to help. Acupuncture often works when other methods fail. It is not uncommon for back surgery to be prevented. Acupuncture is a good supplement to other ongoing medical practices such as chiropractic, physical therapy, and drug therapy. So, the acupuncturist can work right along with your doctor. Most insurance companies pay for acupuncture, including companies for work-related injuries and auto accidents.