Q: What kinds of things can be treated by acupuncture?
A: The World Health Organization recognizes Acupuncture and Traditional Oriental medicine's ability to treat over 43 common disorders.
- Disorders of the Bones, Muscles, Joints and Nervous System , such as arthritis, headaches, neuralgia, dizziness, back, neck, and shoulder pains, tendonitis, sports injuries, fibromyalgia, sciatica, muscular atrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease and Lupus.
- Gynecological Disorders , such as irregular, heavy or painful menstruation, leukorrhea, infertility, PMS, menopausal symptoms, uterine fibroids, and morning sickness.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders , such as food allergies, ulcers, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gastrointesional weakness, anorexia, gastritis, bloating, and acid reflux.
- Emotional and Psychological Disorders , including anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia.
- Urogenital Disorders , including stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction.
- Circulatory Disorders , such as hypertension, angina pectoris, artiosclerosis, edema, and anemia.
- Respiratory Disorders , such as emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, colds and flu.
- Addictions, such as alcohol, nicotine, drugs, and food.
- Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders
- Supportive Therapy for other immune compromised individuals as well as patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Q: Does acupuncture hurt?
A: No. Acupuncture is generally relaxing. The acupuncture needles are very thin, about the size of a hair. With proper insertion the needles should not hurt. Sensations often felt once the needles are inserted may include; itchy, achy, numbness, heat, electrical, tingling, or heaviness. These sensations are referred to as "Qi" sensations.
Q: What is an acupuncture treatment like?
A: The practitioner will first have the patient fill out a medical history form and have the patient sign a consent form for acupuncture. The acupuncturist will ask questions regarding the main health concern and relevant symptoms as well as other health issues. Then he/she will check the pulse on both wrists, look at the tongue and conduct an appropriate physical examination. The acupuncturist will then establish a diagnosis for treatment based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. After the diagnosis has been made the acupuncturist will choose acupuncture points according to the diagnosis and based on the individual's needs. The patient usually lays in a comfortable position, either on the stomach or on the back, occassionally the patient may sit in a chair. The acupuncture needles are then inserted into specific acupuncture points. Needles are retained for 10 minutes to 1 hour depending on the condition or conditions being treated.
Q: Are the needles clean?
A: Yes. Needles are sterile and disposable. Needles are thrown away into a sharps container after they have been used. The containers are picked up or sent off for hazardous waste disposal.
Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: The amount of treatments vary from person to person. People often have results after the first treatment. Chronic conditions usually require more treatments. Some conditions may only require 1-5 treatments while others may take 12 or more.
Q: How does acupuncture work?
A: Traditional Chinese Medicine views health conditions as the result of imbalances or disruptions in the body's vital energy (Qi). TCM believes that this vital energy (Qi) flows throughout the body in channels or pathways called meridians. Each meridian is associated with a particular organ. TCM believes that when a health condition is present, there are imbalances within the meridian and organ systems. Acupuncture is used to manipulate the energy in the meridians to help correct imbalances and restore health.
Most diseases do not occur over night, they are due to a disharmony within the body that occurs over time. An acupuncturist is able to identify the patterns of disharmony based on the history of the patient, observation of the tongue, feeling the pulses on both wrists and palpation of certain points on the body. Once the pattern is identified, an appropriate treatment plan can be developed.
Q: Should I eat before the treatment?
A: A person should not receive acupuncture if they have just eaten a large meal or have an empty stomach. It is best to have something to eat about 1 hour or more before the treatment.
Q: How will I feel after the treatment?
A: It really depends on the person and what they are being treated for. Many people feel very relaxed after acupuncture treatments. Others may feel energized and refreshed after a treatment.
Q: How many needles will be used?
A: The amount of needles vary from person to person and from condition to condition. Many acupuncturist use anywhere from 4-12 or more depending on the condition.
Q: Why does the acupuncturist look at my tongue?
A: The acupuncturist can tell a lot about a person's condition by looking at the tongue. The practitioner will look at the tongue body and the tongue coating. The tongue can indicate what is going on in a person's body. The tongue can help in diagnosing health conditions. Some people have red tongues others may have pale, puffy, or purple tongues. Some people have thin white or yellow coats, others may have a thicker coating or none at all. Some have cracks on their tongues, deviations, or purple spots. The condition of the tongue corresponds to health conditions of the individual.
Q: What can the acupuncturist tell from feeling the pulse in both wrists?
A: The acupuncturist feels both wrists, 3 positions and 3 different levels on each wrist. The positions and levels correspond to different organs and energy relationships. There are 28 different pulse types. The practitioner feels for these different qualities of the pulse in each position which gives insight as to what and where the imbalances are in the patient's body.
Q: Will acupuncture or herbs interfere with the medications that I am taking?
A: Acupuncture will not interfere with any medications. It is important to inform the practitioner of any blood thinning medications before the treatment. Certain herbs should not be mixed with particular western medications, these interactions should be addressed by the practitioner. It is important to inform the practitioner of all medications and supplements currently taken. Herbs are an effective form of treatment for many disorders and can be safely used in conjunction with most western medications. There are some drug-herb contraindications. A knowledgable herbalist will be able to safely prescribe the appropriate herbal formula.
Q: How does Chinese herbology work?
A:Each herb has different properties that affect the flow of energy in the body. These properties include different temperature and taste qualities, and the capability to affect or enter certain meridians or areas of the body. The actions and indications of each herb are determined by their specific properties. In Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs are usually combined in formulas to maximize each herbal prescription's function. Choosing the correct formula is considered an art in Oriental Medicine. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, herbs are carefully selected to correct imbalances within the body and are prescribed depending on the individual's TCM diagnosis. To find the appropriate herbal formula the practitioner must first perform an appropriate intake including a medical history, observation of the tongue, and palpation of the pulse. Western medications often control the symptoms of an illness but do not alter the disease process. Herbology, when used properly, can treat the underlying conditions that caused a particular illness or health condition. Herbs may work slower than western medications in alleviating symptoms due to the fact that they focus on the root of a condition.
Q: How long do I have to take the herbs?
A: For acute conditions herbs may only be taken for a couple days to a couple weeks. More chronic conditions will require taking the herbs for a month or more. For acute conditions results may occur in a matter of minutes. Results from chronic conditions may be seen within two weeks.
Q: Can my husband/ wife or children take my herbs?
A: Herbal formulas are specific for the individual. Herbal formulas should not be given to others without consulting the practitioner.
Q: Can I take herbs when I am pregnant?
A: Certain herbs are prohibited during pregnancy. A knowledgeable herbalist will be able to safely prescribe herbs.
Q: Can I take herbs when I am nursing?
A: Certain herbs should be avoided during nursing. A knowledgeable practitioner will be able to safely prescribe appropriate herbs.
Q: What is Tui Na?
A: Tui na is a form of massage commonly used throughout China to treat a variety of ailments including musculoskeletal disorders such as injuries of the tendons, muscles and bones, headaches, migraines, gastrointestinal, respiratory, gynecological disorders, obstetric, pediatric diseases as well as diseases of the eyes, ears, nose and throat. This form of massage can boost the immune system and is used to treat people of all ages from infants to the elderly. Tui na is also a popular form of massage utilized for cosmetic purposes. Face tui na is often used to strengthen the face muscles and increase blood supply to the face, preventing wrinkles, sagging skin, dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that there are specific energy pathways that circulate throughout the body. These flows of energy are called meridians. Diseases occur through imbalances in this energy system. There are certain areas and points on the body which can be manipulated to correct these imbalances. Tui na is an effective form of therapy to balance the energy of the meridians and in regulating the functions of the internal organs.
Tui na is an external form of treatment that incorporates various manipulations according to the particular ailment, age, constitution and TCM diagnosis of the individual. Tui na applications focus on areas of pain, acupuncture points, meridians, muscles and joints. Manipulations often used on adults may include pressing, kneading, rolling, rubbing, grasping, patting, rotating, pulling, and extending, just to name a few.
Q: How deep do the acupuncture needles go in?
A: The depth of the needle depends on the location of the acupuncture point, ailment, age, and constitution of the patient. Seasons also have an effect on the appropriate depth of needle insertion. Needles may go in from 1/5 of an inch to a few inches.
Q: How do I find a qualified practitioner?
A: Laws vary from state to state. The NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) certifies practitioners in acupuncture and Chinese herbology, Asian bodywork therapy, and Oriental medicine. The Oriental Medicine certification is new and is granted to practitioners who are qualified in acupuncture, herbology, and at least two of the following four categories: Asian bodywork; diet; exercise; patient education in bodywork, diet, and exercise. When searching for a practitioner of acupuncture or Chinese herbology in New York it is advisable to find out if they are state licensed in acupuncture and certified by the NCCAOM in acupuncture and Chinese herbology or Oriental medicine. Websites such as www.acupuncture.com and www.acupuncturealliance.org can offer information about practitioners in your area.
Q: How do I find a qualified reflexologist?
A: You can contact the American Reflexology Certification Board at www.arcb.net.
Q: Does insurance cover acupuncture?
A: More and more insurances are now accepting acupuncture. Some plans only cover in-network providers, and other plans cover both in and out-of-network providers. Call your insurance plan today or call and check with the provider.
Q: Can acupuncture and herbs help me stop smoking? (read the article)
A: Yes. Acupuncture and herbs can be an effective form of treatment for stop smoking. Acupuncture and herbology can significantly reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, sleeping disorders, irritability, agitation, anxiety and other common side effects associated with stopping drug use.
Q: Can acupuncture and herbs help me lose weight?
A: Yes. Acupuncture and herbs can be effective in weight loss. Acupuncture and herbs can increase metabolism and the elimination of toxins and waste through urination and bowel movements. It can also help with cravings and curbing the appetite. Acupuncture and herbs are effective in helping people lose weight safely and naturally. This means you should expect gradual decreases in weight, about 1 pound a week. It is adviseable to consult a knowledgeable practitioner before buying over the counter herbal supplements. Herbal supplements marketed for weight loss and fat burning are not for everybody and dangerous for some people. A trained herbologist will be able to safely prescribe the appropriate herbs based on your individual needs.
