Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture

What is acupuncture and Oriental medicine?

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Acupuncture is a holistic system of healing, developed and refined in the Far East over a period of more than 2500 years. Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. While perhaps best known for pain relief, traditional acupuncture is used to maintain health and treat a wide range of illnesses. It focuses on the patient's overall well-being, rather than treating only specific, isolated symptoms. The basic premise of all Oriental medicine is that health is dependent on the body's life energy, "qi" (pronounced "chee"), flowing in a smooth and balanced way through the network of meridians (channels) connecting all major organs. Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities, known as yin and yang. When the qi is disturbed, these become unbalanced, resulting in illness. The flow of qi can be disturbed by any number of factors, such as anxiety, stress, poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary, infections, toxins and trauma. The acupuncturist restores the qi's balance by inserting fine sterilized needles into the channels of energy, stimulating the body's own natural healing mechanisms. As a holistic method, the principal aim of acupuncture is to restore equilibrium between a person's physical, emotional and spiritual aspects.

The skill of the acupuncturist lies in his/her ability to make a traditional diagnosis from what is often a complex pattern of disharmony. The nature of the disharmony is unique to each individual, and with traditional acupuncture, is treated as such with a personalized treatment plan. Your practitioner will make a Chinese medical diagnosis based on a thorough examination and consultation.

How old is acupuncture?

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Acupuncture has been used by the Chinese and other East Asian peoples to restore and maintain good health for about 2500 years. The first known medical account of acupuncture is found in The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, which dates from the Han Dynasty (206 BCE to 220 ACE). Originally needles were fashioned from stone, and later bronze, gold and silver.

How does acupuncture work?

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Acupuncture achieves the desired results by stimulating specific points near or on the surface of the skin - acupuncture points - that have the ability to alter biochemical and physiological conditions in the body. Because acupuncture points are designated areas of electrical sensitivity, inserting needles at these points stimulates sensory receptors. This in turn stimulates nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system in the brain. The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing hormones (thought to be some 200 times more potent than morphine). Endorphins play a significant role in the hormonal system, which is why acupuncture is effective in treating back pain, arthritis, PMS and infertility. The substances released as a result of acupuncture relax the body, and also regulate serotonin in the brain, which affects emotional states. Other physiological effects include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count, which supports the immune system.

Western science posits that acupuncture triggers three primary mechanisms in the body:

Which ailments is acupuncture most commonly used to treat?

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Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. The following are some of the more common conditions treatable by Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, as outlined by the WHO.

Upper Respiratory Tract

Respiratory System

Disorders of the Eye

Disorders of the Mouth

Gastro-intestinal Disorders

Neurological and Musculo-skeletal Disorders

The most common ailments presented to acupuncturists in the U.S. are pain-related conditions. However, as the public becomes more educated about acupuncture and Oriental medicine, they are seeking help for a number of other conditions, with good results. These include:

Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders

Circulatory Disorders

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gynecological Genitourinary Disorders

Immune Disorders

Addiction

Emotional and Psychological Disorders

Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders

Respiratory Disorders

Miscellaneous

How do I pay for treatment?

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Our office is set up for direct pay only (cash and checks). We do not accept credit or debit cards. If your health insurance policy covers acupuncture, you will only be responsible for a small co-pay or no co-pay at all.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

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We are in-network providers for Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield and its affiliated Blue Cross/Blue Shield companies as well as Oxford Healthcare. If your insurance covers acupuncture, we will bill your insurance company and charge you only the co-pay. Often there is no co-pay at all. We also accept other insurance plans that cover out-of-network acupuncture and related services performed by a licensed acupuncturist.

Call the phone number on the back of your insurance card and check with your insurance company. We recommend asking the following important questions to your insurance company before contacting our office:

How do I choose an acupuncturist?

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Your results with acupuncture will depend to a great extent on the provider you choose. We recommend finding an acupuncturist with whom you feel comfortable. If you like and trust your practitioner, your experience will be more positive. It's also important to know about the acupuncturist's training and experience, and what to expect from the treatment. The clearer you are about who is treating you and exactly what the treatment involves, the more you will be able to relax during the acupuncture session and benefit from this ancient form of health care. Following are some guidelines:

Determine your goals

Do you have a specific injury or complaint, or do you want to try acupuncture to balance body, mind and spirit? Are you looking for a primary health care practitioner, or someone to work in conjunction with your current physician?

Questions you should ask:

Credentials to Look For

Acupuncture is an acknowledged and respected field of medicine, and most states, provinces and countries requires formal training and certification. In particular the United States has rigorous training standards for acupuncturists. Most states require a 4-year Masters degree in Acupuncture (MSAC) or Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) from an accredited acupuncture school. In addition, an acupuncturist must pass written and practical state and/or national board exams in order to become licensed. Training includes all aspects of Western medicine as well as Traditional Oriental Medicine. If you live in a state that does not require licensing, choose an acupuncturist certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Its members are required to have a degree in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine (Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine) from an accredited school, or have worked as an apprentice acupuncturist for at least four years, and passed both written and practical national board exams. Those who have passed the acupuncture portion of the exam are entitled to add "Dipl.Ac." (Diplomate of Acupuncture) to their names. Practitioners of Traditional Oriental Medicine have passed the exams required for the Dipl.Ac. and the Herbal Medicine exam.

There is also an advanced doctoral degree available: the Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM), which requires an additional two and a half years of schooling beyond the 4-year Masters degree. Typically, research studies, advanced clinical training, and advanced classes are all part of DAOM degree requirements.

How deep do the needles go?

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Acupuncture points are located on or close to the skin's surface, so needles are generally inserted from 1/8 to one inch. The depth of insertion depends on the nature of the condition being treated, the patients' size, age, and constitution, as well as the acupuncturist's style and training.

Does acupuncture hurt?

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There is little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles. One reason is that they are much finer than those used for injections and blood tests - 25 to 50 times thinner than hypodermic needles - so thin that several acupuncture needles can fit into the middle of a hypodermic needle. Further, the actual insertion is done very quickly. While some feel nothing at all, others experience a brief moment of discomfort, sometimes followed by a mild sensation of cramping, tingling or numbness (desirable sensations known as "attaining qi"). The needles are left in place for 20 to 40 minutes. Most people find the experience relaxing, and some even fall asleep during treatment.

Are the needles sterile?

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Yes. Licensed acupuncturists are required to be certified in Clean Needle Techniques and only use sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. However, it is good practice to verify your acupuncturist's clean needle technique prior to accepting treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

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Length, number and frequency of treatments vary. For most conditions, a series of several treatments is necessary to achieve the maximum benefit. After an initial consultation, the acupuncturist should provide you with a treatment plan that includes the techniques to be used, as well as the frequency and duration of treatment.

A typical series of treatments consists of 6 to 12 visits, once or twice a week, with treatments lasting from 20 to 60 minutes each. Acute conditions, such as sprains, generally require less time and frequency, whereas more chronic or severe ailments may require several (or several dozen) treatments. Positive results are usually seen after the first to fourth treatment. Appointments are scheduled further and further apart after the optimal response has been achieved. From there, many people see their acupuncturist only 2-4 times a year for a "tune up."

How long do appointments last?

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Your first visit will last 1 1/2 hours, and subsequent visits will be about 1 hour long.

What will happen on my first visit?

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For your initial consultation, the acupuncturist needs to assess your general health. You will be asked about your current symptoms and any treatment you've received so far. It is also important to gather detailed information about your medical history and that of your family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. To discover how the energies are flowing in your body, the acupuncturist is likely to check your pulse. The structure, color and coating of your tongue also provide keys to your physical health. The purpose is to identify which energy channels need to be adjusted in order to address your specific complaint, and which require treatment to boost your overall vitality.

Stimulation of specific areas affects the functioning of various organs. However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body where you are experiencing a problem. For example, if you suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted into your foot or hand. There are around 500 acupuncture points on the body, and an experienced acupuncturist will use a selection of perhaps 10 or 12 of these for each treatment. Often during the course of treatment, different points will be selected as the patient's condition changes. The acupuncturist may also supplement needle treatment with moxa, a smoldering herb used to warm acupuncture points. Other methods include lasers or electro-acupuncture. Massage, or tapping with a rounded probe, are techniques particularly suitable for small children or for people with a fear of needles.

We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing to receive acupuncture treatment. You should also be aware that the acupuncturist may need to access points on your torso, arms and legs.

What should I do before treatment?

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Try to avoid the following:

It also helps to be in a calm state. Try to arrive 10 or 15 minutes before your appointment to give yourself a chance to relax. Comfortable, loose clothing should be worn, and you should not wear any metallic jewelry, watches, or earrings. Makeup and nail polish should be minimized or eliminated. Please also avoid the use of perfumes, colognes or strongly scented cosmetics.

How will I feel after acupuncture?

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Patients normally feel relaxed and calm. You may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours if the treatment is particularly strong. You may also experience a short-term flair-up of symptoms as your qi resettles itself.

What should I do after treatment?

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It is often helpful to sit quietly and relax following treatment. A gentle walk or very mild exercise can also be helpful. Avoid big meals, vigorous exercise, alcohol and stressful situations.

Should I tell my doctor?

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If you are receiving treatment from your doctor, then it makes sense to tell him/her about your intention to have acupuncture. At the same time, you should always inform your acupuncturist of any other treatment you are receiving, such as medications, as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.

My doctor does not believe in acupuncture.
Do I have to believe in order to obtain results?

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No. As a case in point, acupuncture works very well for horses, dogs and cats, most of whom probably don't "believe" in acupuncture either. It is always beneficial to have confidence in your practitioner, but faith in a particular technique is not necessary to obtain results.

Can I buy an acupuncture machine for self-treatment?

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Self-treatment is not recommended, either with needles or other gadgets. Only a properly trained practitioner is qualified to objectively diagnose and administer appropriate treatment. Gadgets sold with manuals indicating "certain points for certain symptoms" do not use traditional acupuncture theory, and the self-treating patient can easily overlook other relevant symptoms.

Do I have to receive acupuncture to be treated?

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No. Complete Oriental medical care also specializes in Oriental bodywork, a combination of acupressure and structural therapeutics. The acupuncture points are worked with fingers and hands, in combination with soft tissue manipulation, stretching and joint rotation techniques. For severe internal disharmonies, however, acupuncture is recommended, as it works on a deeper level.

Should I continue with my prescribed medication
while receiving acupuncture treatment?

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Yes, at least until you have thoroughly discussed your options with your doctor or the practitioner who prescribed the medication. Many people seek the help of an acupuncturist because of dissatisfaction with drug treatment - whether it does not seem to be working or there are unacceptable side effects. However, DO NOT stop taking any medication without professional guidance.

What are some other Oriental Medicine techniques besides needle insertion?

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Below are a few techniques typically used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance its effect

ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE

Electro-Acupuncture uses acupuncture needles to conduct small electrical currents. This technique is often used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance treatment, and has been proven to decrease pain, accelerate healing, and significantly reduce inflammation, edema and swelling.

MOXIBUSTION

Moxibustion is a technique in which a Chinese herb called mugwort or Artemisia Vulgaris is used to heat an acupuncture point, particularly in the treatment of certain debilitating conditions as well as arthritis and pain. Moxa is usually rolled into a stick, lit, and held over specific areas of the body. It can also be placed onto the handle of an acupuncture needle for deeper penetration of heat.

CUPPING

In cupping, a glass cup or bamboo jar is suctioned onto the body and kept in place for about ten minutes. This stimulates circulation, relieves swelling, and enhances the acupuncture or electro-acupuncture treatment.

TUI NA

Tui Na is Chinese physical therapy or massage. It is used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance treatment of a variety of musculo-skeletal conditions.

What are the different styles of acupuncture?

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While it originated in China, acupuncture is used throughout the world. Different styles have developed over the centuries based on different theories. We would encourage you to speak with your practitioner about his/her style. While the basic theoretical principles of acupuncture are fairly consistent, different styles of acupuncture differ greatly in terms of technique and diagnosis. There is no evidence that one particular style is more effective than another, but you should understand as much as possible about the treatment being proposed. Below is a general guide:

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the dominant style of acupuncture studied and practiced in the United States.

Japanese Style Acupuncture

Japanese-style acupuncture takes a more subtle route than TCM, using fewer and thinner needles with less stimulation.

Korean Hand Acupuncture

This technique focuses on points in the hand that correspond to areas of the body and to certain disharmonies.

Auricular Acupuncture

This system, commonly used for pain control and drug, alcohol, and nicotine addiction, focuses on points in the ear that correspond to areas of the body and to certain disharmonies.

Medical Acupuncture

When acupuncture is performed by a western Medical Doctor, it is termed "Medical Acupuncture." Acupuncture requirements for western doctors are generally more lenient than for non-MDs. If you decide to go to a Medical Doctor for acupuncture, choose one who is a member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, as this organization requires a minimum of 200 hours of training. Medical doctors usually use sterilized, stainless steel needles, like other acupuncturists, but also sometimes use injections and even implants of gold and silver.

Veterinary Acupuncture

Veterinary acupuncture is an acknowledged and respected field of medicine, requiring formal training and certification. In most states, provinces and countries, veterinary acupuncture is considered a surgical procedure that, legally, may ONLY be performed by a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

What do the initials after the acupuncturists name stand for?

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While the abbreviation after an acupuncturist's name is usually "L.Ac." (Licensed Acupuncturist), there are many other certifications and degrees that practitioners may attain. Following are the most common abbreviations and their meanings:

Are there risks or side effects to acupuncture?

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While acupuncture is an extremely safe form of physical medicine, there are contraindications and risks (listed below). Note that some of these risks are EXTREMELY RARE.

Precautions & Contraindications:

Risks:

Why did you appear on the Oprah WInfrey Show?

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The purpose of my appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show was to present acupuncture as a positive and viable alternative or complementary therapy for a wide range of chronic diseases. I wanted to provide the public with choices which could help improve health and wellness. In doing so, I hoped to increase the quality of life for everyone.

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