Q: WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
A: Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into specific points of the body. Points are chosen to treat specific health problems. The Chinese have mapped these points over a period of two thousand years. Recently electromagnetic research has confirmed their locations. According to traditional Chinese medical theory, the basic energy force of life that flows through all living things is called Qi, pronounced “chee”.
Qi flows through channels, also called meridians, throughout the body. The acupuncturist observes manifestations of disease and then locates points on the body that govern a particular reaction of the blocked channel. The acupuncturist stimulates those points to allow the Qi to flow freely again. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores a harmonious energetic balance of the body.
Q: HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
A: According to traditional oriental medicine, needles placed along acupuncture meridians (pathways), stimulate the body’s healing Qi (energy). From a Western perspective, the needles trigger the nervous system, releasing painkilling and inflammation-reducing substances. When an acupuncture needle is inserted into your body, it stimulates a sensory nerve. The sensory nerve triggers electrical impulses to the spinal cord, which signals: nerve cells to release endorphins (chemicals that mute pain); midbrain to discharge neurotransmitters (substances that block pain pathways); and pituitary gland to deliver endorphins and anti-inflammatory chemicals into the surrounding brain tissue and bloodstreams.
Q: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE?
A: Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Below is a list of disorders for which acupuncture is effective:
- Diseases, Muscle, Bone and Nerve Pain
- Arthritis, rheumatism
- Back, foot, leg and joint pain
- Bell’s palsy
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Facial paralysis
- Headaches, migraines
- Lumbago
- Rheumatism
- Sciatica
- Stiff neck and shoulders
- Tennis elbow
- TMJ
- Toothache
- Internal Medicine
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Chronic diarrhea
- Constipation
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- Indigestion
- Sinus
- Stomachache
- Gynecological Disorders
- Infertility
- Menopause
- Menstrual Pain and Cramping
- PMS
- Emotional and Sleep Disorders
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Stress
- Addictions
- Alcohol
- Narcotics
- Tobacco
- Weight Loss
Q: DOES ACUPUNCTURE HAVE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
A: One of the significant advantages of acupuncture is the absence of side effects as long as it has been properly applied. This is in contrast to many Western medicines in which severe side effects in certain cases may be worse than the disease being treated.
Q: HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE FEEL?
A: Acupuncture needles are very fine, about the size of a thin hair, and most acupuncture points are virtually painless. There are a few areas such as the feet and hands that are more sensitive. I will usually let you know if a point is sensitive.
You may feel different sensations such as cramping, heaviness, dissention, tingling or electric-like sensation, either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridians. In any case, if you experience any discomfort, it is usually mild, and I can either adjust or remove the needle.
Once all the needles are inserted, most patients experience a feeling of deep relaxation. In fact, many fall asleep during the treatment (which usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes) and awake refreshed––as if they have been sleeping for hours.
Q: IS THERE A SET NUMBER OF TREATMENTS?
A: Since each person is unique, the number of treatments varies depending on the nature of the complaint, its severity, how long it has been present (whether the condition is chronic or acute), and the vitality of the person. After your first visit, we will discuss the estimated number of treatments that may be necessary to treat your condition.
Q: WHAT TYPE OF NEEDLE IS USED?
A: Only sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles are used. Needles are not saved or reused for later treatment. This practice eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease.
Q: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE COMPARED TO TRADITIONAL MEDICINE AND MEDICATION?
A: Unlike traditional medicine, which typically treats only symptoms, oriental medicine takes a whole-person approach. By treating the root cause as well as the symptoms, we are able to bring the body back in balance, thus alleviating or eliminating many conditions. Plus, acupuncture and oriental medicine are safe, natural and effective.
And because everyone is different, each treatment is tailored for the individual.
Q: WILL I HAVE TO SEE YOU FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE TO FEEL BETTER?
A: No, not at all. Some issues are resolved with just a few treatments. Others require longer treatment. However, some patient’s choose to make acupuncture part of their long-term health practice in order to keep the body balanced and prevent illnesses.
Q: DO YOU WORK WITH PAIN OR INJURIES, EVEN WHEN NOTHING ELSE HAS WORKED?
A: Yes, I have treated many patients for various conditions who came to me as a last resort and achieved amazing results. When it comes to treating pain, I have many natural and effective tools to choose from, and often combine one or more of these modalities: acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, cupping, injection therapy, auricular therapy, herbs, homeopathy, and liniments and patches. I devise the perfect combination to treat your pain efficiently and effectively and help you get relief.
Today, more and more people are incorporating oriental medicine into their primary care plan as opposed to waiting for months and years before “trying” it.
Q: IF I SEE YOU, WILL I BE ABLE TO STOP TAKING MEDICATION I CURRENTLY USE WITHOUT SIDE EFFECTS?
A: I cannot advise you to stop taking medication prescribed by another physician. However, I have helped patients to stop taking medication or reduce their dosage by working with their medical doctors as a team.
Q: DO YOU TREAT ADDICTIONS?
A: Yes, I treat addiction with specific auricular therapy, which is ear acupuncture, combined with body acupuncture, herbs and/or homeopathy.
Q: WILL I FEEL RESULTS IMMEDIATELY?
A: It depends on the condition and the cause of the condition for which you are being treated. Patients with certain conditions such as headaches, nasal congestion and nausea may experience immediate results. Other conditions require a series of treatments, compliance and a commitment to healing.
Q: HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH PSYCHOTHERAPY OR HYPNOTHERAPY?
A: Acupuncture and therapy are a symbiotic pairing for healing and change. Acupuncture addresses the physical and emotional symptoms by balancing the Qi (energy of the body), and therapy focuses on the necessary changes in behavior for healing.
Q: HOW DO HERBAL MEDICINES WORK?
A. Plants are nature’s original pharmacy. Unlike western medications, which often function by suppressing symptoms, Chinese herbal medicines stimulate the body’s natural healing response to restore normal, balanced physiological function. Herbal prescriptions are tailored to your specific condition.
Q: WHAT IS HOMEOPATHY?
A: The underlying concept of homeopathy is “like cures like” and is based on the principle of similars. Homeopathic remedies are prepared by diluting drugs and other compounds into extremely small doses. They work by stimulating your body’s innate healing abilities and clear your system of imbalances.
|
