Questions & Answers
By Dr. Winnie Au, Acupuncturist
Contents
What is Acupuncture and how does it works?
Acupuncture is one component of the ancient system of Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is a powerful healing therapy, which originated in China more than 5000 years ago. It is a therapeutic method of promoting natural healing and improving functions. This is done by the technique of inserting one or more fine needles at very precise acupuncture points on the body. It can be also by the point stimulation of applying heat (Moxibustion), pressure (Acupressure), mild electrical stimulation (Electro-stimulation) or other treatment modalities. As a therapeutic intervention, it is now widely practiced in the United States.
Acupuncture treatment is based on the concept of balance and harmony among the physical, spiritual and emotional aspects of a human being. By stimulating the specific acupoints, it works to redirect mystical Qi or life energy in the body and reestablish the regular flow of energy through the meridians.
According to the modern science, studies have shown that stimulating acupuncture points enhances the production of certain chemicals in the body, such as the natural pain-blocking chemicals called endorphins. These chemicals either change the perception of pain or stimulate the release of other chemicals and hormones which affect the body’s internal system. These therapeutic effects produced by acupuncture enhance and activate the body’s ability to heal itself, promoting physical and mental health.
There are over hundred of different conditions that respond well to Acupuncture. The World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations has currently recognized numerous conditions that can be effectively treated with acupuncture, including:
Musculoskeletal
| Muscle pain/weakness | Neck pain / Stiffness | Shoulder / Elbow / Arm pain | |
| Back pain | Sciatica | Lumbar radiculopathy pain | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome |
| Bursitis | Tendonitis | Hip / Leg / Foot Pain | Arthritis / joint problems |
| Muscle Cramping | Post-surgical Pain | Sports injuries | |
Neurological
| Migraines | Headaches | Stroke | Post-operative pain |
| Neurogenic bladder dysfunction | Parkinson's Disease | ||
Emotional
| Insomnia | Depression | Anxiety | Nervousness | Neurosis |
Eyes-Ears-Nose-Throat
| Poor Vision | Tinnitis | Cataracts | Toothache | Gingivitis |
Respiratory
| Sinusitis | Common Cold | Tonsillitis | Bronchitis | Asthma |
Digestive
| Abdominal Pain | Hyperacidity | Diarrhea | Indigestion | Constipation |
In addition, Acupuncture is often used along with other medical care to increase their benefits. It is used for pain control after other medical and dental procedures are performed. It is used for improving health generally as well as promoting healing and the lessening the side effects of many drugs including chemotherapy.
How safe is acupuncture? Are the needles clean?
Acupuncture and herbal treatments are drug free and they avoid many of the side effects and dependencies associated with medication. You should always inform your doctor of the medications you are currently taking, whether or not you are pregnant. In addition, if you have a cardiac pacemaker or cosmetic implants.
The use of acupuncture needles are regulated by the FDA, which states that the acupuncture needle is a Class II medical device. The most common practice among acupuncturists in America today is to use disposable, sterilized, individually packaged needles.
Does acupuncture hurt and how deep do the needles go?
The acupuncture needles are extremely fine and flexible. If your practitioner has obtained the correct stimulus of the needle, the patient may feel a degree of sensation as in tingling, heaviness, distention, or electric sensation either around the needle or energy pathway. These acupuncture sensations refer to induction of channel energy after the needle is inserted. Some Western cultures may categorize these acupuncture sensations as types of pain. In any case, if you experience any discomfort, it is usually mild. People experience acupuncture needling differently. Some people are more sensitive than others and some points may have more sensation than the others. Deep relaxation during treatment is the most common report from patients.
The deepness of needle insertion is depends on the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, the patient's size, age, and constitution, and upon the acupuncturist's style or school. Usually, the needles are inserted from 1/4 to 2 inches in depth.
Yes, the following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment.
Before having a treatment:
Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the possibility of bacterial infection.
Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, too full, after consuming alcohol, or emotionally upset.
While receiving acupuncture:
Relax. There is no need to be frightened. Ask your practitioner any question you have along the way so that you can get the most benefit possible from the treatment.
Do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are uncomfortable, tell your practitioner.
Some people experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness of breath, or faintness during treatment. This often occurs if you are nervous. Inform your practitioner immediately so he or she can readjust or withdraw the needles. Also, let your practitioner know if you feel an increasing amount of pain or burning sensation during the treatment.
If you find your treatment unbearable at any point, be sure to speak up so that your practitioner can make the proper adjustments or stop the treatment.
Patients often experience the most dramatic results in the first treatment whether it is a total or partial relief of pain or other symptoms. In some cases, there may be no immediate relief of symptoms until the next couple of days or treatments. Generally, you should expect to feel better.
The treatments you need depend upon the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series of five to fifteen treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.
Some patients may have more questions than these FAQs can answer. You should discuss all of your concerns in person with your practitioner or call our clinic at (817)590-8188. You may also schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Au, so she can discuss your concerns in more detail.
Last Revised: January, 2004
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