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Q:   What is acupuncture?

A: Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points to promote the body’s own natural healing and to improve its functioning.

Q:  What conditions are treated by acupuncture?

A: Acupuncture is used not only in pain control, but also to promote health, prevent illness, and treat various medical conditions.  The world Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, including

·  Neurological and muscular: acute and chronic pain (e.g., head, neck and shoulders, hip and knee, upper and lower back), migraine headaches, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, facial pain and Bell’s palsy, TMJ, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow and other sports injuries, swelling and pain from sprains and fractures, sciatica and various forms of tendonitis.

 ·  Respiratory: Sinusitis, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, sore throat, recurrent chest infections

             ·  Urinary, Menstrual & Menopausal problems

    ·  Tension, Anxiety, Insomnia & Stress-related conditions

   ·  Digestive:  gastritis, ulcers, IBS (Irritable bowel), constipation/diarrhea, hyperacidity

   ·  Eye, ear, nose and throat:  toothache, sinus inflammation, conjunctivitis, etc.

 Q:  How does acupuncture work?

A:  Channels of energy, called meridians, run through the body and over its surface.  Like rivers, thse energy channels flow through the body to irrigate and nourish tissues.

When an obstruction in the flow of energy occurs, these channels back up like a dam.  Acupuncture needles inserted at certain points unblock the energy and reestablish a healthy flow.  This in turn helps the body’s organs correct imbalances in digestion, absorption, and energy production.

In Western medical science, it is believed that stimulating acupuncture poihts released chemicals in the muscles and nervous syste3m that either alter the pain or trigger the release of other chemicals that influence the body’s regulatory systems.

The improved energy flow and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture treatment stimulates the body’s own healing process and promotes physical and emotional well-being.

Q:  Does acupuncture hurt?  How deeply are the needles inserted?

A:    Most patients have only mild discomfort when needles are inserted—some feel no pain at all.

Q:  Are needles reused?  Is there any risk of disease?

A:    Only sterile, individually packaged, single-use needles are used in my practice.  The depth of insertion depends upon the nature of the problem being treated, the style of acupuncture practiced, and the patient’s size, age, or constitution—usually ¼ to 1 inch.

Q:  How many treatments will I need?

A:  The number of treatments required depends upon the condition being treated and varies from person to person.  Complex, long-standing, or degenerative conditions may require as many as 1 to 3 treatments per week for several weeks or months.  Acute problems usually require fewer visits, however, and health supportive sessions are recommended every 1 to 2 months.

Q:  How do I prepare for an acupuncture treatment?

A: Wear loose, comfortable clothing:  be able to take off shoes and stockings.  Some find a pair
of shorts works fine.  Make sure you have eaten at least 2 hours prior to your session, but avoid a large meal immediately before treatment.  

       ·If possible, avoid over-exercising or consuming alcohol within six hours of your treatment.

       ·Make a note of your response to your last treatment, so your practitioner can design the most effective follow-up.

Q:  What should I do during the treatment:  what should I expect?

A:  Most important, relax!  And do not hesitate to ask questions.  Also—

·Try not to change your position or move suddenly.  If you are lying or sitting in an uncomfortable position or feeling some other discomfort, tell your practitioner.

             ·Let your practitioner know immediately if you are experiencing discomfort, dizziness,         nausea, cold sweat, or shortness of breath—symptoms which often accompany nervousness.

 Q:  What can I expect after the treatment?

A:  As energy begins to flow again in the body, various chemical and hormonal healing processes are stimulated.  Immediately after the treatment, you may feel very deeply relaxed, perhaps even slightly euphoric.

Occasionally, a spot of blood may appear at one or more of the needle sites, or a small bruise may develop.  These should not be harmful, but talk to your practitioner if you are concerned.

You may experience an immediate total or partial relief of your  pain or other symptoms.  This relief 
may last, or some pain may return.  In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief, but relief after successive visits. 

Occasionally, the original symptoms may worsen for a day or two, or other change may be triggered in appetite, sleep, elimination, or emotional state.  But these are typically a sign that the acupuncture is starting to work.

Q:  Is acupuncture effective?

A:  The practice of acupuncture has been around for over 2000 years and is practiced extensively in Europe and throughout Asia .   Its use in the United States is growing and there is growing testimony here to its efficacy.  The National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization both endorse its use:  The WHO recognizes over 40 conditions for which acupuncture is effective.

Acupuncture is often used in combination with other techniques such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, homeopathic and naturopathic medicines.