WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health care:
Promotion of health and well-being,
Prevention of illness,
Treatment of various medical conditions.
While
acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of ou
highly-trained acupuncturists, it has much broader application.
Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the
support or adjunct to other medical and surgical disorders.
The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems including:
Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections, allergies, common cold.
Neurological
and muscular disorders: headaches, migraines, facial tics, bell’s
palsy, acute and chronic pain, tennis elbow, sciatica, low back pain,
and osteoarthritis.
Urinary,
menstrual, and reproductive problems: painful urination, male
sterility, infertility, painful menstruation, endometriosis, PMS, and
menopause.
Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension, stress, and emotional problems.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
The
number of treatments differs from person to person. For complex,
long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several
months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are
required, and for health maintenance, only a few sessions a year may be
all that is necessary.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE-EFFECTS TO THE TREATMENT?
Usually
not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and
hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally
the original symptoms may worsen for a few days, or other general
changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional
state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are
simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is
quite common, especially with the first one or two treatments, to
have a sensation of deep relaxation following the treatment.
WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE?
DO THEY HURT?
People
experience acupuncture needling differently. Most feel no pain at all,
while some feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Once the
needles are in place, there is no pain felt.
Acupuncture
needles are solid, very thin, and made of surgical steel. The point is
smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle), and so
it does not hurt like getting a shot. Also all needles are single-use,
sterile, and disposable.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE REALLY WORK?
Yes.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has determined that “there is
sufficient evidence of acupuncture’s value to expand it use into
conventional medicine.” Many of its mechanisms of action are well-known
and proven. Acupuncture can be given at the same time as other
techniques being used, such as conventional medicine, chiropractic
adjustments, or osteopathic manipulations. It is important that your
physician be informed of everything you are doing so that you may get
the best results from all your treatments.
To see if acupuncture can help you, give us a call.
Melissa Yang, MD (China), R.Ac.
614-530-0588
