Who is using Acupuncture?
Is Acupuncture safe?
Does Acupuncture work?
How does Acupuncture work?
Are there different styles of acupuncture?
Do I have to be sick to benefit from Acupuncture?
What can I expect from my intitial visit?
What course of treatment is most effective?
Do the needles hurt?
Does insurance cover it?

Who is using Acupuncture?
The report from a Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1997 stated that acupuncture is being "widely" practiced--by thousands of physicians, dentists, acupuncturists, and other practitioners--for relief or prevention of pain and for various other health conditions. According to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey--the largest and most comprehensive survey of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by American adults to date--an estimated 8.2 million U.S. adults had ever used acupuncture, and an estimated 2.1 million U.S. adults had used acupuncture in the previous year. top

Are Acupuncture Needles Safe?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and that they are labeled for single use. top

Does Acupuncture Work?
Traditional acupuncture functions on the level of the body, mind and spirit. Acupuncture effectively treats a variety of health concerns. Many people who have experienced acupuncture report that they:

  • Are sick less often and recover more quickly
  • Experience significant improvement or complete disappearance of symptoms
  • Have increased vitality and stamina
  • Spend less money for long-term health care costs
  • Have more harmonious relationships with others
  • Learn how to care for themselves

More and more research is being conducted on the efficacy of acupuncture. The data show positive results for a wide range of conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recognizes acupuncture for the treatment of over 50 conditions.

  • Gastrointestinal food allergies, peptic ulcer, chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gastrointestinal weakness, gastritis.
  • Urogenital stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction.
  • Gynecological irregular or painful menstruation, infertility, and premenstrual syndrome.
  • Respiratory emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies, and bronchitis.
  • Structural and Nervous System arthritis, migraine headaches, neuralgia, fibromyalgia, insomnia, back and joint pain, chronic pain, and acute injuries.
  • Circulatory angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis, and anemia.
  • Emotional and Psychological - depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
  • Addictions - alcohol, nicotine and drugs. top

How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture is based on natural laws describing the movement of life energy in nature and the body. This life energy, called ch’i, courses through the body in channels similar to rivers that course through the earth or traffic moving along a highway. When the ch’i in the body is full and moving properly, health is promoted. When the ch’i is moving disharmoniously, illness can begin. Even everyday stresses like deadlines and disappointments can disrupt the harmonious movement of ch’i. Inserting a needle into acupuncture points directs the flow of ch’i to correct its movement.

Are there different styles of acupuncture?
 

There are many styles of acupuncture. The primary distinction exists within the diagnostic process and the corresponding treatment planning process. Classical Five-Element Acupuncture, as was taught by Professor JR Worsley, is unique among the various types of acupuncture. Rather than treating the presenting symptom, it derives its remarkable effectiveness by treating the root cause of an illness.
Relying on natural laws, Five Element acupuncture recognizes that the health of a person's entire body, mind and spirit must be taken into account in order to fully diagnose the cause of an illness. Only then can the most effective help be offered so that people can regain their balance and health on all levels. This is one of the safest, most comprehensive and far-reaching systems of healing in the world.

Do I have to be sick to benefit from Acupuncture?
Absolutely not. Acupuncture is preventative medicine at its core. Historically in China, patients paid their doctor when they were well and withheld payment when they became ill. Acupuncture today retains this emphasis on wellness through preventative measures. Acupuncture treats the underlying imbalances rather than only the most obvious symptoms. top

What can I expect from my initial visit?
Your initial visit is designed to enable your practitioner to assess the underlying conditions leading to your symptoms. You will have the opportunity to speak at length about your health history and your goals for treatment. This 2-hour visit includes an intake, a social and medical history, brief Chinese physical exam, diagnosis and an acupuncture treatment. top

What course of treatment is most effective?
The benefits of regular acupuncture treatments are cumulative in nature and 5-6 once a week visits are recommended for greatest effectiveness. top

Do the needles hurt?
Acupuncture needles are solid and slightly thicker than a human hair. Insertions are made just beneath the skin’s surface. Sometimes a person feels nothing at all, or perhaps a dull, momentary ache or tingling sensation. Only a few needles are used per treatment. Many say that they experience a deep state or relaxation and renewal after an acupuncture treatment. top

Does Insurance Cover It?
Many clients are reimbursed for acupuncture by filing their receipt for services with their insurance. Call your insurance company to find out what benefits you may have for acupuncture. top