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History
The Chinese healing art of acupuncture is one that can be dated back at least two thousand years. Some authorities maintain that acupuncture has been practiced in China for even four thousand years. Though its exact age is vague, what is certain is that up until the recent twentieth century, much of the population of the world was uninformed about acupuncture, its origins, and its capacity to promote and maintain good health. Even today in relatively "advanced" nations such as the United States there are many who hold acupuncture under the stereotype of a new or radical medicine, one which would almost always be a second choice after more familiar Western approaches to handling illness.
Traditionally dated from -2698 to -2598, but now agreed to have been completed in the -2nd to the -1st century, the Nei Jing is truly a cornerstone of acupuncture. It is comprised of 162 articles divided into two sections, each composed of multiple books. In the first book, Su Wen, or "Fundamental Questions," the conversation clarifies points of medical theory. The second book is named Ling Shu, or "Spiritual Axis/Pivot" and is essentially an acupuncture manual. These two texts together not only explain the assimilation and extension of the yin-yang theory and the incorporation of the five-phase doctrine, they also provide a focus on individual symptoms as somatic rather than supernatural events. By the time of the Nei Jing, all of the currently defined 12 regular channels as well as 135 bilateral acupoints were identified. Together, about 295 of the 670 presently accepted acupoints were known. Furthermore, the channels were illustrated as carrying Qi, described partly as a product of the body and partly as a product of the environment. Either the disruption of "healthy" bodily Qi or the "evil" external Qi were said to induce illness.
Assigned to a date between the 1st and 2nd centuries, the Nan Jing is a composition of 81 articles and is considered "the mature development of the medicine of systematic correspondence, because it integrates for the first time all aspects of health care into the yin-yang and five-phase doctrines". By the time of this text, two front and back midline channels expanded the 12 regular channels to 14, the channel system itself was further elaborated, and the idea of circulation of Qi took a dominant role in the medicine. Moreover, the art of pulse diagnosis finds its origin in the Nan Jing. The author of the text structured the idea that the "hand great yin channel," the channel associated with the lung, was the key junction of all the channels of the body. Careful assessment of the many qualitatively distinct patterns at the radial arteries near both wrists consequentially provided diagnosis of the entire body. Although today a more generalized pulse diagnosis is taught where classroom teaching is dominant, classical Nan Jing pulse diagnosis survives today, especially in Japan where acupuncture training retains more of the apprentice tradition.
It is during the Han age (-260-220) that the human body came to be seen as relationships between functional units (organs). "The organs were divided into Zang ("depots" in the language of the time) and fu ("palaces"), reflecting their role in a complex system of functional interactions". The idea was developed and accepted that Qi is the ground substance of the human organism, and that human well-being relied on the balanced flow of Qi in channels throughout the body. It is clear that by the end of the Han, the essentials of disease and treatment had reached maturity, and the medicine of systematic correspondence had come of age.
From that point on, with its basic practical and philosophical tenets in place, acupuncture could only further develop and expand. Though it would go through oscillating periods of expansion and decline, acupuncture would ultimately become a staple of Chinese medical and social tradition. Between 220 and 589, new theories for maintaining the body's health through physical exercise and psychological healing methods developed. Acupuncture continued to develop throughout the period.
The Tang dynasty (618 to 906) is often referred to as the second golden age of China. Acupuncture and the general knowledge base of traditional Chinese medicines developed minimally during this age. The one major contribution to acupuncture during this time was through an updated edition of the Huang Di Nei text; the practice of acupuncture was, for the first time, related to seasonal and other such cycles of the Chinese calendar.
During the Song dynasty, 960 to 1264, China went through a stage named the period of Neo-Confucianism. The Qi paradigm was again popularized, proposing that "that Qi had always existed and that all things came in and out of existence as gatherings or dissolution of Qi". Finally, these basic principles,"yin-yang, the five phases, the celestial stems, and the six climactic influences," introduced 1000 years before in the Nan Jing, found universal acceptance in all fields of Chinese medicine. (The Nan Jing was studied enthusiastically in Japan and Korea during this time as well.)
Other important contributions to acupuncture took place during this period. One of these was the publication of Dou Han-jing's Zhen Jing Zhi Nan. "This text described zi-wu, or noon and midnight cycles, and monthly, seasonal and annual cycles of Qi according to which acupuncture could be performed". Additional texts with similar concepts, including "nai jia fa, a 10-day biorhythmic cycle used in acupuncture treatment", arose at the same time. The development of these time- and cycle-oriented ideas introduced during the Tang dynasty added considerably to the foundation of acupuncture theory.
The Yuan dynasty (1264 to 1368) was a period when China became a subject of Genghis Khan's vast Mongolian empire. Medicine became increasingly specialized and the understanding of acupuncture was further detailed. The most notable new text of the time was Hua Shuo's Shi Si Jing Fa Hui (An Elucidation of the Fourteen Channels), published in 1341. This text described "303 points on the 12 regular channels, and 51 on the two medial channels - a total of 657 of the now-accepted 670 acupoints."
The Ming dynasty lasted from 1368 until 1643. Acupuncture experienced a slight decline in popularity during this period. The most famous work of the era, however, is Yang Ji-zhou's Zhen Jiu Da Cheng, published in 1601. This text reported 667 of the known 670 acupoints. The Zhen Jiu Da Cheng and Li Shi-zhen's Ben Cao Gang Mu together comprise the most comprehensive volumes of Chinese medical knowledge before modern times. Particularly significant about these works is that they were not merely individual or personal theories, but a reflection of the consensus of the medical community. Thus they remain "the strongest representatives of classical clinical acupuncture".
During the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) the increasing infiltration of Western thought brought about a severe decline in all traditional Chinese medicines. In the entire Qing dynasty, there were few new books or innovations in the field of acupuncture. By 1912, the vast majority of China had given up altogether on the traditional medicinal methods of the past.The few who still believed in traditional medicine turned to what is considered the Han-Xue movement. Proponents of this movement looked toward the early Han dynasty for the pure and untainted knowledge of the earlier wise men. Xu Da-chun, the most avid and articulate supporter of this movement, criticized the modern acupuncturists "for incorrect channel and point location, over-reliance on formula acupuncture, ignorance of the generic five-phase points, loss of supplementation and draining theory and technique, and ignorance of seasonal correspondences and the methods of internal medicine". Despite the efforts of this fleeting movement, by the 1930's acupuncturists in China were a dying breed.
Acupuncture today enjoys what may be its greatest popularity to date. It is important to note that this popularity, however, is a fairly recent achievement of the medicine. In the early 20th century, China, as the rest of Asia, experienced a flood of Europeans and American influence. As early as the late 1890's the European germ theories of Koch, List, and Pasteur were starting to arrive in China, marking the beginning of Western medicine in the Far East. By 1912, acupuncture was in precipitous decline, barely able to counter this growth of biomedicine. At the same time, traditional Chinese medicine had gained a small hold in Europe and North America but was far from accepted, and by the beginning of the First World War, the art of acupuncture was close to cultural extinction in China. Only a handful of background information is required to understand this sharp decline of acupuncture. What Europeans first introduced to China was not medicine or culture; it was a narcotic drug called opium. Designed to profit the Westerners, who organized it. The opium trade grew exponentially throughout the 19th century, having appalling effects on Chinese society.
In the fall of 1915, an order was issued demanding that medical, pharmacy, and veterinary students meet the qualifications established by Western nations. By 1929, registration of traditional doctors was ceased, and an announcement was made by the Ministry of Health proposing the abolishment of traditional medicine altogether.
Though in rapid decline, not everyone stood for the disappearance of traditional Chinese medicine. In the 1920's a group of traditional practitioners formed the zhong yi ("Chinese medicine") movement seeking to salvage their medicine. Through this movement, the group attempted to create a force that could resist the enroachment of xi yi, "Western medicine." Though unsuccessful at the time, this movement laid the foundation for the reappearance and modernization of traditional medicine following the Second World War.The resurgence of acupuncture in China after the Second World War had a relatively simply understood cause, namely "the greatest and most intractable public health problem of any nation in the world," as stated by the United Nations Relief Organization. Among the first tasks of the People's Republic was coming up with a way to provide health care for a huge society. China found itself with less than 40,000 Western physicians and approximately 500,000 disorganized and crudely trained traditional practitioners attempting to serve a population of a half billion people. Thus, the clear and pragmatic reason for the post-war promotion of traditional medicine: there was no other choice.
A compromise had to be reached. Conservative politicians saw traditional medicine as an aspect of Chinese culture to preserve against the onslaught of Western enrichment. Meanwhile, political modernists saw it as, at best, "a collection of empirical tricks, some of which might be useful." With the help of a general feeling of preserving the essence of Chinese culture, traditional medicine was saved from abandonment or possible prohibition, but not without being scientifically modernized.
Starting in the 1950's, traditional medical schools with standardized curricula were established to teach basic biomedical sciences, traditional pharmacotherapy, and acupuncture. It was then, too, that the zhong yi movement triumphantly re-emerged. For the first time in the 20th century, Chinese medicine had "a firm cultural position, a clear economic role, and a powerful political patron"
Efforts to integrate Western and Chinese medicines continued through the 1950's with limited success. Having neither money nor prestige, traditional practitioners, who were not themselves united, feared eventual elimination. Furthermore, "popularization and expansion had further diluted what had never been a homogenous system. Despite these drawbacks, the late 1950's did experience one of the most important developments of acupuncture, at least from the viewpoint of Western physicians. It is during this time that aggressive acupuncture techniques were developed and that acupuncture was first utilized as an anesthetic and analgesic during surgery.
When Westerners started flooding China after Nixon's visit, it was these techniques they were shown. They brought these back to the West, where they were popularized and became a primary focus for research.
Another factor that greatly contributed to the westward migration of acupuncture appeared in the 1970's in the form of acupuncture programs sponsored by the World Health Organization. Physicians from many countries came to China to take advantage of these programs, and since the early 1980's many similar programs have been established for non-physician acupuncturists as well. Today, affiliations exist between many Western acupuncture schools and traditional medical schools in China, allowing students to travel abroad to partake in pre- and post-graduation programs. In the 1980's by the so-called "three roads" policy allowed for the individual development of traditional medicine, biomedicine, and their combination, integrated medicine. Since then, more than 2000 Chinese physicians have graduated with a thorough training in both traditional and Western medicine.
THEORY
One of the most important concepts of Chinese medicine is that of natural balance. From this idea of balance arises the fundamental theory of yin and yang. According to this theory, life takes place in the alternating rhythm of yin and yang.
Day gives way to night, night to day; a time of light and activity (Yang) is followed by darkness and rest (Yin). Flowers open and close, the moon waxes and wanes, the tides come in and go out; we wake and sleep, breathe in, breathe out. Yin/Yang is a constant, continual flow through which everything is expressed on the one hand and recharged on the other. They are an inseparable couple. Their proper relationship is health; a disturbance in this relationship is disease.
The paradoxical nature of yin and yang is further illustrated in an excerpt from the Huang Di Nei Jing, or "The Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicine," which is considered to be the best known and earliest of Chinese medical texts:
Yang has its root in Yin
Yin has its root in Yang.
Without Yin, Yang cannot arise.
Without Yang, Yin cannot be born.
Yin alone cannot arise; Yang alone cannot grow.
Yin and Yang are divisible but inseparable. (Acupuncture, p. 58)
The well-known symbol of the yin-yang further demonstrates that nothing is pure Yin or pure Yang; black and white embrace and intertwine in perfect symmetry, each side containing a small seed of its opposite. The conclusion drawn from this theory is that good health entails the balance and harmony of all that is yin and all that is yang within the body.
When such a proper balance of forces exists, the body has achieved a healthy circulation of the life force Qi (roughly pronounced "chee"). In Chinese medicine it is theorized that the human body, as well as every other living thing, has a natural flow of Qi throughout it. Qi is said to travel the body along channels called "meridians," of which there are mainly fourteen. Qi flows constantly up and down these pathways, and when the flow of Qi is insufficient, unbalanced, or interrupted, yin and yang become unbalanced, and illness may occur. An understanding of the relationship between the body, yin and yang, and Qi is necessary to understand the utility of acupuncture.
On the most basic of levels, acupuncture can be described as the insertion of very fine needles (sometimes in combination with electrical stimulus or with heat produced by burning specific herbs, called Moxibustion) into the skin at specific acupuncture points in order to influence the functioning of the body. Traditionally, there are 365 acupoints on the body, most of which have a specific energetic function. Some are the meeting of meridian pathways while others are junctions with an internal pathway of the meridian. Some points tend to move Qi towards the interior of the body while others bring energy to the surface. The choice of acupuncture points varies from patient to patient and from treatment to treatment and relies on very careful diagnoses of different kinds. Diagnosis entails the observation of the body through looking, touching, smelling and listening. One of the primary and fundamental diagnostic methods of traditional Chinese medicine is pulse taking, which is far more intricate than pulse taking in the West. It has been said to take upwards of fifteen years to master this diagnostic art.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbology is a system of herbal treatment, it is not applied in the way that most herbs and medicines are used in our Western world. For example, all medicines (including herbal medicines) under western schools of thought are used because they are known to produce certain effects. St. John's Wort and Prozac are used for depression because they are both known to counter depression in the human body. Chinese Herbal Medicine was developed as an integral part of Chinese Medicine. It is used to re-harmonize imbalances in the body. Therefore, a cough would not be treated by choosing an anti-tussive alone. It must first be determined where the cough is coming from, and then the appropriate group of herbs would be combined to treat the problem.
How do I know which Chinese Herbs are good for me?
If you are considering taking Chinese herbs, you should consult a Licensed Acupuncturists who specializes in Chinese Herbology. This is a very important step as the practice of Chinese Herbal Medicine is a complex system which is dependent on the knowledge and experience of a skilled practitioner.
Chinese formulas are comprised of herbs designed for each individual patient. This special formulation is crucial because these formulas must be delicately composed for the purpose of achieving balance in each disharmonious state of being. Any deviation in dosage or herb composition can change the entire focus of the formula and therefore, the results.
Glossary of Chinese Medical Terms
Yin and Yang
The root of many of the ideas within Chinese medicine lies in the concept of Yin and Yang. These terms have been used in a somewhat technical sense for over 2000 years, having expanded beyond their original meanings of the shady and sunny sides of a mountain, respectively. Yin and Yang are emblems of the fundamental duality in the universe, a duality which is ultimately unified.
It must be remembered that Yin and Yang are complementary and not contradictory. Nor is one regarded as good, and the other bad. Rather, a harmony is sought between them and any imbalance avoided. Because, the Yin/Yang concept is all pervasive in Chinese thought, it was naturally adopted by the founders of Chinese medicine.
Qi
Qi (pronounced chee, as in cheese) is an untranslatable word in the Chinese medical lexicon. It signifies a tendency, a movement, something on the order of energy. There are two main aspects of Qi. On the one hand, Qi is thought of as matter without form. When this substance is diseased certain symptoms appear. Qi is also a term for the functional, active aspect of the body. When Chinese doctors do the work of diagnosis (taking a history, feeling the pulse, etc.) they are measuring different types of Qi. When acupuncture is used, the Qi is said to be obtained and then manipulated. Qi is thus an example of the absence of the matter/energy dichotomy in Chinese medicine.
Blood
Although the red liquid that circulates throughout the body is called blood in Western medicine, that is only part of the Chinese conception of Blood. In addition to being a substance, Blood is also regarded as a force, a level of activity in the body which is involved with the sensitivity of the sense organs, as well as a deep level of the body in the progression of febrile diseases. Traditionally, it is said that Blood is manufactured in the Middle burner, using the Qi derived from the air in the Lungs and food digested by the Spleen. The major function of Blood is to carry nourishment to all parts of the body.
Essence
Essence (a Yin characteristic) is that aspect of the body that is the basis for all growth, development and sexuality. Congenital Essence is that part of the bodys Essence that is inherited from the parents. After birth this Essence, which is akin to an inborn constitution, determines each of our growth patterns. Congenital Essence can never be replaced if lost, but can be supplemented by acquired Essence, which is derived from food. Essence also has the narrow meaning of semen.
Spirit
Spirit (a Yang characteristic) is the force behind ones mental state and actions. All forms of consciousness and thought are manifestations of Spirit.
Fluids
The fluids of the body include sweat, urine, saliva, tears and the various secretions. Fluids are either thin (Yang) or thick (Yin). The thin fluids moisten the muscles, skin, flesh, and the membranes of the sensory and excretory openings. The thick fluids moisten and nourish the inner Organs and Brain, and facilitate the movement of the bones and joints.
Organs
The concept of the Organs (also called Viscera) in Chinese medicine is radically different from that of contemporary Western medicine. Understanding this difference is very important because the physiology and pathology of the Organs is fundamental to the understanding and treatment of disease.
Perhaps the salient characteristic of the Chinese conception of the Organs (to a modern Westerner) is the lack of emphasis on the physical structure. Although many of the terms for the Organs re similar to Western appellations, they do not refer to the specific tissue, but rather to semi-abstract concepts that are complexes of closely interrelated functions. These functions, which are fully described in traditional texts, are not based on surgical discoveries, but on clinical observation of patients over many hundreds of years.
Channels
The channels are one of the most important and unique concepts in Chinese medicine. The channels are regarded as three-dimensional passageways through which the Qi and Blood flow at different levels of the body. Therefore, it is inappropriate to refer to the channels by using the two-dimensional term meridian, as is common in English translations.
The channels are important to every facet of Chinese medicine, particularly acupuncture. Their graphic ordering illustrates many of the linkages among the Organs and their respective openings and sense organs. In some ways, the channels also delineate the Organs spheres of influence in the body. This is particularly important in the selection of points to treat certain localized problems.
Kick the Habit
Acupuncture Treatment for Substance Abuse & Smoking
Acupuncture helps people recover from drugs and alcohol problems. It is used in clinics through the United States. Acupuncture can decrease cravings for drugs and alcohol, reduce withdrawal symptoms, relieve tension, and help people relax. Acupuncture treatments, taken enough times, clear the mind, build energy, and give a sense of well being.
According to Chinese tradition, placing acupuncture needles in the ear affect specific organs such as the liver and kidneys. Western science has confirmed that acupuncture treatments change levels of chemicals in the body and act on the nervous system. Acupuncture itself is not a substitute for therapy but is used in addition to counseling and self-help programs.
How it all began
One day in the early 1970's, H.L. Wen, MD., then the only neurosurgeon in all of South China and Hong Kong, was preparing to use electro-acupuncture as surgical analgesia and the patient, who happened to be experiencing withdrawal symptoms from opium at the time, reported his symptoms had disappeared. Wen canceled the surgery and scouted the hospital for other patients in withdrawal. He gave his pre-op procedure to them and their symptoms also ceased. Acupuncture for substance abuse was born.
Why Acupuncture for Detox?
Reduces the physical symptoms of withdrawal.
Relieves depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Profoundly relieves withdrawal symptoms including cravings, body aches, headache, nausea, sweating, muscle cramping, etc.
The acupuncture detoxification program is an ideal partner with other programs. It alleviates withdrawal symptoms so mental and physical stability are quickly achieved. This gives a new level of comfort allowing for more effective counseling. Twelve Step program participation, or participation in any other treatment program is considered important to sobriety.
In addition, acupuncture...
Can be used safely with any other health condition.
Does not utilize other abusable, addictive drugs for treatment
Can be effectively done on an outpatient basis.Acupuncture Treatment
Five tiny needles are placed in each ear, and then the clients rest quietly for 45 minutes. This is a good time to relax, meditate or think about changes to be made in your life. In detoxification treatment, points in the ear correspond to specific organs including the lungs, liver, kidneys and nervous system. One of the points is for relaxation. The treatment triggers the release of natural body chemicals, including endorphins, which help reduce cravings for drugs, ease withdrawal symptoms, and increase relaxation.
How Will I feel During the Treatment?
Once the needles have been placed, your ears may tingle or feel warm. Some people even fall asleep. These are normal responses. Some people say they feel very relaxed when they are having a treatment, other's don't feel much at all. Even if you don't feel much you are getting benefit from treatment. Acupuncture is most effective after a series of treatments over a period of time.
The Detoxification Process
During detoxification, your body filters out the toxins that you have been storing up. Blood circulation begins to improve. Sometimes during the detoxification period you may feel achy, not sleep well, be cranky, or even have drug dreams. Please let the acupuncturist know if you have any of these symptoms so that additional acupuncture points can be added to your treatment.
How to Receive Maximum Benefit From Treatment
Treatment time should be used to sit quietly, relax and reflect or meditate.
Let the acupuncturist know if you have any health problems.
Do not smoke cigarettes or drink coffee in the half hour before and after treatment.
Acupuncture treatments are based on frequent treatments for a few weeks on a declining protocol as your body strengthens and your cravings subside. If relapse occurs or something stressful happens in your life, then additional treatments are recommended.
Treated Conditions
Conditions Recommended for Acupuncture by the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) and just a few imbalances acupuncture and Chinese medicine have been effective at treating.
Addiction alcohol, drug, smoking, anorexia, bolemia
Anemia
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Bronchitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue
Colitis
Common Cold
Constipation
Dental pain
Depression
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestive trouble
Dizziness
Dysentery
Emotional problems
Eye problems
Facial palsy/tics
Fatigue
Fertility
Fibromyalgia
Gingivitis
Headache
Heart irregularities
Hiccough
Impotence
Incontinence
Indigestion
Intestinal problems
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Kidney weakness or stones
Liver disease
Low back pain
Lung problems
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularities
Migraine
Morning sickness
Nausea
Osteoarthritis
Pain
PMS
Pneumonia
Pregnancy or labor problems
Reproductive problems
Rhinitis
Sciatica
Seasonal Affective disorder (SAD)
Shoulder pain
Sinusitis
Sleep disturbances
Smoking cessation
Sore Throat
Spleen imbalances
Stress
Tennis elbow
Thyroid
Tonsillitis
Tooth pain
Trigeminal neuralgia
Urinary Tract Infections
Vomiting
Wrist pain
FAQ
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a means of adjusting the body's life energy QI (pronounced chee) through the insertion of fine needles into carefully selected acupuncture points along the meridians of the body. The needles, which have a solid instead of a hollow center, do not cut the surface of the skin rather separate the skin upon penetration. They are inserted into the points and then manipulated with a gentle pumping action, by twirling or leaving in place for a few minutes up to sometimes as much as an hour depending on the acupuncturists technique. These motions stimulate the flow of energy and remove blockages so that the qi can be dispersed and regulated. When the qi is flowing properly throughout the body, the balance is restored and improved health results. If the qi does not move freely, Chinese medical theory states that either disease or pain will ensue. Since the qi guides the blood and both qi and blood nourish and maintain the organs of the body, both problems with the flow of blood and the organs can develop if the flow of qi is not corrected. In like theory, if the organs become unbalanced or the blood is prevented from properly flowing, this would affect the flow of qi. The purpose of acupuncture is to balance the flow of qi and blood thus returning optimum function back to the internal organs. Other means of stimulating the flow of qi in the body include heat, light, vibration, lasers, sound, pressure and electric. These modalities are directed at the same acupuncture points.
How does it work?
Although many theories have been presented, there is still no easy answer from a western point of view as to exactly how acupuncture works. The "Gate Control" theory suggests that pain impulses are blocked from reaching the spinal cord or brain at various "gates" to these areas. Since a majority of acupuncture points are either located near, or connected to neural structures, this suggests that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to "shut the gate" to the sensation of pain. Other theories suggest that acupuncture stimulates the body to produce narcotic like substances such as endorphins and opiods which, when released into the body, relieve pain. Recent experiments also have revealed that internal light emissions and other forms of cellular communication such as neuropeptides (extremely small hormones released from each cell) may be responsible for communicating from one cell to another. The experiments with light have been interesting in the fact that concentrated light placed at one area of the body has been emitted from another area along the same pathways that the acupuncture meridians have been described thousands of years ago. To make the explanation simple consider this analogy. If you had a garden, the plants would die if they did not get proper amounts of water. Imagine a hose having a kink or blockage. As a result, water cannot get to the plants. Without water, the plants slowly die. Acupuncture finds where the kink or blockage is in your body that is stopping life-giving energy from flowing to your cells, organs or tissues. The body has blood that flows through the circulatory system. Nerve messages flow through the nervous system. Life energy flows through a system of channels called meridians that were mapped out by acupuncture physicians 3.500 years ago. Acupuncture physicians are trained to find and remove the blockage in the flow of energy which then allows your tissues and organs to heal. There is one thing that is certain. Although we may not know precisely how it works from a western point of view, studies have shown that it does work for a large majority of people and conditions and that is has produced healing results for billions of people worldwide for thousands of years.
Do I have to believe in it for it to work?
The answer to this question is no. While having a positive state of mind helps with any type of treatment, conventional or otherwise, it is not necessary to "believe" in acupuncture for it to work. This is evidenced not only through clinical study in "non-believers", but by the fact that animals and small children who cannot be instructed to "believe" receive relief through the use of acupuncture.
Does it hurt?
The sensation of receiving an acupuncture treatment can rarely be described as painful. Now that is not to say that it is devoid of sensation. But, generally the feeling is more of a tingling. Acupuncture needles have a doweled end and therefore do not cut the skin as regular injection needles do. Following treatment it is common for the patient to feel a tremendous sense of relaxation, and/or exhilaration.
Is it safe?
This is a very common question among those who have never experienced an acupuncture treatment. The answer relies on the skill of the practitioner. If he or she is unsure of what they are doing, it is certainly possible to inflict injury with an acupuncture needle. However, when practiced by a licensed, trained board certified acupuncture physician, acupuncture is extremely safe and there is no danger whatsoever. The importance of seeking an appropriately trained practitioner cannot be overstated. Many healthcare professionals such as chiropractic, osteopathic or medical physicians may use acupuncture with very limited education and little to no clinical experience. The requirement for education and experience of these physicians varies from state to state.
Are there any contraindications for acupuncture?
There are very few situations where acupuncture is not advised. These are the most common:
If the patient is pregnant - certain acupuncture points and needle manipulations should not be used during pregnancy but acupuncture with a skilled acupuncture physician can be used safely even through delivery.
If the patient is under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol
After the patient has exercised vigorously, or when the body is extremely weak from exhaustion
Are the needles clean?
In Florida, like the majority of states, the use of disposable needles is required by State law. These needles are discarded following the treatment of each patient. In a few states, all registered acupuncturists are required by law to sterilize needles. In cases where disposable needles are not used, the practitioner will have a sterilizer (called an autoclave) in the clinic, or may use hospital sterilization services.
What conditions does acupuncture treat?
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. The most common uses for acupuncture in the West include: Pain Elimination, Asthma, Drug Abuse, Alcoholism, Smoking, Stroke, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Gynecological and Obstetric Problems, and Sexual Problems.
What should I expect on my first visit?
Acupuncture is slightly different from any other form of medical treatment. Upon the patient's first visit in our office, the practitioner will require in-depth biographical information about the patient. The use of Traditional Chinese Medicine does not rely on technologically advanced diagnostic machines and tests. Information provided by the patient on many apparently common body functions are very important diagnostics. The patient will be provided education on the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine to always have control and choice over the care that they receive. The physician will determine, based on initial information and consultation, if proceeding with the diagnostic framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine, described as the four examinations is indicated. These include: observation, listening and smelling, questioning, and touching.How many treatments will I need?
Once the diagnosis is complete, the practitioner will discuss a short evaluation period for the patient to determine the extent and course of therapy needed based on the patients response to treatment. The patient will have an opportunity during the evaluation period to ask questions regarding their prognosis. At the end of the evaluation period, the physician will review the patients progress to date during a report of findings and develop a care plan to address the problem. Complimentary treatments such as herbal medicine, cupping, moxa, auricular acupuncture, etc. may be included in the plan. The total number of treatments required to effect change in a condition varies dependent upon the disease and patient. Consultation with an experienced practitioner on you and your condition will offer the best guide for the length of treatment. Every patient is different. The following criteria are used to determine initial treatment plans. Is the patient of strong or weak constitution? Is the problem of an acute, severe nature or chronic nature? Is this a treatment for a new condition or a long term illness? Is the patient compliant with care leading a healthier lifestyle with good nutrition and exercise or do they lead a life of poor nutritional and health habits? The frequency of care is critical to address problems initially. The more acute care is needed, the more frequent the treatment to eliminate symptoms. Correction of the root cause of the problem usually takes longer with less frequency. Many patients seek to maintain health and balance once wellness is obtained through regular acupuncture visits on an infrequent basis.
Are there any side effects or complications?
As previously mentioned, acupuncture is an extremely safe method of treatment, and as such, side effects and complications are extremely rare when treated by an experienced, licensed practitioner. However, a small number of patients do have reactions to the procedure which may include nausea, lightheadedness and fainting. These side effects can be mostly eliminated by following simple rules. Do not receive acupuncture following a large meal, on an empty stomach, after vigorous or strenuous exercise or after intercourse. There are also some general rules to avoid that may reduce the treatments effectiveness. Avoid wearing any body lotions or oils prior to a treatment and well as the ingestion of sesame products, alcohol or spicy foods after a treatment. As in any matter pertaining to health, any concerns should be discussed with the practitioner prior to treatment and following treatment to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Can children receive acupuncture?
Yes, children can receive acupuncture and often have excellent results with this treatment. However, in cases where the children are uneasy about the needles, a practitioner may choose to use an acupressure treatment (massage of the acupoints), auricular treatment (small seeds or tacks on acupoints in the ears), or stimulation of the acupuncture points with an electronic device that delivers safe, micro-current through the skin as opposed to acupuncture. Many children can be effectively treated with Chinese herbal medicines alone that provide a safe, effective and drug-free approach to health as well.
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