Do acupuncture needles hurt?
Most people say they barely feel a thing when needles are inserted. Some people feel a slight pinch, and others ask “Is it in yet?” The reason acupuncture needles aren’t painful is because they’re very thin in comparison to the hypodermic needles used to give injections. Acupuncture needles are the width of 3 human hairs. Hypodermic needles are hollow so that the medication can be injected. They also have a very blunt point (actually a wedge shape) in comparison to an acupuncture needle. Forty acupuncture needles can fit into the tip of one standard 18 gauge hypodermic needle.
There are certain sensations associated with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture, which are known as de Qi (pronounced “day-chee”). These may include slight cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling or electric sensation traveling along a meridian. If any discomfort is experienced, it is usually mild.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is an extremely safe method of treatment. It has no harmful side effects used alone or with western treatments. Acupuncturists are tested and certified in Clean Needle Technique which is a requirement for national and state licensure. Acupuncture needles are extremely safe. The needles used are FDA approved one time use only, pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and disposable. Every practitioner gets extensive training in anatomy so as to avoid accidentally inserting a needle in a place that can cause damage.
Do I have to believe in it for it to work? Does acupuncture always work?
Acupuncture and herbs work whether you believe in them or not. Good results are seen in the majority of cases. When all other treatment methods have failed, this indicates a systematic imbalance – exactly what acupuncture and herbs excel at treating.
What Should I Expect On My First Visit?
During your first office visit, we spend a lot of time during the initial intake getting a complete picture of your health and lifestyle. We examine the condition of your tongue (is it cracked, coated, excessively pink? etc.) and check your pulse on both wrists (the quality of your pulse gives information about possible imbalances). We’ll also ask questions about your emotional state and specific symptoms you may have.
This is done because unlike Western medicine, we treat the whole person instead of focusing on the symptoms of your condition. The first visit can last from an hour to an hour and a half, and end with an acupuncture treatment lasting another 30-60 minutes for a total of 2 hours so make sure you plan accordingly even if you have had acupuncture before.
Your subsequent visits will be much faster – usually an hour long. We’ll make a short review of your progress followed by an acupuncture treatment.
How often would I need to come in for treatment?
Typically acupuncture treatments are given once a week. If the condition is acute and or painful, treatments may be given 2-3 times per week until the condition starts to come under control. Acupuncture is a cumulative treatment and you should feel better as time progresses. The exact duration of treatment depends on the condition, your basic level of health, and how well you respond to acupuncture. The ultimate goal is always to return to complete health therefore patient compliance also needs to be taken into account. Be good to yourself and you’ll see results.
How does acupuncture work?
In Chinese medical theory, acupuncture works by balancing the body’s Qi. Qi can be described as a form of bioenergy that runs along 12 major meridians. If Qi gets blocked, it shows up as an imbalance or illness. Basically, if you have a health condition, some part of your body’s system is out of whack. Chinese medical theory allows us to diagnose the imbalance… and balance it.
In Western medical theory, acupuncture appears to work by stimulating parts of the brain. It also stimulates the body to release natural biomolecules such as neurotransmitters, vasodilators and hormones. The exact mechanisms which brings this about are unknown, but the effects are measurable.
A good example of this is the use of acupuncture to induce labor. One of the first things that Oriental medical students learn is that there are a few points that are absolutely forbidden to use with pregnant women. These points cause the release of oxytocin, which is the hormone that naturally induces labor. Studies have shown that using acupuncture to induce labor reduces the active (painful) phase of labor by an average of 3.6 hours.
Does insurance cover acupuncture?
Some insurers cover acupuncture. You can usually find out by calling the number on your insurance card. We provide a “superbill” that provides all the information you need to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. It is a standardized form which insurers expect.