What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the five branches of Oriental Medicine which also includes Herbal Medicine, Massage, Therapeutic exercise, and diet therapy. Acupuncture is the gentle and precise insertion of sterile hair thin needles at specific points proven to be effective in the treatment of a broad range of health problems. These points have been described and mapped by Chinese physicians over a period of 2000 years.
How does acupuncture work ?
Western science can not yet understand or explain how acupuncture works. Current theories suggest that acupuncture works by increasing blood flow throughout the body as well as regulating neurohormones such as endorphins. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the flow of Qi through pathways that cover the body somewhat like blood vessels and nerves. Chinese medicine regulates the flow of Qi through the body to reestablish harmonious energetic balance and help the body to heal itself.
What can Chinese Medicine Treat ?
Chinese medicine is a complete medical system that can treat a very wide range of health concerns. The World Health Organization has issued a list of the conditions that it feels are suitable for acupuncture treatment. They include bronchial asthma, constipation, diarrhea, duodenal ulcers, headaches, migraines, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, low back pain, sciatica, and osteoarthritis. Clinical experience all over the world and the use of herbal medicine confirms that many other conditions can be effectively treated such as most gynecological complaints, infertility, fibromyalgia, and allergies.
Does Acupuncture Hurt ?
Most people are pleasantly surprised to find that the insertion of the needles goes unnoticed. For others it feels like a small pinch followed by a variety of sensations. Often the first sensation is immediate relief from the pain they came in. Others experience tingling, warmth or a sensation of heaviness or a sensation of Qi or energy moving up and down the channels. I take great care to ensure that my patients are comfortable during treatment. Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing and many of my patients fall asleep during treatment. Following treatment patients usually feel a profound sense of well - being and calmness.
Is Acupuncture Safe ?
When performed by a well trained licensed professional acupuncture is extremely safe. I only use sterile single use needles that are individually packaged so there is no risk of infection. I use a needle one time and then dispose of it. In my eleven years of practice, caring for thousands of patients not a single adverse incident has occurred.
How Many Treatments will I Need ?
This varies widely, depending on the duration, severity and nature of your health concern. An acute condition may resolve within a few treatments, and many chronic problems can be treated in ten treatments or so. It is best to schedule these twice a week to start with to gauge the speed of your individual response. Some conditions need continued treatment on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. The benefits of treatment are cumulative and once patients feel better they come less frequently to maintain the results.
Do I have to believe in Chinese Medicine for it to work for me ?
No. Acupuncture will work, whether or not you think it will. Acupuncture is used with great success on children and animals. They do not understand or believe in the process yet they get better anyway. A positive attitude is useful for any kind of therapy, but I have had some of the best results with the most skeptical patients. If you have any questions or concerns about treatment, feel free to call or email me, and I will personally respond promptly.
Does Insurance Cover Treatment ?
Sometimes. You need to check with your company to positively determine coverage. I will provide you with a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. I do accept no- fault and workers compensation insurance cases.