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ACUPUNCTURE: WHAT IS IT?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing
and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying
heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular
patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels,
called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and
nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers
is like a dam that backs up in others.
The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the
acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish
the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore
help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion,
absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of
their energy through the meridians.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points
stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal
cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain,
or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which
influence the body's own internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results
in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting
physical and emotional well-being.
WHAT IS MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE? IS IT DIFFERENT FROM ORDINARY ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a very old medical art, and there are many approaches to
learning and practicing it. Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe
acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine
who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice.
Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as
the need arises, to treat an illness.
WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE?
Medical 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 a
well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can
be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to
other medial treatment forms in many 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.
Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent
chest infections.
Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib
neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low
back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis.
Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.
Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to
tension and stress and emotional conditions.
If you have questions about a specific illness or disorder not listed above,
you can usually have your questions answered by medical acupuncturists
practicing in your area. Click HERE to Find a Medical Acupuncturist.
Also see the table:
Conditions Appropriate to Acupuncture Therapy
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex
or 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
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 takeplace. Occasionally the
original symptoms 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 with the first
one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild
disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a
short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.
WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE? DO THEY HURT?
People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only
minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the
needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very
thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not
hollow with cuttingedges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the
skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising
and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.
Because your doctor carefully sterilizes the needles using the same
techniques as for surgical instruments, or uses disposable needles, there is
no risk of infection from the treatments.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE REALLY WORK?
Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated
with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today
acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union, and in Europe. It
is now being used more and more in America by patients and physicians.
Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are
being used, such as conventional Western medicine,osteopathic or
chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic ornaturopathic prescriptions. It
is important that your physician-acupuncturist know everything that you are
doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your
treatments.
DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK?
No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other
animals. These animal patients do not understand or believein the process
that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may
reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude
may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral
attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this.") will not block the
treatment results.
ARE THERE ANY "DO'S AND DONT'S" FOR ME ON THE DAY OF A TREATMENT?
Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are
important:
Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your
treatment.
Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic
beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or
at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially
important for the first few visits.
Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular
doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to
treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture
reatments.
Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to
the treatment. This is important for your doctor to know so that the
follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem
IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE?
Some insurance companies currently cover acupuncture costs, other companies
do not yet recognize the value of acupuncture. Each health policy must be
reviewed to determine acupuncture benefits. More and more insurance
companies are recognizing the value of providing coverage for medical
acupuncture services. You can help by insisting that your insurance company
offer you reimbursement for medically indicated acupuncture treatments
before you accept their policy.
Information resource:
http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/acu_info/articles/aboutacupuncture.html
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