Notice
FAQ's about Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine has used this non-invasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people regain and maintain health.
An Acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints on the body. This promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity, physical and emotional health. It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.
An Acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints on the body. This promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity, physical and emotional health. It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.
What does the examination/consultation involve?
What does the examination/consultation involve?
An exam/consultation includes what you tell the practitioner about your medical history and what your body says: The appearance of the face and body build, the shape and color of the tongue, the quality of the pulses, the feel of diagnostic areas such as the abdomen and back. An acupuncturist may test for weaknesses along the "meridians" and weaknesses in the muscles. Sometimes devices that measure electrical activity of acupoints may be used.
An exam/consultation includes what you tell the practitioner about your medical history and what your body says: The appearance of the face and body build, the shape and color of the tongue, the quality of the pulses, the feel of diagnostic areas such as the abdomen and back. An acupuncturist may test for weaknesses along the "meridians" and weaknesses in the muscles. Sometimes devices that measure electrical activity of acupoints may be used.
How long is the visit?
Usually the first visit is the longest in order to allow for a complete history taking and exam - typically an hour and a half. Follow-up visits are shorter, typically one hour. Sometimes other therapies, such as moxabustion, acupressure/massage and exercises are incorporated with the acupuncture treatment. There might be Chinese herbal formulas as well as lifestyle and dietary modifications.
Don't the needles hurt?
Most people who have had acupuncture would describe it as virtually painless or far less painful than plucking out a hair. The sensations that follow range from nothing at all, to mild tingling, to slight numbness/achiness, to electrical pulsations in areas distant from the site of insertion. All these sensations usually subside once the needles are removed. The needles used for acupuncture are much smaller that the standard hypodermic needle, do not draw blood and are solid, not hollow.
What is treatment like?
Most patients would say, "relaxing." Usually patients leave in less discomfort and are more functional than when they walked in. Sometimes the effects are too subtle to perceive, especially in the beginning of treatment. Yet after 5 to 10 treatments the improvements become more and more apparent.
Is it safe?
If performed by a qualified, conscientious practitioner, yes. Licensed Acupuncturists know the human anatomy well, and insert needles in a safe fashion. The instruments used to penetrate the skin are either pre-sterilized and disposable after a single use, or disinfected and sterilized in an autoclave, as surgical and dental instruments are, after each use.
The practitioner is well aware of the concern over infectious diseases, and takes every measure to insure cleanliness as all health care professional do.
Bleeding rarely occurs, unless done so on purpose in specific situations. Even then the amount is minimal and in no way dangerous.
The practitioner is well aware of the concern over infectious diseases, and takes every measure to insure cleanliness as all health care professional do.
Bleeding rarely occurs, unless done so on purpose in specific situations. Even then the amount is minimal and in no way dangerous.
How should I prepare?
1) Come with any questions you might have, we are here to help you.
2) Wear loose comfortable clothing for easy access to Acupuncture points.
3) Avoid large meals immediately preceding and after the visit.
4) Refrain from overexertion, drugs, or alcohol for up to 6 hours after the visit.
5) Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax. Be sure to get plenty of rest.
2) Wear loose comfortable clothing for easy access to Acupuncture points.
3) Avoid large meals immediately preceding and after the visit.
4) Refrain from overexertion, drugs, or alcohol for up to 6 hours after the visit.
5) Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax. Be sure to get plenty of rest.
What services can a practitioner of Oriental Medicine/
Acupuncture provide?
Acupuncture provide?
Acupuncture, Acupressure/Massage, Therapeutic Exercises, Herbal Medicine, Diet therapy, Breathing Exercises, Referrals, Oriental Medical Diagnosis.