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   • What is Acupuncture? • What is Qi (Chi) and how does it travel? • What can affect Qi in our body? • What to expect during an acupuncture treatment? • What is a Chinese pulse diagnosis? • What is a Chinese tongue diagnosis? • How many treatments will it take to treat an ailment? • What should you expect during treatment? • How should I prepare for the treatments? • How deep are the needles inserted? • Is acupuncture safe for children? • What are the requirements to become an acupuncturist? • Why do TCM doctors recommend herbs? • Will health insurance cover acupuncture treatments?
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Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for acupuncture and herbs have used this holistic medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy. • What is Qi (Chi) and how does it travel? At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced “Chee”), Life Force, flows throughout the body. Qi helps to move the bodily functions and protect it from illness and disease. A person's health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. • What can affect Qi in our body? Many things influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, diet, accidents, repetitive and excessive activity can lead to a blockage or imbalance of Qi. • What to expect during an acupuncture treatment? During the initial exam, a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health history and lifestyle. The information gathered in conjunction with the tongue and Chinese pulse diagnosis, formed a so-called “differential diagnosis”, to determine where the imbalances are in the body. Then fine, sterile needles are inserted at specific acupoints on the body to balance the imbalances of the meridians. The first treatment typically takes about 90 minutes, subsequent treatments may take up to 60 minutes. • What is a Chinese pulse diagnosis? There are 3 pulse positions on each wrist that correspond to a specific meridian and organ, which reflect the overall health of a person. From the quality of the pulses, such as the intensity, shape and speed; the TCM practitioner can determine where the imbalances are within the body. This is different from the western pulse, which only counts how many beats per minute. • What is a Chinese tongue diagnosis? The tongue is a mirror of the internal condition of the body. The color, shape, cracks and coating on the tongue reveals the internal condition of the body, and it reflects the general health of the organs and meridians. It is a non-invasive and very convenient diagnostic tool to use. • How many treatments will it take to treat an ailment? The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief, others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. It may take a month to see significant changes. • What should you expect during treatment? The acupuncture needles are very fine hair like sterile needles, much smaller than the needles used for injections of drugs or to draw blood. When the acupuncture needles are being inserted, you may or may not feel a very quick, tiny needle prick sensation. Once the needles have been inserted, you may experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling or dull ache. Sometimes people experience a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needles. This is called the “Qi sensation.” All these reactions are a good sign that the treatment is working. After treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep sense of relaxation and well-being. • How should I prepare for the treatments?
The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies. Some people feel a little needle prick as the needles are inserted, but most people feel no pain at all. The needles are very tiny, just a little longer than a cat's whisker or a human hair. • How deep are the needles inserted? The depth of the needle insertion varies depending on the conditions being treated. In general, needles are inserted at depths ranging from 1/8 to 1 1/2 inch. Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects except feelings of relaxation and well-being. However, some bruising may occur infrequently, which usually goes away in a few days. Most people may feel energized, while some may feel tired after the treatment and need to rest more after the treatment. There is little chance of infection from acupuncture needles because all needles used are disposable sterile needles; they are used only once, and then discarded in a red sharp container to be incinerated. • Is acupuncture safe for children? Yes! In some instances children actually respond more quickly than adults, therefore, needles are typically not left in too long. If your child has an aversion to needles, acupressure points may be massaged to achieve the therapeutic effect. • What are the requirements to become an acupuncturist? In California, acupuncturists receive 3 to 4 years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Herbology at nationally certified schools, including 1000 hours of internship. All acupuncturists must pass an extensive California Board Exam in both acupuncture and herbology, and meet strict guidelines to practice. Tui Na in direct translation means “push and grasp.” It is a style of Chinese massage technique applied on acupressure points that moves Qi on various parts of the body. It is used to relieve muscle pain, tension and inflammation and to heal injuries. Moxibustion is a treatment that uses an herb called mugwort. A small amount maybe burned on the handle of the needle, above the skin, on salt or on a slice of ginger. This is used to “warm” acupuncture point area in order to boost Qi and to enhance the healing process. Modern far-infrared heat lamps are used in our clinic for the same purpose. Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of Qi and Blood within the superficial muscle layers. It is used for sore muscles, tension, neck pain and the common cold. During the therapy, small glasses or plastic “cups” are placed over specific areas on your body. A vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction. They may be moved over an affected area or left in place for 10 minutes or so. You may leave the office looking as though you have encountered a big octopus. There is no need for alarm. The slight redness or purplish discoloration on the skin will dissipate in 1-3 days, depending on the degree of the underline stagnation. Gua Sha is another technique used to release muscle tension, tightness and constriction. A specialized tool is used to gently scrape or rub the skin over a problem area. Gua Sha feels a bit like deep massage. This too may leave some slight redness that will quickly dissipate. • Why do TCM doctors recommend herbs? Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute pain. You may start with herbs and then adding acupuncture to your treatment in the future. This is suggested to build up your internal strength so you can receive the full benefits acupuncture has to offer and heal faster. • Will health insurance cover acupuncture treatments? Insurance coverage varies from company to company. Contact your insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered. Here are a few questions to ask: Rates vary and depend on what procedures are performed. It's best to call our office and we'll be happy to explain it to you. 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. Here is a list of a few health concerns that acupuncture has been effective in treating: |
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