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. When the movement of these energy rivers is obstructed, it is like a dam that causes a backup elsewhere.
The meridians can be influenced by needling acupuncture points. The needles help remove obstructions and reestablish regular flow through the meridians. As a result, acupuncture treatments may help the body's internal organs correct imbalances in digestion, absorption, and energy production, as well as in the circulation of energy through the meridians.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals may change the experience of pain, or they may trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that influence the body's internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture can stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
WHAT IS MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE? IS IT DIFFERENT FROM ORDINARY ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is an ancient medical art, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. Medical acupuncture refers to acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also received thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor may use one approach or the other, or a combination of both, as needed to treat an illness.
WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE?
Medical acupuncture is a system that 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 support or an adjunct to other medical treatments, 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, as well as emotional conditions.
If you have questions about a specific illness or disorder not listed above, you can usually have them 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 take place. Occasionally, the original symptoms may worsen for a few days, or other general changes may occur in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common in the first one or two treatments to experience deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following treatment. These pass within a short time and generally require nothing more than a bit of rest.
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, no pain is felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin, solid, and made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges 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 lower than when using a hollow needle.
Because your doctor carefully sterilizes needles using the same techniques as for surgical instruments, or uses disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from 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 Europe, and it is being used more and more in America by patients and physicians. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time as other techniques, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your physician-acupuncturist know everything you are doing so they 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 believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of treatment, 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 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 avoid 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 treatments.
Remember to keep good mental or written notes of your response to treatment. This is important for your doctor to know so that 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; others do not yet recognize its value. 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 reimbursement for medically indicated acupuncture treatments before you accept their policy.