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What
is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is
a means of adjusting the body's life energy (chi or qi) through the
insertion of fine needles into carefully selected acupuncture points
along the meridians of the body. The needles, which have a rounded
end rather than a sharp cutting one, are inserted into the points and
are then manipulated with a gentle pumping action, by twirling or leaving
in place for a few minutes. These motions stimulate the flow of energy
and remove blockages so that the qi can be dispersed and regulated.
When the qi is flowing properly throughout the body, the balance is
restored and improved health results.
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How
does it work?
Athough many theories
have been presented, there is still no easy answer as to exactly how
acupuncture works. The "Gate Control" theory suggests
that pain impulses are blocked from reaching the spinal cord or brain
at various "gates" to these areas. Since
a majority of acupuncture points are either located near, or connected
to neural structures, this suggests that acupuncture stimulates the
nervous system to "shut the gate" to the sensation of pain.
Other theories suggest that acupuncture stimulates the body to produce
narcotic like substances such as endorphins and opiods which, when
released into the body, relieve pain. One thing is certain, although
we may not know precisely how it works, studies have shown that it
does work for a large majority of people and conditions.
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Do
I have to believe in it for it to work?
The answer to
this question is no. While having a positive state of mind helps with
any type of treatment, conventional or otherwise, it is not necessary
to "believe" in acupuncture for it to work. This is evidenced
not only through clinical study in "non-believers", but by
the fact that animals and small children who cannot be instructed to
"believe" receive relief through the use of acupuncture.
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Does
it hurt?
The sensation
of receiving an acupuncture treatment can rarely be described as painful.
Now that is not to say that it is devoid of sensation. But, generally
the feeling is more of a tingling. Acupuncture needles have a doweled
end and therefore do not cut the skin as regular injection needles
do. Following treatment it is common for the patient to feel a tremendous
sense of relaxation, and/or exhileration.
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Is
it safe?
This is a very
common question among those who have never experienced an acupuncture
treatment. The answer relies on the skill of the practitioner. If he
or she is unsure of what they are doing, it is certainly possible to
inflict injury with an acupuncture needle. However, when practiced
by a licensed, trained acupuncturist, acupuncture is extremely safe
and there is no danger whatsoever. The importance of seeking an appropriately
trained practitioner cannot be overstated.
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Are
there any contraindications for acupuncture?
There are very
few situations where acupuncture is not advised. These are the most
common:
- If the patient
has a hemophilic condition
- If the patient
is pregnant - certain acupuncture points and needle manipulations
should not be used during pregnancy
- If the patient
has a severe psychotic condition or is under the influence of drugs
or alcohol
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Are
the needles clean?
Before undergoing
any acupuncture treatment, ask the practitioner about their sterilization
procedures. All registered acupuncturists are required by law to sterilize
needles. It is in their own interest, as much as in the patient's,
to use extreme caution. For this reason, some practitioners use disposable
needles which can be disgarded following the treatment of each patient.
In cases where disposable needles are not used, the practitioner will
have a sterilizer (called an autoclave) in the clinic, or may use hospital
sterilization services.
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What
conditions does acupuncture treat?
The World Health
Organization (WHO) lists approximately four dozen different conditions
that can legitimately be treated by acupuncture. The most common uses
for acupuncture in the West include: Pain Management, Asthma, Drug
Abuse, Alcoholism, Smoking, Stroke, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Gynecological
and Obstetric Problems, and Sexual Problems. For
further information on the conditions, please click here
.
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What
should I expect on my first visit?
Acupuncture is
no different than any other form of medical treatment. Upon the patient's
first visit, the practitioner will record basic biographical information
about the patient, and will then proceed with the diagnostic framework
of Traditional Chinese Medicine, described as the four examinations.
These include: observation,
listening
and smelling, questioning,
and touching.
Once the diagnosis is complete, the practitioner will discuss the treatment
with the patient, and the patient will have an opportunity to ask questions
- i.e. how many needles will be used, at which acupoints, possible
duration of treatment, complimentary treatments such as herbal medicine,
etc.
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How
many treatments will I need?
The total number
of treatments required to effect change in a condition varies dependent
upon the disease, and it's severity, the duration of the illness, the
frequency of the treatments and the patient themself. Consultation
with an experienced practitioner on you and your condition will offer
the best guide for the length of treatment. However, as a rough guideline,
the maximum benefit is usually obtained after approximately six treatments
at weekly intervals. Three more treatments at three month intervals
followed by one or two occassional treatments may be recommended to
prevent recurrence.
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Are
there any side effects or complications?
As previously
mentioned, acupuncture is an extremely safe method of treatment, and
as such, side effects and complications are extremely rare when treated
by an experienced, licensed practitioner. However, a small number of
patients do have reactions to the procedure which may include nausea,
lightheadedness and fainting. As in any matter pertaining to health,
any concerns should be discussed with the practitioner prior to treatment
and following treatment to ensure maximum effectiveness.
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Can
children receive acupuncture?
Yes, children
can receive acupuncture and often have excellent results with this
treatment. However, in cases where the children are uneasy about the
needles, a practitioner may choose to use an acupressure treatment
(massage of the acupoints), as opposed to acupuncture.
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