What does Acupuncture treat besides pain ?

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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. Below are just some of the health concerns that acupuncture can effectively treat: 

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Q: What does Acupuncture Feel Like? 

A: Acupuncture needles are gently placed at the specific gateways of the body we spoke of earlier. These may not be felt at all, or may be felt s a mild initial sensation upon entering followed by tingling, numbness, ache or traveling warmth. Acupressure on these same points is not often successfully used with children. 



 

Q: What can I Expect With Acupuncture? 

A: Most people are surprised at the depth of relaxation, the intensity of energy which occurs, and sense of well-being and healing which occurs from the re-balancing of energy. Often relief from symptoms is felt immediately, although relief may occur in the following days (or weeks) depending on the severity of symptoms. You will find you will look forward to treatment for the many benefits that are received from acupuncture. 


Many who have lived with their condition for so many years believe they will just have to make do. Others live with pain thinning that someday it will go away. Acupuncture has succeeded in many cases where other treatment have not. You can optimize your health. 

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Q: What is the Function of Acupuncture? 

A: While the effect of acupuncture is symptom relief, it is far more than this. With its origins in Taoism, acupuncture has served over the centuries to intercede and re-attune a person to his source. Those who receive acupuncture often not only heal physically, but experience new and profound states of peace, clarity and harmony through treatment which often has lasting impact. 

 

  

Q: How Effective is Acupuncture? 

A: Acupuncture is highly effective not only as a preventative medicine, but as a drug free treatment of signs and symptoms. 

Studies indicate that acupuncture influences the central and peripheral nervous system. Evidence shows it releases endorphins from the brain which make acupuncture particularly effective in pain control. 

Among a host of factors, acupuncture affects sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the blood, the functioning of the gastrointestinal system and the activity of the endocrine system. 

Acupuncture works with the body, strengthening and balancing energy. It improves circulation and allows the body to heal itself more quickly and more completely. 

 

  

Q: Is Western(standard) Medicine incorporating Acupuncture into its system? 

A: Western medical doctors have developed great interest in incorporating acupuncture, particularly as they have noticed its impact and success with addictions, AIDS, sports injuries, trauma, and pain relief. 

 

  

Q: How Does Acupuncture Work? 

A: As a system of medicine, it uses natural laws and energetic principles rooted in Taoism with the application of needles, energy, and pressure to specific points on the body. Each point provides a specific function in the body in regulating the free flow of vital energy for health and well-being. Acupuncture accesses the source of life itself. 

The acupuncturist opens or closes specific gates or points grouped along certain lines of energy flow called meridians, which go deep into the body. Disease, for example, is prevented or treated by stimulating or reducing the flow of vital energy or qi through specific points in the body. Vital energy then is strengthened or sedated, monitored, and balanced to achieve the desired result. 

Western doctors are discovering medications can suppress or stimulate electrical impulses within the body but they cannot regulate it in the way in which acupuncture can. 
 

  

Q: How Will an Acupuncturists Treatment Be Different Than Other Types of Therapy? 

A: The acupuncturists approach is to treat the person first. Not just these symptoms. The disease is treated as the result. Many acupuncturists listen to you extensively regarding your history and life patterns during the initial examination. Others may move directly into a physical examination. 

Acupuncturist are particularly trained to observe very subtle signs and symptoms which are thought of as insignificant or often overlooked by western medical practitioners. 

An acupuncturist uses the oriental diagnostic system. This takes into account many factors to determine the correct points or gateways along the vital energy pathways of the body, called meridians. These points are treated and used to regulate the vital energy in the body thereby quickening healing, enhancing health and the feeling of well-being. 

The acupuncturist will talk with you about the types of therapies s/he can use to treat you. This may include acupuncture, acupressure, herbal medicines,moxibustion, nutrition, exercise, etc. S/he may recommend further treatment based on the type, severity and the duration of the condition, and your physical state at the time of treatment. For best therapeutic results, s/he will talk with you about home care recommendations so you can optimize your progress and total health! 

  

Q: Are the Needles Sterilized? 

A: Always. Most acupuncturists have now converted to the exclusive use of sterilized disposable needles which Melanie uses. We have always used sterilized disposable types. These needles are discarded after each use, ensuring you absolute safety. 
 

Q: What If My Regular Doctor isnt Familiar with the Benefits of Acupuncture? 

A: With your written permission we can speak and work with him/her personally; or by your choice we can recommend a doctor who can provide a referral for acupuncture if this is needed. 

Acupuncture and oriental medicine has stood the test of time for well over 2000 years! The far-reaching impact of this ancient cost effective medical system for healing, wellness, and transformation could well herald the medicine of the future. We encourage you to proceed with confidence into new possibilities for health and well-being. We welcome you to acupuncture care. 

  

Q: What if I am Healthy? Can Acupuncture Help Prevent Future Problems or Enhance Health? 

A: Yes. Acupuncture has traditionally been used as a preventive medicine. Recent research has now verified that acupuncture stimulates immune function which increases your resistance to bacterial and viral infections. Acupuncture can dramatically increase overall vitality and energy. It treats underlying causes, a deeper kind of healing. It effects profound changes in peoples lives on the emotional level as well. Many people find that an occasional acupuncture tune-up is the best medicine to feel in sync and insure continuing health. 

  

Q: Is Acupuncture Safe? 

A: Yes. Because acupuncture treatment is drug-free, you avoid the risk of drugs which can cause many side effects or dependency. During each acupuncture session your acupuncturist can adjust the treatment according to your symptoms so that you receive constant monitoring of any changes. Always inform your health practitioner about all preexisting conditions, known problems, the names of all medications you are taking; if you are or could be pregnant; and if you have a cardiac pacemaker. Your acupuncturist will be able to evaluate your specific situation with this information to ensure best results. 

Acupuncturist receives extensive training and are licensed or certified by strict state or foreign country regulatory boards. Many highly trained acupuncturists work closely with medical doctors in their local community who regularly find that the combination of treatments is very effective and beneficial for the patient. 

  

Q: Is Acupuncture Recommended for Emergency Situations or Acute Medical Problems? 

A: It is strongly recommended that you first seek immediate medical attention at a nearby hospital for such conditions as difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath; dizziness, fainting or feeling faint; pain or pressure in the chest or upper abdomen, sudden weakness or severe pain; sudden bleeding; injuries, falls, suicide attempts, and when surgery, tests, x-rays, and life support equipment may be needed. Once the emergency is over, you can then see an Acupuncturist. An Acupuncturist can be seen for first Aid circumstances in certain instances, depending on the circumstances. 
 

  

Q: Are There Any Other Conditions for which Acupuncture is not recommended? 

A: Yes. Acupuncture is generally not recommended for the primary treatment of severe infection, and heart failure. However, acupuncture has been found very useful in studies inside the U.S. and other parts of the world for easing the effects of chemotherapy and of pain in advanced cancer patients. 

  

Q: Who Should I see First, an MD or an Acupuncturist? 

A: This is at your discretion. An acupuncturist has 7-9 years of schooling and experience varies. They both specialize in patient care however the approach and treatment will be different. Does your condition fall within the general guidelines mentioned in the list included in this brochure for acupuncture? You may want to talk with the acupuncturist on the phone before scheduling an appointment. Get a feel for the particular practitioners approach to care. You should be given some direction as to how to best proceed. An Acupuncturist can also tell you if a referral is required. 
 

  

Q: Can Acupuncture Improve Athletic Performance or Treat Sports or Work-Out Injuries? 

A: Absolutely yes. Acupuncture can speed healing and eliminate the discomfort of many sports injuries. 

  

Q: Can I continue taking My Regular Medication While Receiving Acupuncture? 

A: Yes. Acupuncture treatment may be used along with other medical care to great advantage. It has also been used for pain control after other medical or dental procedures, of improving healing, and to lesson the side-effects of some drugs. 


Q: Can Acupuncture be used with Infants or Children? 

A: Yes. Treatment without needles is primarily used for young children. Studies have shown that it is useful for treating jaundice in newborns. Infants and babies can also be successfully treated for colic, earache, cerebral palsy, myopia, and bed-wetting. Many parents have found that by introducing their children to acupuncture, many childhood diseases are avoided. In the Orient, parents are encouraged to have their children treated every month as a preventive measure. 

  

Q: Can Acupuncture Help Senior Citizens? 

A: Yes. Acupuncture is for people of all ages, but the elderly can often experience great benefits from enhanced circulation. It can assist with insomnia. It can increase mental clarity and regulate stroke patients as soon as possible after their diagnosis because it is helpful in eliminating or decreasing related paralysis. 

 

  

Q: Can Acupuncture Be Effective When Other Treatments Have failed? 

A: Yes. Each system of medicine has its own areas in which it has its greatest effectiveness. Acupuncture's advantage is that its diagnostic and treatment system has a broad and deep understanding of our energetic nature, as well as the impact of energy in healing. It is not limited by western medicine assumption that disease is based in biochemistry. Acupuncture is powerful medicine which works, despite belief or unknown factors. 

  

Q: Does Acupuncture Hurt? 

A: Most people are surprised (and relieved!) to learn that acupuncture needles are very thin. Not like hypodermic needles which are big and hollow that nurses use for shots. Acupuncturists can attain a high level of skill in gently placing these tiny needles and often the insertion is barely perceptible. And there is more good news! The needles are usually inserted only several millimeters in depth again, very unlike hypodermic injections. The acupuncturist will help you to relax and receive the most value from treatment. After the needle is inserted you may feel nothing or sometimes a vague numbness,heaviness or slight tingling. The treatment is effective whether their is sensed or not. After treatment, many experience a euphoric feeling and often profound peace.