How does acupuncture work?
Modern Western medicine cannot explain how acupuncture work. Traditional Asian acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of qi (an "energy" of the body responsible for maintaining health) through meridians (or channels) that network throughout the body in a manner similar to that of the blood vessels or nerves. Acupuncture adjusts the flow of qi in these meridians, causing a balance between the areas where qi is in excess and where qi is insufficient.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is safe when performed by a competent, trained, licensed professional. Licensed acupuncturists use only sterile, single-use disposable needles.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles may be more appropriately called "skinny little pins", when compared to injection or blood-drawing needles. Acupuncture needles are slightly thicker than a hair, making their insertion nearly painless. Some insertions are felt as tingling, warmth, heaviness, or a feeling of the qi moving in the meridians. Most people describe acupuncture as a relaxing and calming experience. It's not at all unusual for someone to fall asleep during their acupuncture treatment.
How will I feel after my acupuncture treatment and how many treatments will I need?
Depending on the health issue being treated, many patients experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain or symptoms. Some patients experience a delayed response, possibly a gradual reduction of pain or symptoms spread over the next several days. The number of treatments needed will depend upon several factors - the duration, severity, and nature of the health issue, as well as your body's response to the treatment. Some acute conditions will heal rather quickly with acupuncture and Oriental medicine, while more chronic conditions may require many treatments over time.
How do I know if a practitioner is qualified to perform acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated profession in most states in the U.S. The National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) certifies acupuncturists and Chinese herbal practitioners. The NCCAOM awards the designation "Dipl. Ac." (Diplomate of Acupuncture) to acupuncturists who have passed the NCCAOM exams in Acupuncture, Biomedicine, and Chinese Medical Theory.
Now that I know something about acupuncture, what is Oriental medicine?
Acupuncture is actually just one of the several modalities which make up "Oriental medicine", along with other modalities such as moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, tui na, acupressure, herbal therapy, and nutritional therapy. Oriental or Chinese medicine is the oldest, continually practiced, medicine in the world. Over one-fourth of the world's population uses Oriental medicine. Tens of thousands of books on Chinese medicine exist, written by Chinese scholars and based on careful observation and clinical experience over a period of two to three thousand years.
How does Oriental medicine work to heal health problems?
Oriental medicine works by returning the body to a state of balance and harmony. Practitioners of Oriental medicine diagnose where the imbalance is in the body by careful observation, examination, and questioning of the patient. A patient may be familiar with some of these techniques as they may seem similar to those of Western medical doctors. Some major differences, which may seem strange at first, include observation and diagnosis of the patient's tongue and the pulses at both wrists. Much diagnostic information is gathered in this manner to determine the pattern of disharmony and imbalance that needs correction.