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What problems can be treated by acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a powerful healing therapy that originated in China more than 5000 years ago. Established as one of the most important components of Chinese medicine, it promotes natural healing and improved function. Acupuncture is most commonly practiced by inserting fine needles at very precise acupoints. These points may also be stimulated through other techniques such as acupressure, cupping, moxibustion, heat, cold, electrical stimulation, and laser application. Acupuncture is now a widely used therapeutic practice in the United States.
Traditional Chinese theory holds that channels of Qi run in regular patterns through the human body and over its surface. These invisible channels, called meridians, are similar but not identical to the nervous and circulatory systems. Like flowing rivers, the meridians irrigate and nourish the body. Tissues, blood vessels, and nerves follow the meridian paths to all organs and structures. When Qi in the body is full and moving properly, health is promoted. When the life energy is blocked or depleted, pain or illness results.
Qi. Pronounced "chi". A traditional Chinese Medicine term meaning "vital life force" and refers to the energy that travels along the pathways or meridians within the body. Qi is responsible for maintaining good health by providing balance of body functions. Occasionally, qi may become imbalanced due to depletion or obstruction. When this occurs, the function of organs or organ systems may be adversely affected, because of the body's inability to transport or produce the qi necessary to fight illness or infection.
Acupoints serve as gateways through which the flow of Qi in the meridians may be influenced. Redirecting, increasing, or decreasing the life energy in a channel may correct imbalances in the body. Following centuries of meticulous observation, classical Chinese texts defined at least four hundred acupoints. Modern practitioners are trained to locate more than a thousand. In fact, studies have been performed in order to understand the mechanism of acupuncture. Many acupoint locations have now been confirmed through electromagnetic research.
Acupuncture treatment is based in a philosophy that promotes balance and harmony in the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of human beings. By stimulating the specific acupoints, it works to redirect the vital life energy in the body and reestablish the healthy flow of Qi through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their energy production activities, digestion and absorption, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.
Modern scientific studies show that stimulation of acupoints enhances the production of certain chemicals in the body, such as the natural pain-blocking chemicals called endorphins. These chemicals either change the perception of pain or stimulate the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and mental health.
What problems can be treated by acupuncture?
Over one hundred different conditions respond well to Acupuncture. The World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations currently recognizes numerous conditions that can be effectively treated with acupuncture. Some treatable conditions include, but are not limited to:
Musculoskeletal
Muscle pain / weakness Neck pain / Stiffness Shoulder / Elbow / Arm pain Back pain Sciatica Lumbar radiculopathy pain Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Bursitis Tendonitis Hip / Leg / Foot Pain Arthritis / joint problems Muscle Cramping Injuries Post-surgical Pain Neurological
Migraines Headaches Stroke Post-operative pain Neurogenic bladder dysfunction Parkinson's Disease Emotional
Insomnia Depression Anxiety Nervousness Neurosis Eyes-Ears-Nose-Throat
Poor Vision Tinnitus Cataracts Toothache Gingivitis Respiratory
Sinusitis Common Cold Tonsillitis Bronchitis Asthma Allergies Digestive
Abdominal Pain Hyperacidity Diarrhea Indigestion Constipation Genitourinary / Gynecology
Urinary tract infections Sexual dysfunction Infertility in women and men Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Irregular / painful menstruation
Circulatory
Hypertension Anemia Arteriosclerosis Angina pectoris Supplementary
Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with common western medical treatments. It is an effective means of pain control following various medical and dental procedures. Along with improving general health, acupuncture promotes healing and lessens the side effects of many drugs and treatments such as chemotherapy.
What Are the Advantages of Acupuncture for Pain management?
One benefit to acupuncture is that it is a drug-free way to minimize pain. It would not develop a tolerance, or the need for an increased dosage to achieve the same required effect. In addition, acupuncture allows the doctor to immediately examine a person's response to the treatment and adjust it if necessary.
The use of acupuncture needles is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which classifies the acupuncture needle as a Class II medical device. Winnie Au Acupuncture Center uses only disposable, sterilized, individually packaged needles.
Acupuncture treatments are safe, drug free, and devoid of many side effects and dependencies associated with medication. Informing your acupuncturist of current medications, pregnancy, cardiac pacemaker use, or cosmetic implants will ensure the most effective and personal treatment.
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and flexible. Most people do not suffer discomfort when they are inserted. When Qi has been influenced, a sensation may be felt either at the acupoint or along the meridian channel. Common descriptions of these sensations include tingling, heaviness, numbness, dull ache, a mild electrical impulse, or a slight flow of energy. These sensations are normal and are called “De Qi,” (arrival of Chi) or induction of energy.
Because each person and treatment is unique, each acupuncture experience is unique. Some people, as well as some acupoints, have more sensation than others. Acupuncture treatments should be comfortable, and communicating your comfort level to your practitioner will ensure the most effective and enjoyable treatment. The most common experience during treatment is deep relaxation.
Is there anything I need to do while receiving a treatment?
Yes, the following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment.
[ Trust is essential for those who fear needles. Know that you are in charge at all times and that the practitioner deeply respects your sensitivity as a path to healing. It is important that you feel comfortable about your treatment choices and respect your own inner timing about what feels right for you.
[ Relax and ask questions. Being informed will help to ease any fears and promote a more beneficial treatment.
[ Do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are uncomfortable, tell your practitioner.
[ Your acupuncture treatment should be pleasant. If you find your treatment unbearable at any point, be sure to speak up immediately. Your practitioner will make the proper adjustments or stop the treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments required will vary depending on the duration, severity, and nature of each complaint. No two conditions or people respond exactly the same. Some patients experience significant improvement within a couple of treatments while others may require a few more visits. Sometimes patients might report an increase in symptoms before noticing improvement. You may be seen two to three times per week initially, so that both you and your practitioner can closely follow your response to treatment, then one to two treatments per week as recommend individually. For health maintenance, once a month or four sessions a year may be all that is necessary. In general, acute conditions require fewer treatments and some chronic or degenerative conditions may require more treatments over time.
How to get the most out of the Treatment?
For the best treatment result, keep a few things in mind:
[
Please show up on time[
Don’t eat a large meal before your visit[
Wear loose, comfortable clothes[
Refrain from overexertion, drugs or alcohol for at least six hours after treatment[
Follow your treatment plan between visits[
Keep all of your appointment, as each visit builds upon the previous ones.
Will my insurance cover acupuncture treatments?
An increasing number of insurance providers (such as UnitedHealth Care, Private Health Care Systems, BlueCross BlueShield, and Cigna, etc.) now provide different medical plan coverage for acupuncture treatments. Dr. Winnie Y. Au, D.Ac., L.Ac. is currently an In-Network provider for many health insurance networks. Please check on our Insurance page for more information. We are available for assistance.
How are practitioners trained and licensed in the US?
In the United States, the regulation of health care practice differs from state to state. Many states license qualified acupuncturists who have demonstrated their competence through education, training and examination. Most practitioners of Chinese medicine are licensed or certified as acupuncturists by their state Department of Regulatory Agencies. Standards to practice acupuncture safely and effectively have been established by The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Practitioners who follow their names with the abbreviations Dipl. Ac. and Dipl. C.H. are nationally board certified in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine respectively.
Dr. Au (pronounced "O") is a National Board Certified Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbologist (NCCAOM) in the USA. She is currently licensed to practice acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in the state of Texas. In addition, she is a Doctor of Acupuncture (D.Ac.) recognizing by the state of Hawaii with all the rights and privileges and honors thereunto pertaining.
Some patients may have more questions than these FAQs can answer. You should discuss all of your concerns in person with your practitioner or call our clinic at (817)590-8188 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Au, so she can discuss your concerns in more detail.
