Frequently Asked Questions
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories, specializing in the flow of Qi (energy) and blood through channels or meridians, which traverse the body. Acupuncture directs the flow of Qi to those areas that are deficient, and from those areas of excess. In traditional Chinese Theory, there is a famous dictum,
"If there is pain, there is no FREE FLOW, If there is FREE FLOW, there is no pain."
Essentially, acupuncture promotes the free and balanced flow of Qi and blood. To facilitate this process, an acupuncturist inserts tiny, fine needles into the body at designated meridian points. Each point has been proven effective in the treatment of specific symptoms and disorders.
In addition to this treatment, most practitioners are also trained to administer a number of adjunctive therapies, including dietary counseling, moxibustion over an affected area, cupping, electronic stimulation, magnet therapy, and herbal treatments.
What is Qi (Chee) and how does it travel?
Qi is the energy that animates your body. It provides you with the ability to talk, walk, think, metabolize, dream, and love. Qi also protects you from illness, keeping you strong and healthy. Qi circulates through specific pathways called meridians. There are 12 main meridians within your body, each connecting to an organ system. These are like rivers, transporting life-giving energy (Qi), nourishing the body, cells, tissues, and organs.
When Qi travels freely, you can enjoy good physical, mental and emotional health. An obstruction, often caused by stress, trauma, lack of exercise, overexertion, poor diet, repetitive strain, seasonal changes, or a weak constitution, acts like a dam, backing up the natural flow of the body. This backup causes illness throughout the body.
Does Acupuncture Hurt? - No.
The needles used in this practice are extremely fine and most patients do not experience pain associated with the insertion along the designated meridians of the body. The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies from patient to patient.
What can I expect on my appointment?
Your initial exam will request a full medical history including your lifestyle, and any other information necessary for diagnosis. Your pulse will be checked, as well as the color, shape, and coating of your tongue. The information gleaned from this will be organized according to the Chinese theories. During treatment you may feel energized or a deep sense of relaxation and well-being. When the acupuncture needle is inserted you may feel numbness, heaviness, tingling, a dull ache, or the "Qi" sensation - feeling the energy spreading from the needle. All these reactions are normal and a sign the treatment is working!
How safe is acupuncture?
Extremely safe. It is a drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects, except feelings of relaxation, and groundedness. There is very little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and disposed of after each use.
Some of the many conditions successfully treated by Chinese Medicine:
Addiction - Allergies - Arthritis - Asthma
Back Pain - Bronchitis - Bell's Palsy
Cancer including side effects of chemotherapy and radiation
Constipation - Depression
Diabetes
Eczema-Edema - Endometriosis - Fibromyalgia
Hay Fever - Hypertension - Hepatitis
Incontinence -Insomnia- Indigestion - Influenza- Impotence - Irregular Periods
Migraines - Morning Sickness
Multiple Sclerosis - Ocular Degeneration
Nausea - Paralysis - PMS - Prostate Stomach Ulcers - Shingles - Smoking withdrawal symptoms- Sore Throat - Tennis Elbow- Tonsillitis - Tinnitus - Ulcers -
Vertigo - Vaginitis