What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into very specific points on the body. It aims to bring the body back into balance by moving "qi" (which can be loosely translated as energy) throughout acupuncture channels. It is thought that when the natural flow of qi is interrupted an imbalance, and thus a health concern, will result. Acupuncturists are trained to identify the root cause of the problem so the body can restore health instead of just creating temporary relief from symptoms.
How does it work?
Traditionally acupuncture is thought of as an energetic medicine. It works by regulating the qi or energy flow through the body to allow for natural healing to take place. Western medicine is currently conducting more and more research and we now know that very real physiological processes occur when the needles are inserted. Some of the common mechanisms of action include regulating the nervous system, reducing inflammation, relaxing tight muscles, improving circulation, regulating hormones and releasing neurotransmitters to name a few.
Will it hurt?
Some patients do not feel anything with needle insertion while others feel a slight pinch. The sensation felt often depends on the body part and overall health of the patient. Those who are better hydrated and consume a "clean" diet (not too many processed, sugary, or fried foods) will generally have less whole body inflammation and will therefore feel the needles less. After the initial needle insertion the patient should feel completely relaxed with no discomfort.
How many treatments will it take?
The medicine is holistic and very individualized so the number of treatments for each person will vary depending on several factors including overall health and the severity and duration of symptoms. Progress is evaluated during each treatment session. Your practitioner can give you more information about your unique situation after the initial intake process.
What can it treat?
Most people have heard of acupuncture treating pain and infertility, but there are many more conditions that acupuncture can treat including headaches/migraines, digestive issues, sleep problems, allergies, fatigue, and mental emotional concerns to name a few. Additionally, due to acupuncture's ability to affect the nervous system and illicit a strong relaxation response, acupuncture can be used to treat symptoms that occur due to stress. The World Health Organization recognizes many conditions that can be successfully treated by acupuncture.
Who can practice acupuncture?
Each state has its own requirements on who can perform acupuncture, but every acupuncturist must be licensed in the state in which they practice. Many states require their acupuncturists to be board certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). You can confirm your acupuncturist's certification on the NCCAOM's website. To obtain that board certification, one must have graduated from an accredited acupuncture school's Masters program (usually 3 to 4 years) and must have also passed the required testing (usually 3 to 4 exams). HOWEVER, there is an exception to the rule and that is for physicians or chiropractors who often complete minimal training and who can still be licensed to practice in their state. Caution to those seeking acupuncture from MD's as their training is not as extensive. Some patients choose to do so because that's the only way their health insurance will cover acupuncture, but those treatments should not be seen as representative of or equivalent to that of a licensed acupuncturist.
Is acupuncture the same as dry needling?
No. Dry needling is a technique performed by physical therapists with minimal training in needling. The PT's do use acupuncture needles, but they are not using acupuncture points and are not diagnosing via Chinese medicine. They are also not using acupuncture techniques and as such dry needling has been known to be quite painful whereas acupuncture is not.
Is it safe?
Acupuncture is very safe. All of the needles are sterile, stainless steel, and one time use only. Acupuncturists are required to follow a specific needle technique protocol which ensures clean procedures. The most common side effect would be the potential for a small bruise at the needle insertion site, but there are more positive than negative "side effects" including improved sleep, better energy, and stronger immune system.
Are any preparations needed prior to treatment?
Generally acupuncturists recommend eating something at least a couple hours prior to treatment. Increasing water intake is also a good idea. For comfort purposes, loose fitting clothing can be worn or brought to the visit. It is also ideal for the patient to not engage in strenuous physical activity following a treatment. In cases where someone is coming for pain relief, avoiding caffeine the day of and after a session is advised.
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into very specific points on the body. It aims to bring the body back into balance by moving "qi" (which can be loosely translated as energy) throughout acupuncture channels. It is thought that when the natural flow of qi is interrupted an imbalance, and thus a health concern, will result. Acupuncturists are trained to identify the root cause of the problem so the body can restore health instead of just creating temporary relief from symptoms.
How does it work?
Traditionally acupuncture is thought of as an energetic medicine. It works by regulating the qi or energy flow through the body to allow for natural healing to take place. Western medicine is currently conducting more and more research and we now know that very real physiological processes occur when the needles are inserted. Some of the common mechanisms of action include regulating the nervous system, reducing inflammation, relaxing tight muscles, improving circulation, regulating hormones and releasing neurotransmitters to name a few.
Will it hurt?
Some patients do not feel anything with needle insertion while others feel a slight pinch. The sensation felt often depends on the body part and overall health of the patient. Those who are better hydrated and consume a "clean" diet (not too many processed, sugary, or fried foods) will generally have less whole body inflammation and will therefore feel the needles less. After the initial needle insertion the patient should feel completely relaxed with no discomfort.
How many treatments will it take?
The medicine is holistic and very individualized so the number of treatments for each person will vary depending on several factors including overall health and the severity and duration of symptoms. Progress is evaluated during each treatment session. Your practitioner can give you more information about your unique situation after the initial intake process.
What can it treat?
Most people have heard of acupuncture treating pain and infertility, but there are many more conditions that acupuncture can treat including headaches/migraines, digestive issues, sleep problems, allergies, fatigue, and mental emotional concerns to name a few. Additionally, due to acupuncture's ability to affect the nervous system and illicit a strong relaxation response, acupuncture can be used to treat symptoms that occur due to stress. The World Health Organization recognizes many conditions that can be successfully treated by acupuncture.
Who can practice acupuncture?
Each state has its own requirements on who can perform acupuncture, but every acupuncturist must be licensed in the state in which they practice. Many states require their acupuncturists to be board certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). You can confirm your acupuncturist's certification on the NCCAOM's website. To obtain that board certification, one must have graduated from an accredited acupuncture school's Masters program (usually 3 to 4 years) and must have also passed the required testing (usually 3 to 4 exams). HOWEVER, there is an exception to the rule and that is for physicians or chiropractors who often complete minimal training and who can still be licensed to practice in their state. Caution to those seeking acupuncture from MD's as their training is not as extensive. Some patients choose to do so because that's the only way their health insurance will cover acupuncture, but those treatments should not be seen as representative of or equivalent to that of a licensed acupuncturist.
Is acupuncture the same as dry needling?
No. Dry needling is a technique performed by physical therapists with minimal training in needling. The PT's do use acupuncture needles, but they are not using acupuncture points and are not diagnosing via Chinese medicine. They are also not using acupuncture techniques and as such dry needling has been known to be quite painful whereas acupuncture is not.
Is it safe?
Acupuncture is very safe. All of the needles are sterile, stainless steel, and one time use only. Acupuncturists are required to follow a specific needle technique protocol which ensures clean procedures. The most common side effect would be the potential for a small bruise at the needle insertion site, but there are more positive than negative "side effects" including improved sleep, better energy, and stronger immune system.
Are any preparations needed prior to treatment?
Generally acupuncturists recommend eating something at least a couple hours prior to treatment. Increasing water intake is also a good idea. For comfort purposes, loose fitting clothing can be worn or brought to the visit. It is also ideal for the patient to not engage in strenuous physical activity following a treatment. In cases where someone is coming for pain relief, avoiding caffeine the day of and after a session is advised.
