What is Acupuncture?

The theory and practice of acupuncture is based on Asian medicine (also known as traditional Chinese or Oriental medicine), a comprehensive natural health care system that has been used in Asian countries for thousands of years to preserve health and diagnose, treat, and prevent illness.

How Acupuncture Works?

Acupuncture treats health conditions by stimulating “acu-points” found at specific locations on the surface of the body. Acupuncturists stimulate the acu-points inserting very thin needles through the skin to produce physiological effects. Other methods are also used to stimulate acu-points, such as heat or finger pressure.

What is the General Theory of Acupuncture?

The general theory of acupuncture is that proper physiological function and health depend on the circulation of nutrients, substances, and energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”) through a network of “channels” or “meridians.”

This network connects  every organ and part of the body, providing balance, regulation, and coordination of physiological processes.

What is the Pathology of Acupuncture?

Pain and ill health result when the flow of Qi through the body is disrupted or blocked. This can be caused by many things, including disease, pathogens, trauma/ injuries, and medication (side effects), as well as lifestyle factors such as overwork, poor diet, emotions, lack of rest, and stress.

What is the Mechanism of Acupuncture?

Stimulation of the appropriate acu-points through acupuncture treatments helps to restore sufficient, continuous, and even flow of Qi and other nutrients throughout the body, restoring health and balance to the body while relieving pain and other symptoms.

What is the Aim of Acupuncture?

The acupuncturist uses a sophisticated and complex system of diagnostic methods that take into consideration the person as a whole, discerning the body’s pattern of disharmony rather than isolated symptoms. The aim is not only to eliminate or alleviate symptoms, but more importantly to treat the underlying cause, increase the ability to function, and improve the quality of life.

How is Acupuncture in United States?

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) is one of the newest primary health care professions inCalifornia. The potential benefits of acupuncture are widely recognized, and it is steadily being integrated with mainstream health care. More than 15 million Americans have tried acupuncture and Asian medicine since it was introduced in theUnited Statesin the 1970s. The risk of side effects from acupuncture is low and the potential benefits are high.

How is the endorsement by the NIH?

In November 1997, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) convened a panel of 12 distinguished physicians and current status of clinical research on the effectiveness of acupuncture. The first formal endorsement of acupuncture by NIH stated, “There is sufficient evidence of acupuncture’s value to expand its use into conventional medicine and to encourage further studies of its physiology and clinical value.”

Benefits of Acupuncture

NIH found clear evidence that needle acupuncture is effective for relief of post-operative chemotherapy, pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, and post-operative dental pain.

Other benefits from acupuncture which are still under consideration include relief of post-operative pain, addiction, stroke rehabilitation, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, headache, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, menstrual cramps, and asthma. One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same condition.

Advantages of Acupuncture

One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same condition.

How is Acupuncture in California?

The State of California began licensing acupuncturists in 1976, and in 1979 was the first state in the nation to recognize qualified practitioners as primary health care professionals. To qualify for licensing in California, individuals must meet specified educational requirements and pass a comprehensive State licensing examination. Once licensed, acupuncturists are required to renew their license every two years and complete continuing education as a condition of renewal.

What to Expect From Acupuncture

Determine Your GoalLooking for a primary health care practitioner? Or Someone working with your current physician?Seeking short-term treatment for a specific complaint? Or long-term prevention-oriented, holistic approach to the healthy life?

Select a Practitioner

Ask your friends, relatives, doctor for a referral to a reputable practitioner.

Found out about their training, length of practice, specializations, and experience in treating your ailment.

How is the Diagnosis for Acupuncture?

An acupuncturist’s diagnosis is determined in part by using methods: Asking patients for a thorough history of their health, diet, exercise patterns, and chief complaints; performing a physical exam, ordering laboratory tests, X-rays or MRIs, and making a referral to a specialist, if necessary. The acupuncturist may also use unique diagnostic techniques, for example, taking the patient’s pulse on both wrists and observing the tongue and complexion. The three pulses felt on each wrist are believed to correspond to certain organs and functions. Following the diagnosis, the practitioner will explain to you the nature of your problem, recommend a treatment plan, and give you an anticipated prognosis (outcome).

What about Acupuncture Needles?

Modern acupuncture needles are stainless steel, and are between one-half and three inches long, ultra-fine, and quite flexible. They are pre-sterilized, non-toxic, and disposable (single-use). When the needles are tapped into the skin, there may not be any sensation. Much depends on the location (hands and feet tend to be more sensitive), the condition being treated, and the acupuncturist’s technique. Needles are typically placed in several acu-points and are usually left in about 20 to 40 minutes.

What are the Goals of Acupuncture?

The goal of acupuncture is to normalize the circulation of Qi and blood by stimulating the energy point, which encourages the body’s natural healing process. Stimulation can be done by rotating the needles manually or attaching electrodes to send a weak electric current through the needles (electroacupuncture).

What are Other Techniques in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

Other techniques may include moxibustion (burning herbs to heat acu-points), cupping (suction), auricular therapy (ear acupuncture), Tui Na (Asian massage), and acupressure.

How many times is Acupuncture Treatment needed?

The number of treatments needed depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your health condition. Two or three treatments may be sufficient for an acute condition, while a series of five to 15 treatments may be needed to resolve chronic conditions. Some degenerative conditions may require ongoing treatments over a long period of time.

How is the Progress of Treatment?

Patients should evaluate their progress after each session. Some relief should be apparent in two or three sessions, or six to eight sessions for more pervasive conditions. If you see encouraging signs, stick with it. Ask your practitioner questions about your treatment and improvement. If your response to treatment is not satisfactory, the practitioner may consider further diagnostic exams, modify the treatment plan, or refer to an appropriate practitioner, if necessary.

What are the Precautions of Acupuncture Treatment?

Having an acupuncture treatment if you are very hungry or tired is not recommended.

Occasionally, some bruising may occur after treatment. If you have bleeding disorder or are on blood thinning medications, you should inform your acupuncturist before undergoing treatment.

If you are pregnant or have a pacemaker, tell the acupuncturist so that the appropriate herbs and acu-points will be chosen.

Herbal Therapy

In the course of your treatment, Chinese herbal remedies may be prescribed. They may be dispensed as raw herbs or in pills, capsules, granules, or tinctures which make them easier to ingest. Most herbal formulas can treat a wide variety of symptoms while stimulating the body’s natural healing process.

Should I use the Professionals of Herbal therapy?

Acupuncturists are the only licensed health care professionals in state California who are required to be trained and tested for competency in prescribing herbal medicine. Chinese herbal medicine has been practiced safely and effectively for centuries and has the greatest potential for beneficial results when prescribed by trained professional who recognizes both the benefits and risks.

What is the Precautions of Herbal therapy?

It is also very important to inform both your physician and acupuncturist of all the products you are currently taking (drugs, herbs, other supplements) so they can monitor effectiveness, ensure safety from adverse reactions, and watch for possible interactions.
If you have an allergic reaction to any herbs, let your acupuncturist know.

How is the Safety of Herbal Therapy?

In recent years, herbs have become very popular to self-treat many conditions. They are available in health food stores, supermarkets, and on the Internet. While herbs are promoted as safe, gentle, inexpensive, “natural” alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs, many health care professionals have concerns about safety, effectiveness, and potential misuse of herbal products, especially when self prescribed.

What are the Conditions Treated by Acupuncture?

The following is a list of health conditions commonly treated by licensed acupuncturists. (From California Department of Consumer Affairs, Acupuncture Board)

•     allergies/asthma

•     anxiety/depression

•     arthritis/joint problems

•     back pain

•     bladder/kidney problems

•     constipation/diarrhea

•     colds/influenza

•     cough/bronchitis

•     dizziness

•     drug/alcohol/smoking addiction

•     fatigue

•     gastrointestinal disorders

•     gynecological disorders

•     headache/migraine

•     heart problems/ palpitations

•     high blood pressure

•     immune system deficiency

•     knee pain

•     menopausal discomfort

•     musculoskeletal injuries

•     paralysis/numbness

•     rhinitis

•     sciatica

•     sexual dysfunction

•     side effects of chemotherapy

•     sinusitis

•     skin problems

•     stress/tension

•     stroke rehabilitation

•     tendinitis

References

*Acupuncture Board, California Department of Consumer Affairs. A consumer’s Guide to Acupuncture and Asian Medicine

*The National Institutes of Health (NIH). Understanding Acupuncture. NIH News in Health, February 2011. http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/issue/feb2011/feature1

*NationalCenterfor Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine: An Introduction. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture