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Acupuncture:

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What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system of healing that dates back thousands of years. TCM is based on the belief that a type of life force or vital energy, known as Qi, flows through channels in the body called meridians. Each meridian connects to one specific organ, or group of organs, that governs particular bodily functions. The Qi depends on a balance of the two opposing energies of yin and yang. Illness results when too little or too much Qi exists in a meridian, or the Qi stagnates, or is blocked. Stimulating certain points with fine needles can balance and restore the flow of Qi.

Modern researchers have found that the acupuncture points correspond to the skin that has less electrical resistance than other skin areas. There is some evidence that stimulation of the skin can affect internal organs by means of nerve reflex pathways (autonomic nervous system). One theory is that acupuncture stimulates the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals called endorphins. Another theory is that it stimulates the pituitary gland, which in turn stimulates the adrenal gland to release anti-inflammatory chemicals.

What Conditions Can Be Treated By Acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been proven effective for pain relief and for post-surgery and chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health recognize that acupuncture can be a helpful part of treatment plan for many illnesses and conditions such as:

Musculoskeletal Digestive Respiratory Neurological Others
Pain NauseaVomiting Asthma Headache/Migraine PMS
Low Back PainSciatica Hyperacidity Chronic Bronchitis Stroke Rehabilitation Stress
Osteoarthritis Indigestion Sinusitis Neuropathies Anxiety
Carpal Tunnel Constipation   Neurogenic Bladder Insomnia
Fibromyalgia Diarrhea      

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Your practitioner will explain the nature of your program and what treatment is recommended. How long you need therapy depends on your condition. Acute or temporary problems may just need a few treatments. Chronic conditions may need regularly scheduled treatments over several months. You may start out with several treatments per week, and then decrease to weekly or less often. Typically, you should allow 30-45 minutes per session. The initial visit can range anywhere from 60-90 minutes.

What Happens During An Acupuncture Treatment?

Most practitioners of acupuncture perform a partial physical examination during each visit. This includes extensive pulse talking, tongue observation, and feeling of the abdomen. They also will take a detailed medical history including nutrition habits, lifestyle and other environmental factors. After conducting the overall health evaluation, the acupuncturist will ask you to lie down on a padded table. He or she will then insert the needles may be manipulated manually. The needles also may be connected to a safe electrical current, which may cause a mild tingling or no sensation at all. Acupuncturists may also prescribe Chinese herbal preparations, Chinese therapeutic massage (Tui-Na), or diet changes along with acupuncture.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

In general, acupuncture is safe and painless. Acupuncture needles are specially designed, hair-thin needles that come in different sizes. By law, acupuncturists use sterilized, disposable, and individually packaged needles that are only used one time, and wipe the skin with an alcohol pad. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle and reduces the chance of a local skin infection. After a needle penetrates the skin, the patient should feel some heaviness, distention, tingling sensation or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up/down the affected meridians/channels.

Acupuncture is virtually free from side effects. Side effects, when they occur, usually involve mild discomfort and bruising at the needle sites. Local spot bleeding and reddening of the skin around the needle site may also occur.

On occasion one may experience light-headedness and usual sensations in the body.

Are There Any Special Considerations / Should Be Aware of For My Treatment?

Notify Your Practitioner Immediately If You

How Much Does Acupuncture Cost?

The cost of the therapy varies depending on the type of visit. The average cost for initial visits are between $75.00 and $150.00, and return visits are between $50.00 and $80.00 for self-pay patients. All automobile insurance companies cover acupuncture for the injuries caused by a motor vehicle accident. A few insurance companies cover acupuncture within narrowly defined parameters. Please check with your insurance company first to find out if acupuncture might be covered or contact us and we will be more than glad to assist you to find out your acupuncture benefit.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions regarding your treatment, and/or if we can assist you any further. Thank you.

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