ACUPUNCTURE

The ancient Chinese recognized a vital energy behind all life forms and life processes. They called this energy qi (pronounced chee). Healing practitioners discovered this energy flows along specific pathways called meridians. There are more than 360 acupuncture points that connect the 12 meridians. Each pathway is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ. Disease arises due to a deficiency or imbalance of energy in the meridians and their associated physiological systems.

Traditional Oriental Medicine uses an intricate system of pulse and tongue diagnosis, palpation of points and meridians, medical history and other signs and symptoms to create a composite diagnosis. A treatment plan is then formulated to induce the body to a balanced state of health.

Undergoing an acupuncture treatment bears no resemblance to the feeling of receiving an injection, since the main source of pain from injections is the larger diameter, hollow needle and the medication being forced into the tissue by pressure.

Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the diameter of a human hair. In most cases, insertion by a skilled practitioner is performed without discomfort. People experience acupuncture differently, but you may experience a sense of heaviness or electricity in the area of insertion. Most patients find the treatments very relaxing and many fall asleep during treatment. In some cases, your practitioner may also recommend herbs, or dietary, exercise or lifestyle changes.

How does acupuncture work?
Modern Western medicine cannot explain how acupuncture works. Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of qi (energy) and xue (blood) through distinct meridians or pathways that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels do. According to ancient theory, acupuncture allows qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from where it is excess. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body. In China, there is a saying, "There is no pain if there is free flow; if there is pain, there is no free flow."

Applications
Many conditions may be alleviated very rapidly by acupuncture and Oriental medicine. However, some conditions that have developed over a course of years will be relieved only with slow, steady progress.

One of the main reasons Americans seek acupuncture treatment is to relieve chronic pain, especially from conditions such as arthritis or lower back disorders. Some clinical studies show that acupuncture is effective in relieving both chronic (long-lasting) and acute or sudden pain, but other research indicates that it provides no relief from chronic pain. Additional research is needed to provide definitive answers. In addition to relieving pain, acupuncture can be used to treat different conditions.

As in any form of healing, the patient's attitude, diet, determination and lifestyle will affect the outcome of a course of treatment. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their healing process. Although Oriental medicine can treat most conditions, there are circumstances that can be dealt with more effectively by Western medicine. In such cases, your acupuncturist will recommend you contact your primary care physician.

History
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture became widely known in the United States in 1971 when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in Beijing, China, used needles to ease his abdominal pain after surgery.

Before, During and After Your Acupuncture Appointment

Preparing for your appointment:

• Wear loose clothing. Women should not wear one-piece dresses. Avoid wearing tight stockings.
• It is best not to eat a big meal or drink caffeinated or iced beverages for an hour before or after treatment. A light snack is fine and preferable to being very hungry while being treated.
• Your first visit will be longer (about 75 minutes) than follow-up visits (45 minutes) because your initial visit includes review of your medical history with the practitioner. Then, the practitioner will go through various diagnostics to see what your body says. Finally, specific points will be selected for the actual treatment, and you will receive an estimate for the number of treatments needed for your condition.
• Generally, acupuncture can be done at anytime.
• It is best to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• Tell the acupuncture practitioner about any aspect of your life may that may prove important in understanding the cause of the imbalance in your health.

During your appointment:

• You will be asked to wear a gown.
• The practitioner will talk or be quiet during treatment, which ever makes you feel more relaxed.
• When possible, you will be asked to lie down during treatment, but you can be treated sitting up if necessary.
• In the hands of properly trained practitioners acupuncture is a very safe form of treatment. However, any procedure that involves inserting needles into the body has some potential problems, such as momentary discomfort where the needles are inserted, bruising, temporary worsening of your symptoms, and even premature onset of labor in a pregnant woman. However, these problems occur very infrequently.
• Ask your practitioner any questions you have along the way so that you can get the most benefit possible from the treatment.
• Do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are uncomfortable, tell your practitioner. Some people experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness of breath or faintness during treatment. This often occurs if you are nervous. Inform your practitioner immediately so he or she can readjust or withdraw the needles. Also, let your practitioner know if you feel an increasing amount of pain or burning sensation during the treatment. If you find your treatment uncomfortable at any point, be sure to speak up so that your practitioner can make the proper adjustments or stop the treatment.

After your appointment:

• During and immediately after treatment you may feel relaxed and centered, have increased energy or feel tired for a time. If you feel tired, try to rest for 15 to 20 minutes or more. If you have increased energy, don't over do your activity.
• You may feel mild heaviness, tingling or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian, or energy pathway. This sensation is not typically uncomfortable, and the entire session is often quite relaxing.
• You may have a delayed reaction in up to 24 hours after your treatment, at which time you may notice a lessening of pain or symptoms.
• Some joint and muscle aches may feel more uncomfortable for up to 24 hours before they get better.
• You will not need first-aid adhesive strips at the needle sites because the needles are very fine - not much thicker than the hair on your head.
• Heavy exercise should be postponed for two hours after treatment to allow the body to adjust to changes from acupuncture.
• Tai Chi or light exercise would be helpful for energy flow.
• Swimming or bathing should be postponed for at least two hours after treatment.
• There may be significant change in your condition after one or two treatments, especially with acute problems. With more long-term problems, it is not unusual to require six to 10 treatments before seeing significant changes. Acupuncture is a process that works in a cumulative manner to aid the body toward health.
• Four to six treatments may be needed after symptoms are relieved to stabilize the condition, ensure long-term relief and improve general health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture

What kind of training is required to perform acupuncture?
North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board requests all practitioners for acupuncture:

• Successfully complete a three-year postgraduate acupuncture college or training program approved by the board
• Pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine written exam, the Practical Examination of Point Location Skills exam and the Clean Needle Technique exam.

What conditions can be treated with acupuncture?
Acupuncture treats more than 43 common disorders including:

• Gastrointestinal disorders, such as peptic ulcer, chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gastrointestinal weakness, anorexia and gastritis
• Urogenital disorders, including stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction
• Gynecological disorders, such as irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation, infertility in women and men, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Respiratory disorders, such as emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies and bronchitis
• Disorders of the bones, muscles, joints and nervous system, such as arthritis, migraine headaches, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness and low back, neck and shoulder pain
• Circulatory disorders, such as hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis and anemia
• Emotional and psychological disorders, including depression and anxiety
• Addictions, such as alcohol, nicotine and drugs
• Eye, ear, nose and throat disorders
• Supportive therapy for other chronic and painful debilitating disorders

Is acupuncture safe?
A trained acupuncturist is competent to provide acupuncture in a safe way, with virtually no side effects. In fact, the advantage of acupuncture is that side effects under normal circumstances are very rare. Acupuncture needles are sterile and are disposed of after each use treatment.

Are the needles clean?
Practitioners at Carolinas Integrative Health only use sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. Needles are not saved and reused for later treatments.

How deep to the needles go?
That depends upon the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, your size, age and individual constitution and upon the acupuncturist's style of training school.

Is it painful?
Undergoing an acupuncture treatment bears no resemblance to the feeling of receiving an injection, since the main source of pain from injections is the larger diameter, hollow needle and pressure of medication being inserted into the tissue by pressure. Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the diameter of a human hair. In most cases, insertion by a skilled practitioner is performed without discomfort. You may experience a sense of heaviness or electricity in the area of insertion. Most patients find the treatments very relaxing and many fall asleep during treatment.

How does the acupuncturist know how many needles to place and where to place them?
The exact number of needles, which can be from one to 15 or even more, has some therapeutic importance. But what matters the most is precisely how the needles are inserted and which acupuncture points are chosen. On evaluation of your condition, the acupuncturist selects the most beneficial set of points to support your health.

The part of the body into which one puts the needles often bears no relation to the site of the disease or of the symptoms. The lower legs, the feet, and forearms, and the hands are the parts most frequently used, but the needles may be applied to any other part of the body.

How long do the benefits of acupuncture last?
This rests largely with you. Follow-up treatments should not be necessary if you are living sensibly, with moderation of diet and lifestyle habits, and are able to avoid undue stress. However, if you return to the same condition that caused the original trouble, more treatments may be necessary. We encourage patients to continue treatments intermittently to enhance preventive benefits even though the symptoms have disappeared.

Does acupuncture give immediate results or does it take a series of visits to get results?
That depends upon the duration, severity and nature of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series of 10 to 12 treatments may be necessary to resolve a chronic problem. Some degenerative conditions require many treatments over time.

If you have questions or feel uncomfortable at any time during your appointment, let your practitioner know immediately.