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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an essential part of traditional Chinese medicine. It is based on ideas and theories formulated over thousands of years. Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into specific sites chosen on the body according to the guiding principles of traditional Chinese medicine. Needles may also be used with an application of moxibustion, an herbal heat source. Or sometimes, an electrical device is combined with the needles for increased stimulation. How long has acupuncture been practiced? As a medical system, acupuncture is over 2500 years old, and may have been practiced in China in a rudimentary form 5,000, even 7,000 years ago. The oldest continuously used medical textbook is “Huang Di Nei Jing” (Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic”). Huang Di Nei Jing is the foundation of traditional Chinese medicine, and remains a valuable reference on the theory and acupuncture techniques that practitioners still use today. The practice of acupuncture has evolved and developed in the last 2500 years, many new techniques have been developed, and continue to be developed today. Is acupuncture treatment safe? Yes. All needles used are individually packaged, sterile, and disposed of after single use. Because of the education and training an acupuncturist receives, acupuncture is very safe. If a comprehensively and well-trained acupuncturist performs the treatment, your safety is assured. “Although tens of millions of acupuncture needles are used annually in the United States, only about 50 cases of complications resulting from acupuncture have been reported in the medical literature over the past 20 years.” Birch, et. Al., “Clinical Research on Acupuncture”, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2004 Is acupuncture painful? Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, unlike injection needles, which are thicker, hollow and have cutting edge. Most people do not find the insertion of such hair thin needles to be painful. What you may feel is a mild dull sensation as the needle touches the energy of the point. What conditions have you treated with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine? Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are used for a broad range of health issues including chronic and degenerative diseases as well as acute conditions and pain. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can benefit the immune system by strengthening it if it is weak, or by moderating it if it is overactive. Please visit our Conditions We Treat page to see a more extensive sample listing of health issues I have treated with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Why Should I Try Acupuncture and/or Chinese Herbal Medicine? Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can relieve the symptoms of your health issue, strengthen your body’s resistance to disease, and restore balance and normal function to your system. There are also many beneficial side effects to acupuncture. Patients report that most of the time they:
How does acupuncture work? The traditional Chinese medicine explanation of how acupuncture works is that channels of energy run in regular patterns throughout the body and over its surface. These channels are called "meridians". These energy channels flow through the body to nourish the tissues and organs. An obstruction in the movement of the energy is like a dam blocking the flow of water. In our bodies, such blockage can cause obstruction in the flow of blood, bodily fluids and metabolic waste, thereby creating imbalances in the body. Needling the acupuncture points can influence the meridian by unblocking the obstructions and re-establishing a healthy flow through the meridians. Since the meridians link with the organs, a treatment can, therefore, also help to improve the function of the internal organs. The improved energy flow and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities and in promoting physical and emotional well being. Western science has also suggested several theories for how acupuncture works, including (1) condition of electromagnetic signals, (2) activation of opioid systems, and (3) changes in brain chemistry, sensation, and involuntary bodily functions. (NCCAM Research Study, 2002) What is involved in acupuncture diagnosis? Acupuncture diagnostic procedures center on finding blockages and imbalance of Chi (i.e. energy). The following outline gives a glimpse into primary traditional diagnostic procedures:
What is acupuncture treatment like? You may feel a light sensation resembling a pinch or a mosquito bite when the needle is inserted. Once the needles are placed there may be a slight tingling, numbness or heaviness in the area while the practitioners is stimulating the point. These are positive signs that the needles are affecting the acupuncture point. Usually you will be lying on a comfortable padded table or in an easy chair. Often, people become very relaxed and fall into a light sleep during the session. What can I expect when I go to an acupuncturist? The acupuncturist will ask you a series of questions and do a full health history in order to find out the underlying cause of your health issue or disorder. The acupuncturist will ask about your symptoms, health and life-style. Afterward, the acupuncturist will examine your tongue, feel your pulses and palpate various parts of your body. This helps the acupuncturist find patterns that tell which organs and meridians are out of balance. With this information the acupuncturist will identify a pattern of disharmony according to traditional Chinese medicine theory and will make a treatment plan to address it. After your initial interview, you may receive an acupuncture treatment. How should I prepare?
How long do treatments take? Depending on the patient’s condition and the treatment plan, an office visit usually lasts from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The needles, once inserted, will usually be left in place from 15 to 45 minutes. Ultimately, the session length depends on the technique and desired results. How many treatments are needed and how often? The number and frequency of treatments vary because each patient’s health issues and response to treatment are unique. Although some people will respond well to only one treatment, more are often necessary. Generally, the longer the patient has had the condition the longer the course of treatment will be before showing substantial and lasting results. Acupuncture can be scheduled as often as five times a week or as few as once a month. Typically, in China, patients are treated two to five times a week. Although some patients respond favorable after only one or two treatments, others may not respond even until the eighth visit. As symptoms improve fewer visits are required. A patient should discuss his or her treatment program with the acupuncturist, as each individual case is unique. How does acupuncturist know which points to use? Acupuncture points reside on meridians, or channels, which are energetic pathways that run throughout the entire body. These meridians are linked to each other as well as to different organs. Using his/her knowledge of the interrelationship between the meridians and organs, an acupuncturist will choose points to effect changes in them that will influence the symptoms you report. According to the acupuncturist’s assessment and treatment plan, he chooses individual points or combinations of points to stimulate this change. An acupuncturist uses traditional oriental medical theory of how the body functions, his clinical experience, and modern research to develop the best treatment for you. Is an acupuncture treatment’s result due to placebo effect? Any form of therapy carries the potential of a positive psychosomatic (mind-body) response. However, physiological changes occurring during and after acupuncture treatment are not the result of placebo effect. Many of the effects occur without the conscious knowledge of the patient. These changes can be, and have been, measured by scientific investigation. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that traditional Chinese medicine is guided by a fundamental belief in the whole body concept of health which involves the inseparable relationship of the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Where can I find more information about acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine? There are many web sites where additional information can be obtained. Please check the links on this website. To make an appointment please call (503)-203-8898
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© 2008, An Kang Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic, 5201 SW Westgate Dr., Suite 116, Portland, OR 97221 Ph: (503) 203-8898 |
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