Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an essential part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a comprehensive system of health care with a continuous clinical history of over 3,000 years. TCM includes acupuncture, Chinese herbology, acupressure bodywork, dietary therapy and exercise based on TCM principles such as Tai Qi and Qi Gong.
These therapies work with the natural vital energy inherent within all living things to promote the body’s ability to heal itself. This system of health care is used extensively by one-quarter of the world’s population residing in Asia, and its popularity is rapidly growing in the West.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Chinese medicine is based on an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of Western medicine.
The ancient Chinese recognized a vital energy behind all life forms and life processes. They called this energy Qi (pronounced chee). In developing an understanding of the prevention and cure of disease, these healing practitioners discovered that this energy flows along specific pathways called “meridians.” Each meridian is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ. Disease is considered to arise due to a deficiency or imbalance of energy in the meridians and their associated physiological systems. Acupuncture points are specific locations along the meridians. Each point has a predictable effect upon the vital energy passing through it. Modern science has been able to measure the electrical charge at these points, thus corroborating the locations of the meridians mapped by the ancients.
What Can I Expect?
Traditional Chinese 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 Chinese medical diagnosis. A treatment plan is then formulated to induce the body to a balanced state of health.
Many conditions may be alleviated very rapidly by acupuncture and Chinese medicine. However, some conditions that have arisen over a course of years will be relieved only with slow, steady progress. 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.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
In the hands of a comprehensively trained acupuncturist, your safety is assured. Acupuncture needles are sterile and are disposable.
Is Acupuncture Painful?
Acupuncture bears no resemblance to the feeling of receiving an injection, since the main source of pain from injections is the large diameter, hollow needle and medication being forced into the tissue by pressure. Acupuncture needles are hair-like thin and flexible. In most cases, insertion by a skilled practitioner is performed without discomfort.
How Can I Seek Out A Qualified Acupuncturist?
In situations where needles are simply inserted without consideration of all the other holistic benefits that acupuncture encompasses, it can become just another physical technique. Such a limited approach often ignores the very heart of acupuncture and its true potential for healing.
For optimal results, seek a professional acupuncturist who is licensed by the state and/or the NCCAOM (national certifying board), has had 3-4 years training at an accredited institution of Chinese medicine, preferably with at least 2,000 hours academic and/or equivalent apprenticeship training.