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What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a two thousand year-old holistic art that heals and balances the body to restore it to a natural state of health and well being by encouraging the body to promote it’s own healing capabilities. Tradition Chinese Medicine (TCM for short) originated in China and it’s beneficial effects are now being used worldwide. It is an effective complement or alternative to contemporary western medicine and has been recognized by the World Health Organization to treat over forty disorders. By using hair thin, one-time use needles at specific points on the body, acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system to normalize physiological function, reduce pain and enhance the immune system. TCM utilizes a combination of techniques to work with the body’s vital energy or Qi (pronounced chee). The Qi circulates through a system of pathways called meridians and can be manipulated by using needles, herbal therapies, moxabustion, cupping, massage, and nutritional counseling.
Is Acupuncture safe?
In 1996 the FDA approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners. Before taking a comprehensive board exam to be licensed, a practitioner attends a state approved acupuncture school for 3-4 years. All disposable, sterilized acupuncture needles are about the diameter of a human hair.
What can I Expect?
Your first visit will take about 1.5 hours. During this visit I will conduct a comprehensive intake in order to correctly diagnose the imbalance. TCM diagnosis practices include a complete health history as well as special observations of the patient’s pulse and tongue. During this process a treatment plan will be formed and discussed with you. Acupuncture treatments work cumulatively. The number of treatments depends on the origin of imbalance and the length of time you have had it. The more chronic a condition, the longer it will take to treat. In general a treatment plan is 6-12 treatments. Also included in your first visit is a treatment using acupuncture, herbal remedies, and various other modalities discussed in the “What is Acupuncture” section. Your follow-up visits will be about 1 hour in length.
During your treatment you may feel a heavy, distending, dull aching sensation surrounding the needle or traveling along a meridian pathway during the 15-30 minutes you are on the table. This is normal; it is what we call the arrival of Qi to the acupuncture point or meridian. When inserted in the proper location your body’s energy will actually “grab” the needle. It is not uncommon for you to actually “sense” the movement of energy in your body from the acupuncture your very first visit.
Does it hurt?
The acupuncture needles are very thin and flexible, about the diameter of a human hair. The needles are usually inserted only 1/2 to 1 inch deep and often are not even felt when inserted. Although sometimes you may feel the arrival of the needle, it is not the painful piercing or pricking sensation typically associated with a hypodermic injection.
How should I prepare for my Acupuncture treatment?
Please eat within a few hours before your treatment. Also try and wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes. A sheet or gown can also be provided if needed.
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