So you have questions….
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a branch of traditional medicine that is said to be based on more than 3,500 years of Chinese medical practices that includes various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping therapy, gua sha, massage (tui na), and dietary therapy.
One of the basic tenants of TCM is that the body’s vital energy (Qi) is circulating through channels (called meridians) that have branches connected to bodily organs and functions
Here is a quick explanation of what TCM is: We look at the body as having 5 functional organs. These 5 organs handle all the processes of the body:
Lungs – Colds, flus, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, COPD, sinus infections
Spleen/Pancreas – Digestive issues, “thin” blood (anemia, easy bruising), weak constitution, weak muscles, brain fog, insomnia
Heart – One of the many cool things about Chinese medicine is that we don’t separate out the spiritual person from the physical. So, not only is the heart responsible for the pumping of blood, but it is also our spirit (we call it ‘Shen’). So, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, add/adhd, poor memory, insomnia are all often related to the Heart
Kidney – Urinary issues, dizziness, tinnitus, vertigo, cold body, infertility, etc.
Liver – Irritability, weak tendons, dry/brittle nails, eye issues, headache, tinnitus, anxiety, depression
Then we look at each of these organs in terms of qualities of Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang (Yin being moist, cool, sedate and Yang being dry, hot and active).
This is what truly makes this medicine so effective! We can help with most any condition.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a 3,000-year old Chinese technique involving the insertion of fine needles just under the skin in specific locations to treat a wide variety of complaints.
The World Health Organization says acupuncture can be beneficial in many conditions ranging from neurological and gastrointestinal to mental and emotions. Acupuncture point location is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced ‘Chee’) or the life force that flows throughout the body via meridians or pathways.
When we are in a state of perfect health, Qi flows. When we are sick or in pain, the flow of Qi becomes disturbed which can manifest in many different symptoms.
The insertion of needles in the specific points along these meridians alters the energy flow ~ dispersing and regulating the flow of Qi in the meridians. The meridians are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues.
A simplified ‘Western’ explanation of acupuncture is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain or they will trigger the release of enkephalins and endorphins (natural pain killers in the body).
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture has been recognized in the West for the treatment of chronic pain and pre-operative analgesia.
The NIH has granted millions of dollars with the express purpose to study the effects of Acupuncture and other complementary modalities for the many challenging health concerns we face today.
The World Health Organization (WHO) published an article that expanded the list of treatable conditions described by the NIH, titled “Acupuncture: Review & Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials.” This article is available here.
Below is an abbreviated list of the many conditions for which the World Health Organization considers Acupuncture appropriate treatment:
Respiratory and Ear, Nose, and Throat
Colds & flu, asthma, bronchitis, sinus infections, allergies, earaches.
Musculo-Skeletal and Neurological
Back/neck pain, arthritis, sciatica, bursitis/tendonitis, neuralgia, Bell’s/Cerebral Palsy, headache, dizziness, stroke, sprains/strains.
Dermatological
Acne, herpes, eczema
Genito-Urinary and Reproductive
Impotence, infertility, PMS, PID, irregular menstruation, cramps, uterine bleeding, menopausal syndrome, morning sickness, difficult labor, urinary difficulties.
Internal Issues
Hypo/hyperglycemia, hypertension, ulcers, irritable bowels/Colitis, hemorrhoids, diabetes, epigastric pain, abdominal masses.
Mental/Emotional
Anxiety, stress, depression, insomnia, palpitations
What Should I Expect During My First Treatement?
In Chinese Medicine, the whole body is considered when looking for a diagnosis and treatment.
Your initial visit will take 75 to 90 minutes. It will include a complete medical history intake following by an acupuncture treatment. The medical history will include questions about your past and present health history, followed by a more detailed look at specific areas related to your case. I will also look at your tongue and feel your pulse. The tongue’s appearance and it’s coating are significant diagnostic markers that echo health issues and the quality of the pulse reflects the state of the body’s overall energy and health.
All of the information gathered during this initial consultation will help create a personalized healthcare program for you. Once it has been determined where your imbalances lie, acupuncture points will be selected that will help reestablish your internal balance. The acupuncture points work together to send a message to the body to initiate the healing response and create balance and harmony.
What Should I Wear for Acupuncture
Please wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes that can be easily rolled up above your elbows and knees. Depending on your imbalances I may also need the back or the abdomen.
What Will I Experience?
Most people really enjoy acupuncture! It can be incredibly relaxing, like great massage or luxurious nap!
The actual treatment consists of the insertion of thin sterile single-use needles into acupuncture points along the meridian pathways on the front or back of the body or if your chief complaint is pain – in the areas of pain. The needle insertion is usually painless and can produce a warm, tingling or heavy sensation. The needles are left in the body from 10-30 minutes during which time you get to enjoy uninterrupted “me” time!
How Often Should I Get Acupuncture?
The length of course of treatment depends on type of complaint, your general health and lifestyle. Treatments may be scheduled as often as several times per week, or as infrequently as once per month. Chronic conditions may require longer-term treatment, while acute conditions may be resolved in just a few sessions. Each treatment builds on the previous session and over time a more balanced body gradually becomes the normal state. Clients who have reached a desirable level of health may choose to have acupuncture “tune ups” during times of stress, before allergy season, during the holidays, or before a season’s change to help the body maintain balance during times of higher stress.
Does Acupuncture Hurt
I get asked this question a lot. Many people have a fear of needles or are hesitant to try acupuncture.
People experience needling differently. The sensation of acupuncture needles is rarely described as painful, and can be quickly adjusted if the patient does feel discomfort. If any sensation is experienced during insertion, it is often compared to a mosquito bite and disappears very quickly. Once the needles are inserted, they may be manipulated to obtain a mild sensation. This is how an acupuncturist engages the energy in your body in order to help balance it. Often people describe their sensations as warming, heavy, numb or tingling. I take great care to make my clients very comfortable so that they can relax while the needles are in place. The more you can relax during an acupuncture treatment, the better the results. Many people even fall asleep during treatment.
Following treatment it is common to feel a tremendous sense of relaxation and calm.
How Quickly Can I Expect to Feel Better?
In general, I tell my patients they should start to feel the benefits from acupuncture in 3 treatments or less (often after the very first session). If the problem is acute, sometimes improvement is felt after 1 treatment, and may only need 3-5 treatments to resolve. If the problem is chronic and long term, it may take a many treatments to help resolve.
Does Insurance Cover Acupuncture
I don’t bill insurance directly, but I am able to provide a Superbill (detailed receipt) for you to file claims with your insurance company. Please remember some plans will not pay for acupuncture, so please check with your insurance plan prior to coming. Also, you may be able to utilize your flex-spending account, so check your benefits carefully.
