Acupuncture

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is acupuncture and Chinese medicine?
2. How old is Acupuncture?
3. How does acupuncture work?
4. What are the most commonly treated ailments?
5. Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
6. How deep do the needles go?
7. What does acupuncture feel like?
8. What are the benefits of having Acupuncture?
9. Are the needles sterile?
10. How many treatments will I need?
11. How long do appointments last?
12. What will happen on my first visit?
13. What should I do before treatment?
14. What should I do after treatment?
15. Should I tell my doctor?
16. How will I feel after acupuncture?
17. Do I have to believe in Acupuncture to obtain results?
18. Should I continue with my prescribed medication
      while undergoing a course of acupuncture treatment?
19. What are some other Oriental medicine techniques
      besides needle insertion?
20. Can Acupuncture Help to Give Up Drugs, Alcohol, or
      Tobacco?
21. Can Acupuncture Help to Lose Weight?
22. Is Acupuncture Safe?
23. Are there risks or side effects to acupuncture?
24. Contraindications for acupuncture:

What is acupuncture and Chinese medicine?
The basic foundation for Chinese medicine is that our health is dependent on the body's motivating life energy - known as Qi (pronounced chee) - moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (channels) that connect all of our major organs.
Along the pathways of these meridians exist acupuncture points. Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems.
By inserting thin sterilized needles into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and help restore its natural balance. Traditionally, acupuncture is an holistic approach to the management of disease as well as the maintenance of health.

How old is acupuncture?
The Chinese and other East Asian peoples have been using acupuncture for about 2,500 years to restore, promote and maintain good health.
Stone needles were originally used, and later bronze, gold and silver needles. Sterile, single-use stainless steel needles are the standard needles used by acupuncturists today.
The first medical account of acupuncture was The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, which dates to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE).

How does acupuncture work?
According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked.
Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific acupuncture points that communicate with the energy within the channel pathways. The desired effect is in acupuncture’s ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions within the mind-body environment of the person.
Inserting needles at these points stimulates various sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulate nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system at the base of the brain.
The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing hormones.
It is estimated that endorphins are 200 times more potent than morphine. Endorphins also play a big role in the functioning of the hormonal system.
The substances released as a result of acupuncture not only relax the whole body, they regulate serotonin in the brain which plays a role in human and animal disposition.

Some of the physiological effects observed throughout the body include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief from pain, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count which stimulates the immune system.
Western science posits that there are three main mechanisms for acupuncture's effects:
Activation of opioid systems: Research has found that several types of opioids may be released into the central nervous system during acupuncture treatment, thereby reducing pain.
Changes in brain chemistry, sensation, and involuntary body functions: Studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones.
Acupuncture also has been documented to affect the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes whereby a person's blood pressure, blood flow and body temperature are regulated.
Changes in blood flow: Acupuncture and Oriental medicine alters the circulation of blood to the affected area, resulting in removal of pain causing chemicals, and restoring normal function to the area being treated.
Its focus is on improving the overall well being of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms.

What are the most commonly treated ailments?
Acupuncture is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), an agency of the United Nations to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems.
For a comprehensive list of conditions recognised by WHO see the treatable conditions page.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
While some insurance carriers recogniSe acupuncture, others still do not. We encourage patients to check with their individual policy first.
I am an ACC Approved Treatment Provider

How deep do the needles go?
Acupuncture points are located near or on the surface of the skin. Usually needles are inserted form 1/8 to 1 inch in depth. Depth of insertion will depend on nature of the condition being treated, the patients' size, age, and constitution, and upon the acupuncturists' style or school.

What does acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture needles are 25-50 times thinner than a hypodermic needle. They are so thin that several acupuncture needles can fit into the middle of a hypodermic needle. There is little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles.
The actual insertion of the acupuncture needles is done very quickly, and while some people feel nothing at all; others experience a brief moment of discomfort as the needle penetrates the skin that can be followed by a mild sensation of cramping, tingling, numbness, traveling warmth, or heaviness. This is a desirable sensation is known as "attaining qi."
During treatment, patients commonly experience a heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation.
The needles are left in place for twenty to forty minutes. Most people find the experience extremely relaxing and uplifting and even fall asleep for the duration of the treatment.

What are the benefits of having Acupuncture?
The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of overall well being.

Are the needles sterile?
Yes. NZASA Acupuncturists are required to be certified in Clean Needle Techniques and use sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. However, it is good practice to verify your acupuncturist's clean needle technique prior to accepting any treatments.

How many treatments will I need?
The length, number and frequency of treatments will vary. For most conditions, a series of several treatments is required in order for you to achieve maximum benefit. A consultation with an experienced practitioner about you and your condition will offer the best guide for the length of treatment.
After an initial evaluation, the acupuncturist should provide you with a treatment plan that includes the modalities to be used as well as the frequency and duration of treatment.
A normal series of treatments is from 6 to 12.
Typical treatments last from 20 to 60 minutes, with the patient being treated one or two times a week.
Generally, acute problems require less time and frequency of treatment. For example, an acute sprain may require only one treatment, whereas more chronic or severe ailments may require several (or several dozen) treatments.
Positive results are generally seen after the first to fourth treatment. You will schedule your appointments further and further apart after you have achieved optimal response. Many people see their acupuncturist only 2-4 times a year for a "tune up".

How long do appointments last?
Your first visit will last 60-90 minutes, and subsequent visits will be about 30-60 minutes long.

What will happen on my first visit?
Your first consultation may be longer than subsequent sessions. The acupuncturist needs to assess your general state of health, in order to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony and give you the most effective treatment.
You will be asked about your current symptoms and what treatment you have received so far, your medical history and that of your close family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. To discover how the energies are flowing in your body, the acupuncturist is likely to feel your pulses on both wrists, noting their quality, rhythm and strength.
The structure, colour and coating of your tongue also gives a good guide to your physical health. Once enough information has been gathered to determine the likely causes of your problems, the acupuncturist can select the most appropriate treatment.
The aim is to discover which energy channels need adjusting for your specific complaint to improve, and which require treatment to boost your overall energy and vitality.
There are around 500 such acupuncture points on the body, and a properly trained and experienced acupuncturist will use a selection of perhaps ten or twelve of these for the treatment.
Loose, comfortable clothing should be worn, and you should be aware that the acupuncturist may need to access areas and points on your torso, as well as on your arms and legs. Those areas may not be close to the part of the body where the problem is experienced. For example, although you may suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted in your foot or hand.
It is quite usual that, during a course of treatment, different points will be selected as the patients condition changes.
The acupuncturist may supplement the needle treatment with moxa, a smoldering herb which is used to warm acupuncture points to encourage the body's energy to flow smoothly.

What should I do before treatment?
Try not to have a big meal within an hour of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse. You also should not be fasting for more than 6 hours before your appointment.. Also avoid alcohol, tobacco and food or drinks which colour your tongue (such as coffee) immediately prior to treatment or just following a treatment. The best general advice is to come in a calm state. Try to arrive ten or fifteen minutes before your appointment to allow yourself a chance to relax.
Vigorous exercise or sexual activity in the hour before treatment is not recommended. Comfortable, loose clothing should be worn, and, if possible, you should not wear any metallic jewelry, watches, or earrings. Makeup and nail polish should be minimized or eliminated. Please also avoid the use of perfumes, colognes or strongly scented cosmetics.

How will I feel after acupuncture?
Usually rather relaxed and calm. Occasionally you may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours if the treatment has been particularly strong or there may be a short term flair up of your symptoms as your Qi clears and resettles itself.

What should I do after treatment?
It is often helpful to sit quietly following a treatment, and relax. A gentle walk or very mild exercise can also be helpful. Large meals, vigorous exercise, alcohol or excessive aggravation should be avoided.

Should I tell my doctor?
If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but your doctor should be consulted regarding any change of prescription. You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.

Do I have to believe in Acupuncture to obtain results?
Acupuncture works very well on animals, most of whom probably don't "believe" in acupuncture. It is always beneficial to have confidence in your practitioner, but faith in a particular technique is not required to obtain results.

Should I continue with my prescribed medication
while undergoing a course of acupuncture treatment?
Yes, at least until careful discussion is had with your doctor or the practitioner who prescribed the medication. Many people seek the help of an acupuncturist because of dissatisfaction with drug treatment - because it does not seem to be working or because the side effects are unacceptable. DO NOT stop taking any medication without professional guidance.

What are some other Oriental medicine techniques besides needle insertion?
ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE
Electro-Acupuncture is the use of small electrical currents through the acupuncture needles. Electro-stimulation is often used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance a treatment. Electro-acupuncture has been proven to decrease pain, accelerate tissue healing, and significantly reduce inflammation, edema and swelling.
MOXIBUSTION
Moxibustion is a technique in which a Chinese herb called mugwort or Artimesia Vulgaris is used to apply heat to an acupuncture point. It is used to treat certain debilitating conditions as well as arthritis and pain. Moxa is usually rolled into a stick the size of a cigar, lit, and held over specific areas of the body. Moxa can also be placed onto the handle of an acupuncture needle, allowing deeper penetration of heat.
CUPPING
Cupping is a technique where a glass cup or bamboo jar is suctioned onto the body and allowed to sit for about ten minutes. This technique stimulates circulation, relieves swelling, and greatly enhances an acupuncture or Electro-acupuncture treatment. Cupping is used for many conditions including; back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, common colds and influenza.

Can Acupuncture Help to Give Up Drugs, Alcohol, or Tobacco?
Acupuncture treatment for patients addicted to opiates was started in Hong Kong in the 1960s. Surprisingly, these patients had no withdrawal syndromes in the acute phase. Acupuncture treatment  in drug and alcohol addictions, besides discontinuing withdrawal symptoms, also has a psychologically stabilizing effect.  Acupuncture can be extremely effective at reducing the intensity of the chemical dependence. Much clinical and research work has been carried out on this modern use of acupuncture in different clinics throughout the world. Acupuncture aimed at treating the whole person can also be highly effective in reducing the psychological dependency on certain substances. Nevertheless, the success of the treatment is dependent on the therapeutic circumstances, the attendant psychotherapeutic measures, and social conditions.

Acupuncture treatment is also very effective in patients who wish to discontinue smoking. The withdrawal symptoms, such as agitation, nervousness, excessive appetite, desire for cigarettes, sweating and palpitations, are relieved by acupuncture. As in all drug addictions patient motivation is important for the success of treatment.

Can Acupuncture Help to Lose Weight?
If the case of the excess weight is due to over-eating, acupuncture may well be able to help in reducing the psychological dependency. Many people, however, put on weight despite eating very little. This may be due to lack of physical exercise but it may also be due to a failure of the metabolism to utilize efficiently the food that it receives. Acupuncture is often effective in making the metabolism more efficient and many patients lose weight during the course of treatment if they are over-weight, just
as many patients put on weight if their bodies are too thin.

Acupuncture reduces excessive appetite. According to traditional criteria overweight patients are characterized by deficiency type disturbances, most frequently of the stomach-spleen system but in some cases even of the kidney.

Is Acupuncture Safe?
An understandably common anxiety expressed by new patients is whether it is safe to have the body punctured by needles. The answer would have to be that if the practitioner does not know what he or she is doing, it is possible to inflict injury with an acupuncture needle. However, any fully trained and experienced practitioner knows how to use needles safely and effectively, and how to avoid any potential danger areas. Particular care needs to be exercised over the lung area on  the upper back, where the direct vertical insertion of a needle could cause a pneumothorax (lung puncture). However, with the correct needling techniques there is no danger of this whatsoever. The importance of seeking an appropriately trained practitioner cannot be overstated. In the hands of such practitioners, acupuncture is a very safe and effective form of therapy.

Are there risks or side effects to acupuncture?
Traditional Chinese Medicine aims to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual using a variety of techniques such as acupuncture, lifestyle/dietary recommendations to restore imbalances found in the body. While Acupuncture is an extremely safe form of physical medicine, there are contraindications and risks.
Some of the risks mentioned below are EXTREMELY RARE!
Precautions & Contraindications:
It is contraindicated to needle the abdomen and lumbosacral areas of pregnant women
Avoid blood vessels to prevent bleeding
Points on the chest and back should be carefully needled to avoid injury to organs
Risks:
Bruising
Fainting
Muscle Spasms
Bleeding
Nerve Damage
Punctured Lung

Accidental Injury to organs (Brain, Spinal Cord, Heart, Liver, Spleen, Kidney)

Contraindications for acupuncture:
There are very few situations where acupuncture is contraindicated.
• When the patient has a haemophilic condition
• When the patient is pregnant (certain points and needle manipulations are contraindicated in pregnancy)
• When the patient has a severe psychotic condition.
• When the patient has recently taken drugs or alcohol.

Although acupuncture would generally be contraindicated in these circumstances, it should be stresses that it can be very helpful in drug and alcohol rehabilitation regimes.

There are no contraindications for the use of acupuncture in the treatment of patient with HIV-related disorders, although rigorous hygiene protocols must be adhered to. Given the energetic nature of most HIV-related disorders, acupuncture can be very helpful to patients suffering from AIDs, since it can address a particular disharmony in a very specific manner - often more effectively than drugs. Acupuncture cannot offer a cure for the AIDs, but it can be most helpful in supporting the management of a variety of symptoms connected with it.

Other queries...
Please feel free to call or email me with any queries.

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