ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture originated in China over five thousand years ago. It is based on the theory that an electromagnetic life-force flows continuously throughout the body through a network of channels. Disease is understood as an imbalance in the channel system. Acupuncture alleviates pain and can increase immune responce by balancing the flow of vital life-energy throughout the body. It is a complete system of healing and provides treatment for numerous conditions, from the common cold and flu, to addiction and chronic fatigue syndrome. Needles are inserted in specific points along the channels to stimulate or disperse the flow of life- force in order to correct the imbalance.

1) Q: How deep do the needles go?
1) A: That depends upon the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, the patient's size, age, and constitution, and upon the acupuncturist's style or school. Usually, needles are inserted from _ to 1 inch in depth.

2) Q: Does it hurt?
2) A: If your practitioner has obtained the correct stimulus of the needle, the patient should feel some cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian, or energy pathway. In Chinese, acupuncture is bu tong, painless. Some Western cultures may categorize these sensations as types of pain. In any case, if you experience any discomfort, it is usually mild.

3) Q: Are the needles clean?
3) A: The best practice among acupuncturists in America today is to use sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. Needles should not be saved and reused for later treatments. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle.

4) Q: How does acupuncture work?
4) A: Modern Western medicine cannot explain how acupuncture works. Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (Energy) and Xue (Blood) through distinct meridians or pathways that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels do. According to ancient theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is Deficient and away from where it is Excess. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body. In Chinese there is a saying, " There is no pain if there is free flow, if there is pain, there is no free flow."

5) Q: Are there different styles of acupuncture?
5) A: Yes, there are. Acupuncture originated in China but has spread to Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Europe, the British Isles, and America. In different countries, different styles have developed based on differing opinions as to theory and technique. Patients should talk to their practitioners about their particular style and learn as much as possible about the treatment being proposed.

6) Q: What criteria should one use in choosing and acupuncturist?
6) A: Patients should ask about where the practitioner trained, how long the training was, how long he or she has been in practice, and what experience the practitioner has had in treating the patientÕs specific ailment. Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated healthcare profession in about half the states in the U.S. Ask your practitioner if your state requires a license to practice. In states that do not currently require licensing, patients should ask their practitioner if they are certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists. Acupuncturists who have passed this exam are entitled to add Dipl. a. (Diplomate of Acupuncture) after their name.

7) Q: How many treatments will I need?
7) A: That depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series of five to fifteen treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.

8) Q: What should I know about the proposed treatments?
8) A: Your practitioner will explain the nature of your problem and what treatment he or she is recommending. Your practitioner will tell you what benefits and risks there are to the proposed treatment, what other treatment options are available to you through this practitioner or by referral to another practitioner or physician. If you agree to go ahead with the treatments, your practitioner will tell you what progress to expect what to do if you donÕt experience that progress and what to do if you feel worse.

9) Q: Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture treatment?
9) A: Yes, the following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment. 1. Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the possibility of bacterial infection. 2. To prevent loss, do not wear jewelry. 3. Wear loose clothing. Women should wear one-piece dresses. Avoid wearing tight stockings. 4. Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full, emotionally upset, or shortly after sex.

10) Q: Is there anything I need to do while receiving acupuncture?
10) A: Yes, again. 1. Relax, There is no need to be frightened. Ask your practitioner any questions you have along the way so that you can get the most benefit possible from the treatment. 2. Do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are uncomfortable, tell your practitioner. 3. Some people experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness of breath, or faintness during treatment. This often occurs if you are nervous. Inform your practitioner immediately so he or she can readjust or withdraw the needles. Also let your practitioner know if you feel an increasing amount of pain or burning sensation during the treatment. 4. If you find your treatment unbearable at any point, be sure to speak up so that you practitioner can make proper adjustments or stop the treatment.

11) Q: What can I expect after treatment?
11) A: You may note a spot of blood at one or more of the needle sites and/or a small bruise could develop. These should not be harmful, but please talk to your practitioner if you are concerned. Patients often experience the most dramatic results I the first treatment. Some patients experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain or other symptoms. This relief may last or some pain may return. In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief only to notice the pain diminish over the next couple of days. Generally, you should expect to feel better.

12) Q: How effective is Acupuncture?
12) A: Acupuncture is highly effective not only as a preventative medicine, but as a drug free treatment of signs and symptoms. Studies indicate that acupuncture influences the central and peripheral nervous system. Evidence shows it releases endorphins from the brain which make acupuncture particularly effective in pain control. Among a host of factors, acupuncture effects sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the blood, the functioning of the gastrointestinal system and the activity of the endocrine system. Acupuncture works with the body, strengthening and balancing energy. It improves circulation and allows the body to heal itself more quickly and more completely.

13) Q: Is Western Medicine incorporating Acupuncture into its system?
13) A: Western medical doctors have developed great interest in incorporating acupuncture, particularly as they have noticed its impact and successÑwith addictions, AIDS, sports injuries, trauma, and pain relief. Oriental Diagnosis and Examination Trained Oriental Medicine practitioners use a highly developed system of corollaries to diagnose, treat, and test the immediate success of treatment. On your first visit most acupuncturists will listen carefully to you in an extensive interview which provides vital clues to an overall pattern of health or disease. The acupuncturists will feel the subtle variations in the pulses in the wrist to determine a wealth of information about how the body is functioning. Sound of voice, the condition of the tongue, smell, overall appearance of face and skin, emotions-all are important indicators of your condition. Particular patterns are discerned to determine which specific points on the body to use.

14) Q: How does and acupuncturist treat?
14) A: Acupuncturists may use their refined skills with one or a number of techniques to administer effective treatment. The principal techniques and their functions are described below:

ACUPUNCTURE as described above. Only meticulously sterilized or one time disposable needles are used.

ELECTRICAL STIMULATION through the needles opens energy conducting pathways throughout the body. · ACUPRESSURE (the use of finger instead needling the point) and MOXIBUSTION (the burning of moxa over the point) help to promote circulation and relax muscle spasm.

ORIENTAL HERBS are very effective at strengthening and regulating flows of energy through out the body. · NUTRITION programs restore balance within the body.

EXERCISE, such as Qi-Gong (which your acupuncturist may demonstrate) strengthens and circulates vital energy. This affects both our strength and motivation during activity. Most people receive acupuncture treatment lying down, although a seated position is sometimes used. Your acupuncturist will guide you and help you relax and receive the most benefit from treatment. The World Health Organization of the U.N. identifies over 40 conditions acupuncture successfully treats. We have listed them for you. Studies are released every month in professional journals from all over the world describing new users. Acupuncture is used in a wide range of illnesses in many areas outside the Orient including many countries in Europe, Israel, Australia, etc. It is used extensively in Russia where it is called "reflexotherapy." It is effective with all body types.

15) Q: What if I am healthy? Can acupuncture help prevent future problems or enhance health?
15) A: Yes. Acupuncture has traditionally been used as a preventive medicine. Recent research has now verified that acupuncture stimulates immune function, which increases your resistance to bacterial and viral infections. Acupuncture can dramatically increase overall vitality and energy. It treats underlying causes, a deeper kind of healing. It effects profound changes in peoplesÕ lives on the emotional level as well. Many people find that occasional acupuncture tune-ups are the best medicine to feel "in sync" and insure continuing health.

16) Q: Is acupuncture recommended for emergency situations or acute medical problems?
16) A: It is strongly recommended that you first seek immediate medical attention at a nearby hospital for such conditions as difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath; dizziness, fainting or feeling faint; pain or pressure in the chest or upper abdomen, sudden weakness or severe pain; sudden bleeding; injuries, falls, suicide attempts, and when surgery, tests, x-rays and life support equipment may be needed. Acupuncture first aid can be given in certain instances, dependent on the circumstances.

17) Q: Who should I see first, a MD or an acupuncturist?
17) A: If your condition doesnÕt fall within the general guidelines mentioned or is not on the list included in the back of this brochure, you may want to briefly talk with an acupuncturist on the phone before scheduling an appointment. S/he should be able to quickly give you some direction as to how to best proceed.

18) Q: Can acupuncture improve athletic performance or treat sports or work-out injuries?
18) A: Absolutely yes. Acupuncture can speed healing and eliminate the discomfort of many sports injuries.

19) Q: Can I continue taking my regular medication while receiving acupuncture?
19) A: Yes. Acupuncture treatment may be used along with other medical care to great advantage. It has used for pain control after other medical or dental procedures, for improving healing, to lessen the side effects of some drugs.

20) Q: Can acupuncture be used with infants of children?
20) A: Yes. Needleless treatment is primarily use for young children. Studies have shown that it is useful for treating jaundice in newborns. Infants and babies can also be successfully treated for colic, earache, cerebral palsy, myopia, and bed-wetting. Many parents have found that by introducing their children to acupuncture, many childhood diseases are avoided. In the Orient, parents are encouraged to have their children treated every month as a preventive measure.

21) Q: Can acupuncture help senior citizens?
21) A: Yes. Acupuncture is for people of all ages, but the elderly can often experience great benefits from enhanced circulation. It can assist with insomnia. It can increase mental clarity and regulate blood pressure. In the Orient it is recommended for stroke patients as soon as possible after their diagnosis and is helpful in eliminating or decreasing related paralysis.

22) Q: Can acupuncture be effective when other treatments have failed?
22) A: Yes. Each system of medicine has its own areas in which it has its greatest effectiveness; AcupunctureÕs advantage is its diagnostic and treatment system with a broad and deep understanding of our energetic nature and the impact of energy in healing. It is not limited by western medicineÕs assumption that disease is based in biochemistry. Acupuncture is powerful medicine, which works, despite belief or unknown factors.

23) Q: What should you expect during treatment?
23) A: Most patients find the treatment very relaxing, which brings on a feeling of well-being. Most are surprised at how comfortable they are during treatment and how easily the needles are placed. Some people even go to sleep during treatment. A patient may feel a slight sensation upon entry and then pressure or a "dull" or "surging" reaction when the needle reaches the "chi" or correct point. The tiny thin needles are specifically designed to be virtually painless. Rest assured, the needles are far different from the hypodermic needles given in injections.

Researchers have now photographed acupuncture pathways in the body for the first time-and this proves that there are scientific reasons for sticking needles in people to cure illnesses and injuries, say top medical experts. During the study, doctors injected a harmless radioactive substance called technetium into acupuncture points on patients’ arms and legs. Then they used a special camera to trace its flow along the mysterious pathways the Chinese discovered thousands of years ago. “ As we followed it, we saw that the technetium moved along lines corresponding to those of traditional acupuncture,” said Dr. Jean Claude Darras acupuncturist at Necker Hospital. They also found that stimulating acupuncture points speeded up the flow. And incredibly, when doctors stimulated a point on one side of the body, they got similar results on both sides. But when the technetium was injected into other parts of the body, it merely formed little blobs and didn’t follow any line.

ACUPUNCTURE PATHWAY Is clearly evident in above photo showing movement of radioactive substance injected into acupuncture point. At left, when substance is injected into another part of body, it forms a blob.

Many other Insurances will reimburse you for acupuncture. The office will provide the paperwork and receipts for insurance reembursment. The Center accepts cash and check (for istablished clients). We accept Mastercard and Visa.

Auricular Diagnosis, Treatment & Health, Liu $29.50
Between Heaven & Earth, Beinfield $14.00
Body/Mind Energetics, Seem $18.95
Character and Health: Relationship of Acupuncture, Requena $16.95
Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, Bensky $75.00
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas, Bensky$ 85.00
Chinese Herbal Patent Formulas, Fratkin $17.95
Chinese Herbs in the Western Clinic, Gaeddert $15.95
Chinese Medicated Liquor Therapy, Beijing Sciences $22.95
Chinese Medicinal Teas Zong $19.95
Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixers, Flaws $19.95
Chinese Medicine:How it Works, Beinfield $1.00
Chinese Patent Medicines, Chen $13.95
Chinese Patent Medicines: A Beginner's Guide, Taylor $12.95
Chinese System of Natural Cures, Lu $11.95
Chinese Tonic Herbs, Teeguarden $19.00
Dragon Rises, Red Bird Flies, Hammer $26.95
For Women Only, Easer $15.00
How to Treat Yourself with Chinese Herbs, Hsu $12.95
Immunity & Chinese Medicine, Varner, ed. $9.95
Preparation & Usage on Chinese Medicated Spirits, Hsu $22.95
Reishi Mushroom, Herb of Spiritual Potency, Willard $14.95
Research & Education Conference Papers, UTS $15.00
Shitake, the Healing Mushroom, Jones $8.95
Talking About Acupuncture in New York, Worsley $14.95
Terrains and Pathology in Acupuncture, Requena $30.00
Treating Cancer with Chinese Herbs, Hsu $12.95
Understanding Acupuncture, Birch $39.00
Voices of Qi: Intro Guide to TCM, Holland $13.50
Web that Has No Weaver, Kaptchuck $18.95
Yellow Emperor's Cannon Internal Medicine, Bing $49.95