Acupuncture FAQ

1.  What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the placement of ultra fine needles into specific points of the body. These points are known as acupuncture points, and they are located throughout the entire body along pathways known as meridians.

2.  How Does Acupuncture Work?
The ancient Chinese believed that the body was filled with a substance of pure energy known as Qi (pronounced Chee).  They mapped out the specficic energy pathways that they called meridians, and it was through these meridians that they believed the Qi flowed. They believed that the acupuncture points were found along these meridians. The ancient Chinese also believed that when the flow of  Qi through the meridians was blocked or obstructed in any way, that sickness and disease would result.  By putting acupuncture needles into specific acupuncture points,  the Chinese noted that Qi flow was stimulated, and the person’s health was improved and restored. Recent research has shown that the Chinese were absolutely correct in their findings.

3.  Is There Any Modern Scientific Research that Proves that Acupuncture Works?
Recent research has shown the following clinical  findings about the effectiveness of Acupuncture: 

• Acupuncture stimulates the release of serotonin and dopamine in the brain which reduce the feelings of stress and anxiety and leads to feelings of calmness and well-being.
• Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins (natural pain killers) and other opioides in the brain.
• Brain scans on people receiving acupuncture shows significant electrical changes in the brain, especially in the areas that control pain and behavior;.
• Acupuncture changes the pattern of blood flow through the body, thereby stimulating healing.
• White blood cells migrate to  the area of needle insertion, thereby stimulating the bodies natural immune defenses.

4.  Does Acupuncture Hurt? What Are the Needles Like?
The needles are ultra thin.  They are nothing at all like the needles we get injections with at the doctor's office.  Each needle is sterile and is used only once and then is disposed.  After insertion of the needle, generally many people may feel a slight tingling, pulling, tugging, or heavy sensation at the point of insertion that lasts for only a few seconds. This is normal and indicates that the treatment is working.  Some people may not feel any sensation.  An acupuncture needle being inserted does not feel at all like an injection from a hypodermic needle.

5.  What should I expect on my first visit?
The first visit to an acupuncturist usually begins with the practitioner taking a detailed health history. After careful review of your history, the practitioner will begin to diagnose your ailment using a Chinese Medical Diagnosis.  Palpation (to explore by touch) of various acupuncture points on the body, an examination of the tongue, and the taking of your pulse are common diagnostic techniques in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Using all of this information, the practitioner will then determine the cause of your symptoms. Needles will be inserted into very specific acupuncture points on the body. The acupuncturist may use moxa, cupping, or electrical stimulation to enhance acupuncture's therapeutic effects.  Your first visit will take about 90 minutes, with subsequent visits lasting about 60 minutes. 

6.  How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Some people respond quickly to treatments, and others respond more slowly. Generally speaking, the longer a person has had a condition, the longer it might take for it to reverse.  Occasionally, a patient with a long term problem may respond very quickly. You should plan on seven to ten acupuncture treatments to either effect a cure, relieve symptoms partially or totally, or to see no response at all.  After this initial course of acupuncture treatments, the treatment plan will be reassessed.

7.  Are There Side Effects to Acupuncture?
When practiced by a licensed acupuncture professional, Acupuncture is generally safe and free of any side effects.

8.  Does Insurance Cover Acupuncture?
Some insurance companies cover Acupuncture treatments, others do not.  Check your policy. If you're not sure, call your insurance company to check to see if they will cover your treatments.   Additionally, if you have a company Health Savings Account, your Flexible Spending Plan may cover acupuncture.  Check with your employer.