What is Medical Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a method of therapy intended to promote natural body healing, improve and restore bodily functions and relieve or reduce pain. Medical Acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a physician licensed in western medicine and also trained in acupuncture as a specialty.  This will allow your physician to use either or both approaches to treat your illness as appropriate.  The physician in this facility is board certified in pain management as well as in Medical Acupuncture.

Acupuncture is used to promote natural body healing, improve and restore bodily functions and relieve or reduce pain

How is it Done?

Acupuncture is accomplished by the insertion of special very fine needles through the skin at specific points on the body known as acupuncture points.  Heat or electrical stimulation may then be applied to the needles. Needles are sterile and disposable.

Does it Hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid, they are made of stainless steel and unlike hypodermic needles they are not hollowed and have no cutting edge.  Most people feel no pain, some experience minimum discomfort as needles are inserted. Once the needles are in place no pain or discomfort is felt.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Scientific studies have shown that the insertion of needles at acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release certain natural chemicals at different tissue levels.  This will modify the body's reaction to pain and stimulate the release of other chemicals to influence the healing process and the regulation of different bodily functions.  Acupuncture was found to release chemicals responsible for stimulating the “immune system”. This means that the body becomes more able to use its own natural capabilities to promote physical and emotional well-being.

Acupuncture was found to stimulate the immune system

What Are the Side Effects?

Usually none, occasionally your original symptoms may worsen for a few hours up to a day or two, or general short-lived changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns may be occasionally triggered.  Deep relaxation or occasional mild euphoria may follow treatment, this should cause no concern.  It simply indicates that acupuncture is starting to work.

What Can Acupuncture Cure?

The World Health Organization recognizes its use in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems that include:

• Digestive disorders: gastritis, hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation and diarrhea
• Urinary problems including chronic cystitis
• Menstrual and Reproductive problems including infertility and PMS
• Neurological and muscular problems including headaches, facial tics, neck and back pain, tennis elbow, shoulder pain, arthritis, sciatica and tendonitis
• Respiratory disorders including asthma, recurrent bronchitis, sore throat and sinusitis
• Addiction to alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs
• Insomnia

Acupuncture is known for its effectiveness in treating a variety of painful conditions. 

Other conditions that seem to respond well to acupuncture are:

• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) here acupuncture without needles  could be used
• Hyperactivity and Dyslexia
• Physical problems related to stress, and emotional disorders
• Persistent post operative pain and fatigue
• Trigger points, carpal tunnel syndrome
• Psoriasis, eczema, acne and other skin disorders
• Treatment of painful scars
• Fibromyositis

The NIH after reviewing many studies concluded that acupuncture is effective in treating many pain problems

How Many Treatments Will It Require?

This will vary with each individual and the severity of the condition being treated.  In acute problems a few sessions will be sufficient.  In chronic and more complicated cases one to two treatments per week for a few weeks will be needed.  Treatment will usually last between 30 and 45 minutes with relief usually obtained within hours to a few days.

Do Results Require My Belief In Acupuncture?

No, Acupuncture is used with success on animals.  These animals do not understand or  believe in this process.  While a positive attitude can enhance the effects of any kind of treatment traditional or complementary, a negative attitude will not block the results of acupuncture.

Could I Mix Acupuncture with Western Medicine?

Yes, actually both modalities of treatment will complement each other. While medications work on the physical level, Acupuncture influences the energetic level.

Is Acupuncture Covered by Health Insurance?

Many insurance companies now cover acupuncture treatment. Please check with your insurance company about your eligibilty for such treatment.