Acupuncture is an ancient form of medicine that originated in China more than four thousand years ago. The focus of acupuncture is to correct the underlying imbalances and to enhance the strengths within each person to promote natural healing and improve functioning. It seems to work in about 80% of the patients who try it. Acupuncture respects your unique sensitivities and resources for coping with stresses and imbalances. The first signs of energy imbalance are often little emotional and or physical discomforts, such as feeling fatigue bad moods, change in appetite and/or bowl movements, and change in sleep patterns. Acupuncture can help each person to optimally restore balance and flow of Qi. Whether you have a major health problem or are in general good health and are interested in maintaining a high level of wellness and balance, when better balance is achieved, symptoms often diminish or disappear.
In its simplest form acupuncture is done by insetting small needles at precise acupuncture points around the body. Special heat or electrical stimulation may be applied when needed.
Musculoskeletal Disorders such as back pain, neck pain, knee pain, strains, sprains, sciatica, bursitis, tendonitis and arthritis.
Pain management for pain associated with musculoskeletal and neurological conditions such as headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, Bell's palsy and toothache.
Gastrointestinal disorders relating to digestive tract problems such as hiccups, inflammation of the stomach or colon, chronic duodenal ulcers, constipation and diarrhea, GERD (heartburn), hemorrhoids and indigestion.
Ear, nose and throat disorders such as hay fever, sinusitis, tinnitus, vertigo, allergic rhinitis and pharyngitis.
Gynecological complaints such as irregular menses, PMS, menstrual cramps, impotence, infertility, incontinence and menopause symptoms.
Problems related to tension, stress and emotional conditions, anxiety, depression and smoking cessation.
Dermatological conditions such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, surgical scar healing, and herpes zoster.
Respiratory disorders such as uncomplicated bronchial asthma in children and adults.
Obstetrical and lactation associated problems such as morning sickness, back pain, inadequate milk production and mastitis.
Pediatric conditions such as infant colic, poor weight gain and bed wetting.
Most people receiving acupuncture treatments describe the experience as: feeling a deep relaxation or even a mild and brief disorientation immediately following treatment, feeling better sense of wellbeing; have more vitality and work more efficiently and effectively; having better and more restful sleep; getting along better with others. Sometimes, the original symptoms worsen for a few days there before feeling much better while your body is learning to let go of the familiar pattern of compensation and to make a transition toward a more balanced pattern.
The number of treatments needed differs from person to person depending upon the duration, severity and nature of the problem. Initial visit is 60 to 75 minutes and a return visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
People experience acupuncture differently. Most people find the treatment relaxing and enjoyable. The disposable sterile needles are very fine and flexible, about the width of one or two human hair. The number of acupuncture points used depends on ones specific patterns at the time of that visit. Some patients experience minimal pain described as slight cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling or electric sensation at the sight of the needle insertion or traveling up or down the spine. Feeling of pain often indicates blockage of energy.
YES. The following suggested guidelines will help to enhance the value of your treatment
Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the possibility of bacterial infection.
Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
Do not wear any type of jewelry.
Do not exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after treatment.
Wear loose clothing, women should not wear one piece dresses.
Plan your activities so that after the treatments you can get some rest, make arrangements accordingly i.e. work or school.
Continue taking prescription medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Keep good mental or written notes of your reaction to treatments, so your doctor can follow-up properly.
Dr. Helen Yang is a board certified family physician by the American Academy of Family Physicians. She was trained in Western family medicine at UNC Chapel Hill and trained in Chinese Acupuncture in China.