What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture consists of the gentle insertion of thin, disposable, sterile needles stimulating strategic points near the surface of the body. The needles are much finer than familiar hypodermic needles. While some acupuncture patients are fear the claim that acupuncture may hurt, they soon discover that the experience is quite pleasurable.
How does Acupuncture Work?
In Chinese medicine, health is an ongoing process of maintaining balance among all the organs and systems of the body. Traditional Chinese medicine views the body as having a series of pathways, called meridians, through which “chi,” or life energy, flows. When the flow of chi is disrupted, symptoms occur. Anything can upset the flow of chi including poor diet, chronic stress or a sedentary lifestyle. Chinese medicine is based on correcting the flow of chi through the meridians. This is often referred to as yin and yang—the ultimate goal of Chinese medicine.
Numerous studies have documented the positive effects acupuncture can have on many illnesses. Some studies suggest that acupuncture invokes an analgesic effect by somehow altering the body’s own pain-relieving opiate system. Another theory suggests that acupuncture may also activate the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, resulting in a broad spectrum of systemic effects, including changes in the secretion of neurotransmitters, neuropheremones and changes in the blood flow.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the adjunct to other medical treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders.
The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:
What Can You Expect From Treatment
Typically, Dr. Scaringe will begin by taking your complete health history. He will then conduct a comprehensive intake and exam, which will consist of asking numerous questions about your primary complaint as well as more general health issues. His physical exam may resemble a conventional exam, but it will also include more detailed examination and electro meridian imaging. When Dr. Scaringe has arrived at a working diagnosis, he will insert thin, sterile needles into points on the surface of your skin. The needles will be left in anywhere from a few seconds to up to 40 minutes.
When the needles are inserted you may feel a small pinch or nothing at all. Some people feel a sensation of numbness, tingling, aching, warmth or heaviness during treatment. You should relax and remain still during the treatment. Dr. Scaringe may manually stimulate the needles or use electrical stimulation. After the acupuncture treatment, nutritional supplements may be recommended.
How Many Treatments will I Need?
The number of treatments needed differs from patient to patient. Most health problems take more than one treatment to resolve. Many problems may require ten or more treatments before significant benefits accrue. Along the way, though, you should see an overall improvement in your health while your main complaint improves as well.
Are there any Side Effects?
Usually there are no side effects to acupuncture. As energy is redirected in the body, healing begins to take place. Occasionally your original symptoms may worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination pattern, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. Most patients feel a sense of deep relaxation while being energized at the same time.
Is Treatment Painful?
One would assume that inserting a needle into the skin would be painful since most can relate to being stuck with a pin or having a hypodermic injection. However, four acupuncture needles can easily fit within the hollow tube of a hypodermic needle. Because of the extreme slenderness of the needles, patients can expect the sensations to be less than a mosquito bite. A phenomenon referred to as “tehci” occurs when energy is contacted. This sensation is felt as a mild to moderate heaviness or tingling.
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