What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system of healing that has been in practice for several millennia. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic approach to diagnosis, disease development, and treatment to balance the systems of the body and bring the internal organs into harmony. Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles at strategic points in the body to cause a therapeutic effect. The varying properties of herbal medicine can restore balance and act as powerful as pharmaceutical drugs. Chinese herbs have provided major contributions to modern medicine, as many drugs are derived from plants and natural products.

What can acupuncture treat?

In China, TCM has been the primary healing modality for over 4000 years. In the United States, Chinese Medicine is offered as a complimentary, alternative therapy for managing many conditions, including: acute and chronic pain, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal abnormalities, digestion difficulties, cardiovascular diseases, gynecological wellbeing, conception/gestation/breastfeeding support, mental health concerns, weight loss and weight management, dermatological conditions, cosmetic applications, infectious diseases, arthritis, stress management, sleep disturbances, pediatric care, allergies, complementary oncology care, senility and Alzheimer’s disease, and optimization of energy and vitality.

What can I expect during an acupuncture treatment?

Each session begins with a health and wellness check-in; an opportunity to identify key areas of treatment and expected outcomes. After diagnosis, you are invited to relax in our tranquil treatment room on a heated bed while needles are inserted. The needles stay in place for up to 30-minutes while you rest under warming, infrared lights. After the removal of the needles, you may be offered herbal, nutritional, or lifestyle recommendations based on your unique needs. Other treatments may include cupping, tuina (TCM soft-tissue massage), moxibustion, gua sha, and electrical stimulation, to name a few. Follow-up appointments and treatments courses vary in length.

Is acupuncture safe?

Modern acupuncture needles are made of solid surgical stainless steel and are thin and flexible. Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are finely tapered and are averagely thinner than a human hair. The risk of infection or injury by acupuncture is minimal. Common side effects may include soreness, minor bleeding, or bruising where the needles were placed. Serious side effects from acupuncture are rare.

Is acupuncture right for me?

Traditional Chinese Medicine practices offer effective, non-invasive approaches to long-term health management. Acupuncture and herbal medicines are customized to your unique needs with a holistic, whole-person approach. Acupuncture may be an alternative to modern health care in some cases and a supportive, complimentary aid to Western medicine in others. Pain reduction, disease management, physical wellbeing, increased mobility, increased energy, and internal balance may be perceived after a single acupuncture session.

Does acupuncture hurt?

While you may feel stimulation when a needle is placed, pain is not generally felt while receiving treatment.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture frees the energetic flow in the networks of the body of obstructions, allowing for greater blood flow and functionality of bodily systems. The benefits of acupuncture may be experienced after a single session depending on the severity of your needs. Chronic challenges may require a lengthier treatment protocol, however, you should feel the benefits of your treatment within just a few sessions.

How do I prepare for acupuncture?

Consult your primary care practitioner if you are being treated for serious or life-threatening conditions before incepting Traditional Chinese Medicine. However, there is no special preparation required to begin acupuncture treatment. It is recommended to bring a list of medication or diagnostic findings to your first appointment if you are treating a chronic condition. Your acupuncturist is a trained and licensed medical professional and dedicated to integrative healthcare in support of your unique needs.

Does my insurance pay for acupuncture?

Yes, insurance will cover acupuncture treatment, although coverage varies. However, Advanced Healing Arts is self-pay only clinic, and insurance is not accepted.

References:

Chan, Malcolm W. C., et al. “Safety ofAcupuncture: Overview of Systematic Reviews. Scientific Reports, vol. 7, no. 1, 13 June 2017, www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-03272-0, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-03272-0.

Chon, Tony Y., and Mark C. Lee. “Acupuncture.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings, vol. 88, no. 10, Oct. 2013, pp. 1141–1146, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.06.009.

Natcher, William. NIH Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture. 1997.

Services, Department of Health & Human. “Chinese Herbal Medicine. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/chinese-herbal-medicine#herbs-used-in-chinese-medicine.

Wang, Jigang, et al. “What Has Traditional Chinese Medicine Delivered for Modern Medicine?” Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, vol. 20, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1017/erm.2018.3.