Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of hair-fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of one's Qi (pronounced chee) or natural healing energy.
Sometimes, rather than just inserting a needle into an acupoint, your doctor may choose to apply heat to the point, or stimulate it with very low voltage electricity (no more than is generated by a flashlight battery). These techniques are called "Moxibustion" and Electro-Stimulation. They are additional tools that your doctor may use to further stimulate the natural healing powers of your body.
Acupuncture needles used today in the United States are all sterile and generally disposable. In the past, before AIDS was an issue, Acupuncturists used a special machine called an autoclave to treat used needles with heat to sterilize them for additional use. While this technique is still allowed in the State of California (Autoclave usage is state regulated and I'm only familiar with California's regulations) most Licensed acupuncturists chose to use the new disposable type of needles. They come in sterile containers, are used once, and then disposed of. If you desire the use of sterile needles, simply inform your acupuncturist of this choice. In my experience, I have yet to see a single acupuncturist use the old re-usable needles. -AS.
Safety
Acupuncture and herbal treatments are drug-free, you avoid side effects or dependency. However, you should always inform any health practitioner about all pre-existing conditions, the names of all medications you are taking, whether you are, or could be pregnant, and if you have a cardiac pacemaker or cosmetic implants. Your acupuncturist will be able to evaluate your specific situation with this information to insure the best results.
Acupuncture treatment may be used along with other medical care to great advantage. It has been used for pain control after other medical or dental procedures, for improving healing, and to lessen the side-effects of some drugs including chemo-therapy.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people are surprised to learn that acupuncture needles are very thin. From ten to fifteen acupuncture needles can fit into one conventional hypodermic needle. Acupuncturists can attain a high level of skill in gently placing these tiny needles into the skin with a minimum of discomfort.
Can acupuncture be effective when other treatments have failed?
Absolutely! Each system of medicine has its own areas of greatest effectiveness. Acupuncture excels in those areas in which conventional medicine comes up short. Chronic disease, pain control, and stress related disorders are three of acupuncture and Oriental medicine's specialties.
Conditions successfully treated with Oriental Medicine include:
Neurological
*Headache
*Migraines
*Post-operative pain
*Stroke residuals
*Parkinson's disease
*Bladder dysfunction
Musculo-skeletal
*Muscle pain and weakness .
*Sciatica
*Backache or pain
*Muscle cramping
*Arthritis
*Disc problems
Digestive
*Abdominal pain
*Hyperacidity
*Chronic diarrhea
*Indigestion
*Constipation
Eye, Ear, Dental
*Poor vision, central retinitis
*Cataract (without complication)
*Tinnitus, nervous deafness
*Toothache
*Post extraction pain
*Gum problems
Respiratory
*Sinusitis
*Common cold
Tonsillitis
*Bronchitis
*Asthma
Gynecological
Infertility
PMS, cramps
Menopausal symptoms
Emotional
Insomnia
Depression
Anxiety
Nervousness
Neurosis
Other Benefits
Increased vitality and energy
Stress reduction and deep relaxation
Skin rejuvenation, Weight control
Stop smoking, alcohol, or drug addictions.
Enhanced athletic performance
Pain control
Immune system tonification
Regulated blood pressure
* From the list by the
World Health Organization of the United Nations, 1979
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