"' Questions\ & Answers
What is Acupuncture?Acupuncture is an effective form of health care thathas evolved into a complete and holistic medicalsystem. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinesemedicine have used this noninvasive medical systemto diagnose and help millions of people get well andstay healthy. An acupuncturist will place fine, sterileneedles at specific acupoints on the body. Thisactivates the body's Qi (pronounced "chee") andpromotes natural healing by enhancing recuperativepower, immunity and physical and emotional health. ltcan also improve overall function and well-being. lt is asafe, painless and effective way to treat a wide varietyof medical problems.
What will my acupuncturist do?During the initial exam a full health history will betaken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms,health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist also may checkyour pulse and tongue and may conduct a physicalexam. This information is then organized to create acomplete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis ofwhere Qi has become blocked or imbalanced. Afterthe interview process, you may receive an acupuncturetreatment. Visits with your acupuncturist may last fromthirty to ninety minutes.
Why do they want to feel my pulse?There are twelve pulse positions on each wristthat your acupuncturist will palpate. Each positioncorresponds to a specific meridian and organ.Your acupuncturist will be looking for twenty-sevenindividual qualities that reflect overall health. lf thereare any problems, they may appear in the pulse.
Why do they want to look at my tongue?The tongue is a map of the body. lt reflects the generalhealth of the organs and meridians. Your acupuncturistwill look at the color, shape, cracks and coating onyour tongue.
How much does it cost?Rates vary and depend upon what procedures areperformed. lt is best to consult with your acupuncturistabout costs.
Acupuncture What is Qi and how does it travel?At the core of this ancient medicine is thephilosophy that Qi, or vital energy, flowsthroughout the body. Qi helps to animate thebody and protect it from illness, pain anddisease. A person's health is influenced bythe quality, quantity and balance of Qi.
Qi circulates through specific pathwayscalled meridians. There are fourteenmain meridian pathways throughout thebody. Each one is connected to specificorgans and glands. Meridian pathways arelike rivers. Where a river flows, it transporlslife-giving water that nourishes the land,plants and people. ln the same way,meridian pathways transport life-givingQi to nourish and energize every cell,organ, gland, tissue and muscle.
ls acupuncture safe for children?Yes. ln some instances children actually respond morequickly than adults. lf your child has an aversion toneedles, your acupuncturist may massage the acupuncturepoints. This is called acupressure or tui na.
How many treatments will I need?Treatment frequency and number of treatments neededdepend on a variety of factors: your constitution, theseverity and duration of the problem and the quality andquantity of your Qi. Some people experience immediaterelief; others may take months or even years to achieveresults. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolvethan acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to seesignificant changes. An acupuncturist may suggest oneor two treatments per week, or monthly visits for healthmaintenance and seasonal "tune ups".
Will my insurance cover acupuncture?lnsurance coverage varies from state to state. Contactyour insurance provider to learn what kind of care iscovered. Here are a few questions to ask:
When Qi flows freely throughout the body, one enjoysgood physical, mental and emotional well-being. Anobstruction of Qi anywhere in the body is like a dam,backing up the flow in one area and restricting it inothers. This blockage can hinder the distribution ofnourishment the body requires to function optimally.
What can affect Qi?Many things influence the quality, quantity andbalance of Qi. Physical and emotional trauma, stress,lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, diet,accidents or excessive activity can lead to a blockageor imbalance of Qi. Normally, when this imbalanceoccurs, the body naturally bounces back, returningto a balanced state of health and well-being. Whenthe disruption to Qi is prolonged or is excessive, or ifthe body iq in a weakened state, then illness, pain ordisease can set in.
Different Treatment Modalities inTraditional Chinese Medicine
Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flowof blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers.It is used for many ailments including sore muscles,tension, neck pain and the common cold. ln thistherapy, your acupuncturist will place small glassor plastic "cups" over specific areas on your body.A vacuum is created under the cup using heat orsuction. They may be moved over an affected areaor left in place. You may leave the office looking asthough a large octopus gave you a big hug. Thereis no need for alarm. The slight redness will quicklydissipate.
Tui Na translates as "push grasp". It is a massagetechnique that moves Qi in various parts of thebody. lt is used to relieve muscle pain, tension andinflammation and to heal injuries.
Gua Sha is another technique used to release muscletension, tightness and constriction. A specializedtool is used to gently scrape or rub the skin over aproblem area. Gua Sha feels a bit like deep massage.This too may leave some slight
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Moxibustion is a treatment thatuses an herb called mugwort. ltmay be burned on the handle ofthe needle, above the skin, on saltor on a slice of ginger. This is usedto "warm" acupuncture pointsor areas in order to quicken thehealing process.
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Will my plan cover acupuncture?
How many visits per calendar year?
Do lneed areferral?
Dolhaveaco-pay?
Do I have a deductible? lf yes, has it been met?
How should I prepare?. Write down and bring any questions you have.
We are here to help you.
. Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easyaccess to acupuncture points.
. Do not eat large meals just before or afteryour visit.
. Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugsor alcohol for up to six hours after the visit.
o Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax,.and be sure to get plenty of rest.
. Between visits, make note of any changes thatmay have occurred, such as the alleviation ofpain, pain moving to other aleas, or changesin the frequency and type of"symptoms.
How safe is acupuncture?Acupuncture is extremely safe. lt is an all-natural,drug-free therapy, yielding no negative side effects,just feelings of relaxation and well-being. There islittle danger of infection from acupuncture needlesbecause they are sterile, used once and thendiscarded.
How are acupuncturists educated?Today, acupuncturists undertake three to four yearsof extensive and comprehensive graduate training atnationally cerlified schools. All acupuncturists mustpass a national exam and meet strict guidelines topractice in every state.
What to ExpectThe needles are approximately the size of a cat'swhisker. The sensation caused by an acupunctureneedle varies. You may experience a vaguenumbness, heaviness, tingling or dull ache where theacupuncture needle has been inserted. Sometimespeople experience a little painas the needles are inserted,or a sensation of energyspreading and moving aroundthe needle. This is calledthe "Qi sensation". All thesereactions are good and a signthat the treatment is working.The depth of insedion variesfrom person to person. Aftertreatment, you may feelenergized or may experiencea deep sense of relaxationand well-being.
Why did myrecommendHerbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care.They are used to strengthen, build and support the bodyor to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever oracute pain. Your practitioner may suggest stading withherbs and then adding acupuncture to your treatmentin the future. This is suggested to build up your internalstrength so you can receive the full benefits acupuncturehas to offer.
What can acupuncture treat?Acupuncture is recognized by leading national andinternational health organizations to be effective in thetreatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Beloware some of the health concerns that acupuncture canhelp with:. Adverse reactions . Hepatitis B virus . premenstrual
to radiotherapy carrier status syndromeand/orchemotherapy ' Herpes zoster ' Prostatitis
. Abdominalpain (in acute . lnduction of labor syndromegaslroenlentls . o Renalcolicor due to o lnsomniagastrointestinal Retention of urine,5Pasm1 ' Knee Pain tiiumJtic
. Allergic rhinitis ' Leukopenia . Rheumatoid(including hay . Low back pain arthritistever)
Male sexual . Schizophrenia' Bell's palsy dysfunction, non- . Sciatica. Cancer pain organlc
. cironic sasrritis o Marposition or ' il:il\jilflr;'. lVorninq sickness
' Naus.ea-and ' spine pain, acute. Diabetes meljitus, vomitingnon-insulin- o Soraindependent ' l\ecK Paln
. S+iff nack. Dysmenorrhoe" ' ObesitY
o Earache ' osteoadhritis ' Stroke
p,:-:- r--!:., ' TMJ dvsfunction. Epistaxis ' raln rn oenilstry
. Facial pain ' Peptic ulcer ' Tennis elbow
. . Tobacco. "^nannfllts OI deOendence' Faclal sPasm atiou,o".. Female infertility . polycystic ovary . Ulceratrve colitis,
o Fibromyalgia and syndromefasciitis o po .. . Whoooing cough
. Headache puitrtop"tut'u" lpertuisisi
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