Frequently Asked Questions
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the most widely used therapies in the world. It's a powerful tool to promote health and generate more self-awareness. It's a safe and effective treatment for many illnesses. In Chinese medicine, health is seen as having the right balance of life force called Qi. Ideally, Qi flows smoothly and evenly throughout the body nourishing each cell, organ and tissue. When Qi becomes stuck or depleted, pain and illness can result. Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into key points on the body along our energy pathways to move, restore, nourish and balance Qi. Acupuncture produces measurable shifts in the endocrine, immune, nervous, and circulatory systems. Acupuncture addresses chronic or acute health concerns and is excellent preventative care. Treatment may consist of a combination of Tui na, Cupping, and Moxabustion.
TUI NA: A style of massage designed to improve the circulation of qi and blood through the meridian system. It helps to relax stiff muscles, relieve pain and speed healing.
CUPPING: A partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin by means of suction. This draws up the underlying tissues, bringing new blood to the surface, thus localized healing can take place. Cupping has been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, help activate and clear veins, arteries, capillaries, and the skin.
MOXIBUSTION: Involves burning an herb called mugwort at acupuncture points, or along meridians. Thus, warming the body to relieve pain, stimulate blood circulation, and relax muscles.
Is Acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture, when administered by a Registered Acupuncturist, is a safe way to treat many ailments and diseases. In contrast to many drugs, Acupuncture is non-toxic and has little of no adverse reactions. One time use, pre-sterilized disposable needles are used, and are discarded promptly after treatments.
Is Acupuncture Painful?
Acupuncture needles are hair thin, and when inserted, patients feel little or no pain.
It is, however, not unusual to feel a dull ache, warm, or tingling sensation after insertion of
the needle. Many patients experience a pleasant state of relaxation and serenity.
How many treatments will I need?
Each person is unique with an "individualized treatment plan." No
two conditions or people respond exactly the same. The amount of each
treatment depends on the severity, and the patients' physical state at
the time of treatment. If you have a chronic ailment that has lasted
years, treatment generally is once or twice a week for a few months.
The goal is to lessen the frequency of treatments until you only need
to come as needed. After the first few treatments we will be able to
evaluate how your body responds to acupuncture. It is vital to complete
the course of a treatment to receive the full benefits of Acupuncture.
Does my insurance plan cover treatments?
If you have extended medical coverage, there is a dollar amount or a number of
treatments that are fully or partially covered. It is up to you to
contact your personal extended medical plan to find more about this
information. For individuals with premium assistance MSP, a $23 portion of the treatment is covered, up to 10 treatments per year.
How might the effects of acupuncture be explained from a western medical perspective?
Western medicine recognizes the positive effects of acupuncture but uses a different biomedical
terminology to describe how it works. Numerous scientific studies and controlled clinical trails have been, and continue to be done on
acupuncture, with each one adding more information about this safe and effective treatment method.
The subtle vascular, hormonal, and neurological changes that happen in the body during an acupuncture
treatment can now be measured and many of these effects can be explained from a western medical
perspective as well. It is well known that acupuncture:
- Stimulates endorphin release
- Increases blood circulation
- Regulates reproductive hormones
- Alters pain receptor-pathways
- Reduces inflammatory responses
