Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese system of health care. It aims to
prevent and cure specific diseases and conditions by sticking very fine,
solid needles into points of the body.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture stimulates the body’s ability to resist or overcome
illnesses and conditions by correcting imbalances. Acupuncture also
prompts the body to produce chemicals that decrease or eliminate painful
sensations.
There are hundreds of acupuncture points (called acu-points) along
the body’s 14 major meridians, or energy-carrying channels. Sixteenth
century Chinese doctors used the term “Qi” (pronounced “chee”) to
describe the energy that circulates through meridians. The belief is
that illness is caused by a disruption of Qi, which leads to an
imbalance of energy. Acupuncture can correct this energy disruption.
There are many theories as to how acupuncture actually works. When
acupuncture points are stimulated, it causes a dull ache or other
sensations in the muscle. One theory holds that the stimulated muscle
and sensory neurons send a message to the central nervous system (the
brain and spinal cord), causing the release of endorphins (naturally
produced pain killers) and other neurotransmitters (body chemicals that
modify nerve impulses), which help block the message of pain from being
delivered to the brain and have other regulatory effects as well.
Other experts believe that acupuncture works by transmitting signals
via the fascia. Fascia is like a thin sheath that surrounds all of the
body’s muscles. Some acupuncturists consider the meridians to represent
myofascial chains – which helps explain why stimulating an acupuncture
point in the lower leg can affect the back or other areas.
Interestingly, research shows that acupuncture points have a lower
electrical resistivity than surrounding areas. In a practical sense, the
meridian system provides a navigable energetic map of the body for
acupuncturists to locate and treat many conditions.
What happens during acupuncture treatment?
After your condition is discussed, the acupuncturist will examine you
for reactive areas to determine which points to use. Acupuncture
needles are sterile, pre-packaged, disposable, and hair-thin. The
needles are placed at various depths, ranging from a fraction of an inch
to two inches. Wear loose fitting clothing (gowns are provided), as you
will have to partially disrobe in order to receive acupuncture.
Exercise good hygiene but don’t come heavily perfumed as many patients
have chemical sensitivities. After the needles are inserted and
stimulated, they stay in place from a few minutes up to 20 minutes.
In a treatment series, the acupuncturist will use different
combinations of points and different needling techniques. These
combinations help stimulate new sources of healing as the patient’s
response to treatment is observed.
Conditions treated with acupuncture?
Although acupuncture is not a “cure-all” treatment, it is very
effective in treating several diseases and conditions. Acupuncture is
most effective at treating chronic pain, such as headaches, menstrual
cramps and low back, neck or muscle pain. It can also be used to treat
osteoarthritis, facial pain, spastic colon, and repetitive strain
conditions. Acupuncture also can improve the functioning of the immune
system (the body’s defense system against diseases).
For certain conditions, such as cancer, acupuncture should be performed in combination with other treatments.
How acupuncture feels?
You may feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted, but it is
much less than the prick you feel during an injection, since the needles
are much thinner.
You may feel a heaviness, numbness, tingling or mild soreness after
the needles have been inserted. A feeling of deep heaviness or numbness,
called “Deqi” (pronounced duh chee) means the treatment is working. The
patient tells the acupuncturist “yes” when he or she feels this.
Is it safe?
Yes. When acupuncture is performed with disposable needles under
clean, sterile conditions, it is highly unusual to have any
complications.
One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse
effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or accepted
medical procedures used for the same conditions.
Types of acupuncture
There are many different styles of acupuncture. Practitioners of
Acupuncture Physical Medicine (APM) palpate the body (examine the body
by touch) to locate reactive areas and myofascial (muscular)
constrictions. Points are selected and stimulated to relieve symptomatic
areas based on the relationships of meridian acupuncture theory.
Practitioners trained in APM also locate and deactivate “trigger points”
using an advanced needling technique. Triggers points are extremely
common in pain conditions and cause referred pain and other symptoms of
dysfunction in nearly everyone’s life at one time or another.
What should I do after a treatment?
It is best to bring someone with you on your first acupuncture
treatment so that you will have transportation home. This is because
acupuncture has a very calming effect. You may feel overly relaxed after
the treatment and shouldn’t drive. No matter how good you feel after
the treatment, it is important not to overextend yourself. You should
take it easy for a few days after the treatment. In addition, it is
important to continue taking your prescribed medications.
How often should I be treated with acupuncture?
The number of treatments required depends on each person’s condition
and response to acupuncture. One acupuncture session does not usually
result in relief of pain. One or two sessions a week for five to six
weeks is the normal course of treatment. Your physician will discuss
with you how many treatments you should have and how often you should
have them.
What are some guidelines to follow if I decide to try acupuncture?
Don’t rely on acupuncture for treatment of chronic or serious illness
unless you see a physician first. Acupuncture may not be the only way
to improve your condition. Your health care provider may recommend
acupuncture treatment along with other treatment methods such as
physical therapy or medication.
In addition, try acupuncture for at least 5 or 10 treatments before giving up.
Does the medical field approve of acupuncture?
Yes. There are more than 16,000 licensed acupuncturists in the United
States and 3,000 physicians who perform acupuncture as part of their
medical practice. The World Health Organization currently recognizes
more than 40 medical problems -- including pain, gastrointestinal,
gynecological, and respiratory conditions as well as sports injuries --
can be helped by acupuncture treatment. Lastly, in 1996, the U.S. Food
and Drug administration (FDA) reclassified acupuncture needles,
regulating them as it does other medical devices. Acupuncture needles
most now be manufactured according to single-use standards of sterility
and are intended for general use by qualified practitioners.
My insurance policy and acupuncture treatment
Some insurance companies will pay for acupuncture treatment. Because
each insurance provider has different restrictions, it is best to
consult with your provider to determine if your treatment will be
covered.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
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