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ACUPUNCTURE: WHAT IS
IT?
Acupuncture is a method
of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve
functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or
electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE
WORK?
 The
classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular
patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels,
called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and
nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers
is like a dam that backs up in others.
The meridians can be
influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles
unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow
through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's
internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and
energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through
the meridians.
The modern scientific
explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous
system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These
chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger
the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own
internal regulating system.
The improved energy and
biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulation of the
body's natural healing abilities, and in promotion of physical and emotional
well-being.
WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF
MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE?
Medical acupuncture is a
system which can influence three areas of health care:
-
promotion of health and well-being,
-
prevention of illness,
-
treatment of various medical conditions.
While acupuncture is
often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained
practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective
as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other medial
treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders. The World Health
Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a
wide range of medical problems, including:
-
Digestive disorders:
gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea.
-
Respiratory disorders:
sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections.
-
Neurological and muscular disorders:
headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis
elbow, various forms of tendonitis, low back pain, sciatica,
osteoarthritis.
-
Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.
Acupuncture is
particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension
and stress and emotional conditions.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE
EFFECTS TO THE TREATMENT?
Usually not. As energy is
redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and
healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for
a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination
patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause
concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to
work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a
sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately
following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require
anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.
WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES
LIKE? DO THEY HURT?
People experience
acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as
the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in
place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid
and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with
cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is
not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and
skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.
Because your doctor
uses disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from
the treatments.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE
REALLY WORK?
Yes. In the past 2,000
years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with
all other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture is practiced widely
throughout Asia and Europe. It is now being used more and more in America by
patients and physicians. Acupuncture treatments can be given concurrently
with other techniques, such as conventional Western medicine,
osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic
prescriptions. It is important that your physician and acupuncturist know
everything that you are doing, so they can help you get the most
benefit from all your treatments.
DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE
IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK?
No. Acupuncture is used
successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients
do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A
positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment
received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture
or any other treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really
believe in this") will not block the treatment results.
BEFORE AND AFTER THE
TREATMENT
To enhance the value of a
treatment, the following guidelines are important:
-
Do
not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your
treatment.
-
Do
not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic
beverages for 6 hours before or after the treatment.
-
Plan
your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at
least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially
important for the first few visits.
-
Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular
doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior
to treatment will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of
acupuncture treatments.
-
Remember to keep good mental or written notes of your response to
the treatment. This is important information for your doctor to have so that the
follow-up treatments can be designed to best treat your problem.
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AFFILIATED NEUROLOGY CENTER