针刺 ZHEN CI - ACUPUNCTURE

OVERVIEW 

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles as the width of a hair strand through the skin at specific points on the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of healthcare; and acupuncture as a key component, is used to treat all kinds of conditions, from pain to overall wellness, stress management, infertility, cancer support, stroke recovery, aging, longevity, coughs, viral and parasitic conditions, low back pain, sciatica, sports injuries, and a whole host of other ailments.

Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of Qi through pathways called meridians or channels in the body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, the obstructed Qi will be released, and Yin & Yang balance restored. In Western physiology this would be homeostasis.

Reason to Use Acupuncture
It is an effective therapeutic system of healthcare.  Acupuncture is used to relieve discomfort associated with a variety of diseases and conditions including, but not limited to:

Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting

Dental pain

Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines

Labor pain

Low back pain

Neck pain

Osteoarthritis

Menstrual cramps

Respiratory disorders, such as allergic rhinitis

And much more

Risks
The risks of acupuncture are low if you have a competent, certified acupuncture practitioner using sterile needles. Common side effects may include light soreness, minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted. Single-use, disposable needles are now the practice standard, so the risk of infection is minimal to none. Nevertheless, not everyone is a good candidate for acupuncture. For instance:

If the patient is on blood thinners or if there is a bleeding disorder there may be a heightened risk of bruising from the needles.

If the patient has a pacemaker, they must notify the acupuncturist so that mild electrical pulses to the needles are not used, for it could interfere with the operation of the pacemaker.

If the patient is pregnant she must notify the acupuncturist so that certain acupuncture points are avoided.

How you Prepare
While no special preparation is required before an acupuncture treatment, for males or females it is a good idea to wear lose fitting clothing, and to bring along with you a pair of shorts to wear for the treatment.

Choosing a Practitioner
If considering acupuncture, take the same steps you would take to choose a doctor.

Ask people you trust for recommendations.

Check the practitioner’s training and credentials. Most states require that acupuncturists pass an exam conducted by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

Ask what is involved in the treatment, and if the prices are not published on their websites, how much it will cost.

If you are relying on insurance coverage, ask if they accept insurance. If they do not, ask if they have a payment plan for direct payment.

Find out with your insurance company whether they cover the treatment, how much of it they cover, and if you may submit the invoice to them for direct payment to you.

Tell your primary care physician you are considering acupuncture. They may be able to give you some pointers about acupuncture or recommend an acupuncture practitioner.

What to Expect
Each acupuncturist has a unique style. To determine the type of acupuncture treatment that will help you the most, the practitioner may ask about your symptoms, behaviors, and lifestyle, and some personal questions. They may also closely examine:

The part of your body that has the discomfort

The shape, coating, and color of your tongue

The color and appearance of your face

The strength, rhythm, and quality of the pulse on your wrist

This initial evaluation and treatment may take up to 1.5 to 2 hours. Subsequent appointments usually take between 30 and 45 minutes, or in special circumstances up to an hour. A common treatment plan for a single complaint would typically involve one to three treatments a week. The number of treatments will depend on the condition being treated and its severity. In general, it is common to receive seven to ten treatments.

During the Procedure
Acupuncture points are situated in all areas of the body. Sometimes the appropriate points are far removed from the area of the pain. Your acupuncture practitioner will tell you the general site of the planned treatment and whether you need to remove any clothing. A gown, towel or sheet will be provided as needed. You would lie on a padded table for the treatment, which involves:

Needle Insertion
Acupuncture needles are inserted to various depths at strategic points on the body. The needles are very thin, so insertion usually causes little discomfort. People often do not feel them inserted at all. Between five and 20 needles are used in a typical treatment. You may feel a mild aching sensation when a needle reaches the correct depth.

Needle Manipulation
The acupuncturist may move or twirl the needles after placement or apply heat or mild electrical pulses to the needles.

Needle Removal
In most cases, the needles remain in place for 15 to 20 minutes while you lie still and relax. There is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed.

After the Procedure
Some people feel relaxed and others feel energized after an acupuncture treatment. But not everyone responds to acupuncture. If your symptoms do not begin to improve within a few weeks, acupuncture may not be right for you.

 

FUNDAMENTALS OF ACUPUNCTURE

HOW DOES IT WORK

TYPES OF ACUPUNCTURE

TREATMENT METHODS

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-Above Article Written by Dr. Osorio, Gloria DAOM, L.Ac. 2015.