What conditions can be treated with acupuncture?
The World Health Organization(WHO) recognizes acupuncture and Chinese Medicine's effectiveness in treating 43 common disorders, including gastrointestinal disorders, gynecological problems( irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation, premenstrual syndrome, menopause syndrome.), Urogenital disorder( stress incontinence, sexual dysfunction.), respiratory disorders, disorders of muscles, joints and nervous system, such as arthritis, migraine headaches, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness and low back, neck and shoulder pain; circulatory disorders, emotional and psychological disorders( depression and anxiety), addictions and supportive therapy for other chronic and painful debilitating disorders.
When should you choose acupuncture treatment?
It is better to start acupuncture treatment as early as possible after the onset of diseases on other condition, because the earlier this is done, generally the recovery is better. For most of the conditions the combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbs will have even better results.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, we use sterile, nontoxic, disposable needles only. The 1997 NIH Consensus Conference concludes: "One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for some conditions."
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than a hair. The insertion is not like receiving an ordinary injection. In some cases, you will not even know the needles are in place. In others, there may be some heaviness, warmth, tingling or radiation along the meridian. Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing and may fall asleep during treatment.
What is a treatment like?
Extremely fine, hair-thin, flexible needles are placed at specific points on the energetic pathways leading to the organs, muscles and nerves of the body. When the needles are inserted you may experience a sensation of tingling or warmth. Some people feel no sensation at all. People are surprised to find that treatments are actually quite relaxing.
A treatment usually takes one hour. Acupuncture is scheduled as often as three times a week or as little as twice a month. As symptoms improve, fewer visits are required. You should discuss your treatment program with your acupuncturist as each individual case is unique.
How long do the benefits of acupuncture last?
This rests largely with you. Follow-up treatments should not be necessary if you are living sensibly, with moderation in diet and lifestyle habits, and are able to avoid undue stress. However, if you return to the same condition that caused the original trouble, more treatments may be necessary. We encourage clients to continue treatments intermittently to enhance preventive benefits even though the symptoms have disappeared.
Does acupuncture give immediate results or does it take a series of visits to get results?
That depends upon the duration, severity and nature of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series of 10 to 12 treatment may be necessary to require many treatments over time.