Acupuncture
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is a 3,000-year-old healing technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine.Acupuncture improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sites–commonly referred to as acupuncture points, or acupoints. The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe, and the body, in terms of two opposing forces: yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy. Energy, called “qi” (pronounced “chee”) flows along specific pathways, called meridians, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced.
However, if the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture therapy may release blocked qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine system, immune system, and cardiovascular system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture may help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, and sense of well-being.
What to expect
To determine the type of acupuncture treatment that will help you the most, your practitioner may ask you about your symptoms, behaviors and lifestyle. She may also closely examine:
- The parts of your body that are painful
- The shape, coating and color of your tongue
- The color of your face
- The strength, rhythm and quality of the pulse in your wrist
- Possible perform some additional physical examinations depending on your individual needs.
Using these unique assessment tools, the acupuncturist will be able to recommend a proper treatment plan to address your particular condition.
Acupuncture points are situated in all areas of the body. Sometimes the appropriate points are far removed from the area of your 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. You lie on a padded table for the treatment, which involves:
- Needle insertion. Acupuncture needles are inserted to various depths at strategic points on your body. The needles are very thin, so insertion usually causes little discomfort. People often don’t 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. Your practitioner may gently move or twirl the needles after placement.
- Needle removal. In most cases, the needles remain in place for 10 to 20 minutes while you lie still and relax. There is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed.
- The needles will stay in place for between 5 and 30 minutes.
Each acupuncture needle produces a tiny injury at the insertion site, and although it’s slight enough to cause little to no discomfort, it’s enough of a signal to let the body know it needs to respond. This response involves stimulation of the immune system, promoting circulation to the area, wound healing, and pain modulation.
How many treatments will I need? The frequency and number of treatments differ from person to person. Some people experience dramatic relief in the first treatment. For complex or long-standing chronic conditions, one to two treatments per week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, usually eight to ten visits in total. An individualized treatment plan that includes the expected number of treatments will be discussed during your initial visit.
Risks
All therapies have risks as well as benefits.As with any complementary therapy, it is advisable to use it alongside conventional treatments in cases of chronic or severe illness.The risks of acupuncture are low. Common side effects include soreness and 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. Not everyone is a good candidate for acupuncture. You may be at risk of complications if you:
- Have a bleeding disorder. Your chances of bleeding or bruising from the needles increase if you have a bleeding disorder or if you’re taking blood thinners.
- Have a pacemaker. Acupuncture that involves applying mild electrical pulses to the needles can interfere with a pacemaker’s operation.
- Are pregnant. Some types of acupuncture are thought to stimulate labor, which could result in a premature delivery.
Benefits
Acupuncture can be beneficial in that:
- Performed correctly, it is safe.
- There are very few side effects.
- It may be effectively combined with other treatments.
- It may control some types of pain.
- It may help patients for whom pain medications are not suitable.
How much does acupuncture cost?
Acupuncture Fee Schedule:
| Number of Treatments | Price | Price/Treatment |
| Initial consultation treatment | $85 | $85 |
| Subsequent treatments | $65 | $65 |
| 4 treatment package | $240 | $60 |
| 8 treatment package | $440 | $55 |
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