Does it hurt?
In Chinese, acupuncture is bu tong, painless. However, if the correct stimulus of the needle has been obtained, the patient should feel some cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected energy pathway or meridian. In English, these sensations may be categorized by some people as types of pain, which they are not in Chinese. In any case, if there is any discomfort, it is usually mild.
Are the needles clean?
Most acupuncturists in America today use pre-sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles thus absolutely assuring that there is no transmission of infection from patient to patient due to contaminated needles.
The National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists does include a Clean Needle Test as part of every national board exam for acupuncturists in America.
How deep do the needles go?
That depends upon the nature of the problem, the underlying anatomy of the points selected, the patient’s size, age, and constitution, and upon the acupuncturist’s style or school. In general, needles are inserted from 1/4 to 1″ in depth in areas of the body that are thick (buttocks).
How many treatments will I need?
That depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of each individual’s symptoms or condition. Generally from five to fifteen treatments are adequate for the majority of chronic ailments. Many acute conditions may only require a single treatment and some degenerative conditions may require scores of treatments. However, the patient has the right to expect that their major complaint will be addressed and treated in a direct and timely manner.
Do acupuncturists only insert needles?
No. As an integral part of what in English is called acupuncture, most practitioners are also trained to use a number of adjunctive therapies. These typically include moxibustion, which is the burning of the herb Artemisia vulgaris sinesis (mugwort) over the affected area to warm it, cupping, electronic stimulation, magnetotherapy, and various types of massage, such as acupressure, Shiatsu, Jin Shin Jyutsu, and/or Tuina Chinese remedial massage.
How does acupuncture work?
That’s a big question. Traditionally, acupuncture is based on the ancient Chinese theory of the flow of Qi (energy) and Xue (blood) through specific and superficial channels which cover the body under the skin (meridians), similar to but not identical to parts of the nervous and blood circulatory systems of western medicine.
According to this theory, acupuncture regulates this flow of Qi, shunting it to those areas where is it Deficient and draining it from areas where it is in Excess. Thus acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body.
In Chinese there is a famous saying, “There is no pain if there is free flow; if there is pain, there is no free flow.” Essentially acupuncture promotes the free and balanced flow of Qi and Blood.
Are there different styles of acupuncture?
Yes, there are. Acupuncture originated in China but has spread to Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Europe, the British Isles, and America. In different countries, different styles have developed based on differing opinions regarding theory and technique. Patients should ask potential practitioners about their particular style and orientation and should ascertain if that style is appropriate for the treatment of their individual ailment.
What criteria should one use in choosing an acupuncturist?
Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated healthcare profession in more than half the states in the Union.
In those states where acupuncture is licensed, patients should first of all ensure themselves that the potential practitioner is licensed. In those states which do not currently require licensing, patients should seek practitioners who are nationally board certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists (NCCOA). Acupuncturist having passed this certification exam usually have Dipl. AC. (NCCA) after their names.
In addition, patients should inquire about where the practitioner was trained, how long the training was, how long he or she has been in practice, and what experience the practitioner has had in treating the patient’s specific condition. And, in addition to checking a practitioner’s professional credentials, the best assurance of quality and effectiveness is word of mouth from satisfied patients.
Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture treatment?
Yes, the following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment.
Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the possibility of bacterial infection.
In order to prevent loss, do not wear jewelry.
Wear loose clothing. Women should not wear one-piece dresses.
Avoid wearing tight stockings.
Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full, emotionally upset, or shortly after sex.
Is there anything I need to do while receiving acupuncture?
Yes, again. There’s no need to be frightened.
RELAX.
Relaxation is something that cannot be overemphasized.
If you experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness of breath, or faintness during treatment this is known as needle shock. Immediately inform your practitioner and they will withdraw the needles.
Needle shock is primarily due to anxiety in first-time patients. It rarely happens if you are lying down while being treated. Feel free to let your practitioner know of any pain or burning sensations experienced during acupuncture or moxibustion. If you find acupuncture or electro-acupuncture unbearable at any point during treatment, be sure to speak up so that the proper adjustments can be made. Do not change your position or move suddenly.
What can I expect after treatment?
You may experience an immediate total or partial relief of your pain or other symptoms. This relief may last or some of the pain may return. In a few cases, the pain may seem even worse. This is called the rebound effect. By the next day, the pain can be expected to gradually improve. Often the most dramatic results are experienced in the first treatment. However, you should see further incremental improvement after each subsequent treatment. In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief only to experience the pain diminish over the next couple of days.