Acupuncture FAQ
- What is acupuncture?
- How does acupuncture work
- What should I do while receiving acupuncture?
- How many treatments will I need?
- Is acupuncture treatment painful?
- Are there standards for acupuncture needles?
- Any Side effects associated with acupuncture?
- Is Acupuncture used on Children?
- Who Shouldn’t Use Acupuncture
- Acupressure vs. Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient natural therapeutic method involving the insertion of thin and disposable needles into certain acupoints in the human body. It has been used to prevent and treat diseases for thousands of years in China. It does not produce any side effects or allergic reactions. Acupuncture treatment possesses the benefits of effectiveness, economy, safety and simplicity. Recently it has been greatly popularized and is becoming an increasingly important component of world medicine.
How does acupuncture work?
In recent years a lot at research work on the mechanisms of acupuncture treatment have been conducted. The results showed that acupuncture can improve blood circulation through strengthening the contractility of myocardium, regulating the supply and demand of myocardial oxygen, and improving hemodynamics.
Also, it can regulate the metabolism level of certain neurotransmitters, enzymes, hormones and other biochemical materials. According to the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture improves the flow of Qi (energy) and Xue (blood) through distinct meridians or pathways that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels do.
Acupuncture allows Qi and Xue to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from where it is in excess. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body. These actions of acupuncture are the basis of preventing and treating diseases.
What should I do while receiving acupuncture?
Relax. There is no need to be frightened. Ask your practitioner any questions you have along the way so that you can get the most benefit possible from the treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
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 five to fifteen treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.
Is acupuncture treatment painful?
No. The acupuncture needles are extremely fine and in the hands of an experienced acupuncturist, the patient might not feel the insertion of the needle, or only a slight pricking sensation will be felt.
But in the process of acupuncture, the arrival of Qi must be achieved (needle reaction).
The arrival of Qi refers to soreness, numbness, heaviness, and electric sensation around the acupoint or their transmission upward and downward along the meridians after the needle is inserted to a certain depth.
Quick arrival of Qi suggests good effects; slow arrival of Qi shows retarded effects in treatment. The function of acupuncture is to regulate the balance of meridian Qi. Therefore, the arrival of Qi is especially important in acupuncture treatment.
Are there standards for acupuncture needles?
After reviewing the existing body of knowledge, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed acupuncture needles from the category of “experimental medical devices.” The FDA now regulates acupuncture needles, just as it does other devices such as surgical scalpels and hypodermic syringes, under good manufacturing practices and single-use standards of sterility.
Any Side effects associated with acupuncture?
No. The only side effect and injury reported has been from a bacterial infection locally at the point of the needle insertion in the skin. Only disposable needles are used in the ChiroMax Wellness Centers. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting any communicable disease by a contaminated needle. Dr. Ameri is an experienced acupuncturist with a high level of technique. Acupuncture treatment is an extremely safe therapeutic procedure.
Is Acupuncture used on Children?
Acupuncture is generally considered to be safe for children, as long as you are using a licensed practitioner who follows recommended standards of practice. It is primarily used to control pain or nausea and vomiting after surgery or cancer drug treatment. Scientific evidence does not support the use of acupuncture to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Who Shouldn’t Use Acupuncture
People with bleeding disorders or who take blood thinners may have increased risk of bleeding. Electrical stimulation of the needles can cause problems for people with pacemakers or other electrical devices. Pregnant women should talk with their health care provider before having acupuncture. It’s important not to skip conventional medical care or rely on acupuncture alone to treat diseases or severe pain.
Acupressure vs. Acupuncture
If you are afraid of needles, you may be able to get much of the same effect from acupressure. Acupressure involves pressing or massaging the acupuncture points to stimulate the energy pathways. Scientific comparisons of acupressure and acupuncture are limited, but acupressure has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and lessening labor pain.
If you think you can benefit from acupuncture and are interested in your first treatment please call us at:
(713) 691-8355 (I-45 Location) or
(713) 222-6374 (I-10 Location)
to schedule an appointment. At ChiroMax Wellness Centers we are dedicated to getting you out of pain and back to feeling good again. Most forms of insurance accepted.