Treated
Medicine
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ACUPUNCTURE
History
Is acupuncture a fad?
How does acupuncture work?
How do you know which acupuncture points to use?
How many treatments will I need?
Does acupuncture hurt?
What does a typical treatment session entail?
Will my insurance cover acupuncture?
The first revered text in Chinese medicine is the Huang Di Neil Jing (“The Yellow Emperor’s Internal Treatise”).
Huang Di
Huang di lived about 2600 B.C.E. and is said to be the founder of Chinese civilization. He accomplished many things in his life including practicing medicine, establishing bronze money, breeding silkworms, inventing the compass, creating writing and dividing his empire into provinces. His tribe named him Huang Di (Yellow Emperor) because of his affinity with the earth and its resources (the earth’s associated color in Chinese medicine is yellow).
Chinese medicine is one of the most widely used forms of traditional healing modalities used in the world. Acupuncture was introduced to the United States in 1972 when the Nixon administration sent researchers to explore China’s culture. This time-tested therapy has just begun to plant it’s feet in U.S. culture and has been receiving more and more attention as years pass due to its efficacy with many different health issues.
Scientific studies are slowly uncovering the uses of acupuncture. Many studies are being conducted worldwide that are establishing acupuncture efficacy.
A 1997 conference held by the NIH (National Institute of Health) served as the basis for examining scientific data collected thus far involving acupuncture. This forum established a list of conditions that can to be alleviated with acupuncture treatments. Researchers and doctors recognized acupuncture to be effective in treating addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and for nausea associated with pregnancy.
Link to the NIH consensus statement on acupuncture:
http://consensus.nih.gov/1997/1997Acupuncture107html.htm
How does acupuncture work?
In order to understand this we must first understand the basic concept of qi. Qi (chi) is known as the energy that flows in the body, in and out of organs and tissues, and between the body and the external environment. When qi is flowing smoothly we are in a state of health. When qi is out of flux there is illness or pain.
Acupuncture works by regulating qi (chi) along the meridians, energetic pathways that carry qi, and at areas of blockage or shortage of qi.
How do you know which acupuncture points to use?
Differential diagnosis in Chinese medicine:
Examining the pulse and viewing the tongue are part of the main diagnostic procedures used in patient analysis. The assessment serves as the basis for implementing the appropriate acupuncture points, herbs, and other relevant therapeutic procedures.
How many treatments will I need?
The quantity and course of treatments is dependent upon which particular condition it is you are seeking treatment for, the length of time you have had the condition and the severity of the condition. You can expect to have a minimum course of 6-8 weekly treatments during which you are encouraged to be active in asking questions about your progress. So as to create a fluid unfolding of your healing process you are encouraged to abide by any recommended lifestyle changes or implementations.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Some patients feel a slight pinch at the initial insertion of the acupuncture needle. This fades very quickly and gives rise to the unique sensations felt during acupuncture. Some patients are not aware that the needle has been inserted at all. Most patients are able to relax or nap during treatments.
What does a typical treatment session entail?
The first session lasts one and a half to two hours. It begins with an in-depth interview and assessment including the palpation of the radial pulses and viewing of the tongue. Acupuncture is administered after the interview during the first session and may include: heat therapy, tui-na (Chinese massage), and herbal recommendations. Subsequent sessions last one hour and may also include the therapies mentioned above.
Will my insurance cover acupuncture?
Some insurance companies cover acupuncture. You will need to contact your insurance company for this information as plans differ regarding which ailments will be covered. You may also be able to receive coverage when your M.D. provides a prescription for acupuncture treatments.
