FAQ on acupuncture

 

What is Acupuncture?

 

Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy.Needles activate the body's Qi and promotes natural healing 

 

What is Qi and How Does It Travel?

 

At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi (prounounced "chee") or Life Energy, flows throughout the body. Qi helps to animate the body and protect it from illness, pain and disease. A person's health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of their Qi.  Qi circulates through specific pathways called meridians.  When Qi flows freely throughout the body, one enjoys good physical, mental and emotional well-being. An obstruction of Qi anywhere in the body  can hinder the distribution of the nourishment that the body requires to function normally.

 

What Can Effect Qi?  

 

  Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, diet, accident or excessive activity can lead to an imbalance of Qi.   When the disruption to Qi is prolonged or excessive, then  pain or disease can set in.

 

What Will My Acupuncturist Do?

 

During the initial exam a full health history will be taken. Your acupuncturist also may check your pulses and your tongue and may conduct a physical exam.  This information is then organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked or imbalanced.  

 

Why Do They Check My Pulses?

 

There are 6 pulse positions on each wrist that your acupuncturist will palpate.  Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ.  Your acupuncturist will be looking for 27 individual qualities that reflect overall health.  If  there are any problems, they may appear in the pulse.                                          .

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                 

 

 

                                                                                taking a pulse

 

 

Why Do They Check My Tongue?

 

The tongue is a map of the body.  It reflects the general health of the organs and meridians. Your acupuncturist will look at the colour, shape, cracks and coating on your tongue.

 

 

      

                                                                                                 

 

 

 

 

                                                                     

                                                              different areas of the tongue

 

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

 

The number of treatments will vary from person to person.   Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of at least 6 treatments to see significant changes which depends on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. 

 

What Can I Expect During Treatment?

 

When the acupuncture needle has been inserted, you may experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling or dull ache.  Sometimes people experience a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needle. This is called "getting dequi". 

 

Do the Needles Hurt?

 

The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies. Some people feel a little pain as the needles are inserted, but others may feel no pain at all.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                               acupuncture needles

 

 

How Deep Do They Go?

 

The depth of the insertion varies. For example, your acupuncturist will use a needling technique that is different in fleshier areas, such as your buttocks. Typically, needles are inserted at depths ranging from 1/2" to 1 1/2".

 

How Safe is Acupuncture?

 

Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects except feelings of relaxation and wellbeing.  There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.