New To Acupuncture? FAQ About Acupuncture.
An Introduction
By Kari Pettersen
Acupuncture originated in China over 5000 years ago as a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The traditional Chinese believe that Qi (the energy of life) flows along meridians in our bodies, just as blood flows along blood vessels. In turn, these meridians or pathways are linked to specific internal organs and organ systems. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the uninterrupted, balanced flow of this energy keeps us alive and healthy. Similarly, if this life energy is impeded in any part of the body, disease results. Acupuncture seems mysterious with all this talk about Qi, energy and weird diagnosis like Liver Qi Stagnation but that is only because it was an ancient language. Modern medicine is starting to see how acupuncture works in the body with studies and they are starting to pay attention to the results.
Modern day acupuncture consists of stimulation of the peripheral nervous system with acupuncture needles for the therapeutic purpose of treating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of very fine needles through the skin and tissues at varying depths on specific points on the body. The insertion of needles stimulates the body to produce endorphins, natural pain relieving chemicals in the body; there is no injection of any substance into the body. What I love most about acupuncture is it is your body healing itself.
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about acupuncture and how to prepare for your treatments.
What to do before an acupuncture treatment?
Have a light meal; if this is not possible, drink some juice.
Do not consume alcohol for 4 hours prior to the treatment.
If possible, do not take any pain killers or tranquilizers for 4 hours prior to the treatment.
Do take your usual medication.
What to do after an acupuncture treatment?
Avoid strenuous activity after treatment, even if you are now pain-free.
Rest for a few hours when you go home.
Delay taking any pain killers or tranquilizers for 1 hour after treatment.
Be aware that occasionally, the symptoms may become worse before there is relief.
How big are the needles and how deep are they inserted?
The stainless steel needles, normally about as thin as a human hair, are pre-sterilized and disposable. Unlike the hollow needles used for giving injections, acupuncture needles are solid. Acupuncturists that are registered with the CAAA have to pass an exam including point location and safe needling to practice in Alberta. Insertion can be from a depth of anywhere from a quarter of an inch to 3 inches, depending on the amount of subcutaneous fat that the needles need to penetrate.
Will it hurt me?
Acupuncture should be painless, although some people experience a slight sharp sensation depending on how sensitive they are and where the needles are inserted. Once the needle is in place, it’s normal to initially feel a tingling sensation, numbness, mild pressure or warmth. As your acupuncturist, I will monitor you throughout the treatment and make adjustments if necessary to minimize any discomfort.
What exactly should I expect to happen during an acupuncture session?
The first treatment starts with a consult where we look at everything that makes up you as an individual. This can be followed by a orthopaedic or tongue and pulse assessment. These observations provide an indication of what’s going on in your body. After making a diagnosis, acupuncture points are place in specific areas applicable to your condition. You’ll be allowed to rest with the needles in place, typically for up to 40 minutes.
How can it help me?
Acupuncture is mostly known in the West as a pain relief technique, but is also proven to be useful in numerous other indications. In 1979, the World Health Organization cited 104 conditions that acupuncture can treat — either alone or in conjunction with contemporary conventional medicine. Acupuncture plays a huge role in preventive care, particularly as a form of stress management. The underlying cause of most of the conditions is chronic stress, which affects multiple systems in the body, including the immune and endocrine systems.
How many treatments will it take?
On average it can take 8-10 treatments depending on what you are coming for. Fertility treatments can take 4-6 months. Just as important as the treatment itself; it is equally important that you have clear and concise treatment plan. Amount of treatments and spacing of treatments is crucial to your acupuncture success! Acupuncturist, Katie Altneu, interviewed 200 acupuncturists to find out how many acupuncture treatments on average patients need to get the long last success people want. She found that most disorders need on average 6-8 or 8-10 treatments. Of course, every condition is unique. Generally the rule of thumb is that acute conditions take less treatments than chronic conditions. Thats what I am here for. I am your guide to get you the right amount of treatments to get you where you want to be. I will assess your condition, give you a clear and concise treatment plan and re-evaluate through out the treatment process.
© 2020 To The Point Acupuncture.